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Sahara Iron Trail
Travellers resting on top of the iron ore train crossing the Sahara desert in Mauritania

Mauritania · Sahara Desert Tours

Mauritania Tours: Ride the Iron Ore Train Across the Sahara

Sahara Iron Trail designs small-group Mauritania tours from Nouakchott to Atar, the Terjit oasis and the ancient city of Chinguetti — anchored by a night aboard the legendary iron ore train, one of the longest trains on Earth, and the wetlands of the Banc d'Arguin National Park.

Browse Mauritania Tours The Iron Ore Train Guide
Guiding travellers in Mauritania since
2019
Iron ore train crossings by our guides
50+
Mauritanian guides, founder included
5
Guide languages: English, French, Arabic
3

Small groups · Fixed dates

Next Group Departures

All group departures →
New Year 2027 26 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 7 Days: Train, Chinguetti & Coast €1,100 per person 12 places left January 2027 16 Jan – 22 Jan 2027 7 Days: Train, Chinguetti & Coast €1,100 per person 12 places left February 2027 13 Feb – 19 Feb 2027 7 Days: Train, Chinguetti & Coast €1,100 per person 12 places left

Guided in English, French and Arabic. Small group: 1 to 12 travellers

Our Mauritania Tours

Ways to Cross the Sahara

Every Sahara Iron Trail itinerary starts in Nouakchott and runs through Atar. From there, choose the Terjit oasis and the iron ore train, the desert library city of Chinguetti, or extend either route with two days in the Banc d'Arguin National Park.

A traveller looking out of the iron ore train window across the Mauritanian Sahara

The Iron Ore Train

One of the World's Longest Trains, Right Through the Sahara

Mauritania's iron ore train runs roughly 700 kilometers from the mines near Zouérat to the port of Nouadhibou, hauling ore in wagons that can stretch over two kilometers long. Riding it overnight — perched atop the ore or inside a rare passenger car — is the single most talked-about experience on any Mauritania tour, and it's built into every Sahara Iron Trail itinerary that departs from the Terjit oasis.

Read the Iron Ore Train Guide

Where You'll Go

Nouakchott to the Banc d'Arguin

Nouakchott

Mauritania's Atlantic capital and the starting point of every Sahara Iron Trail tour — fishing port, markets and wide desert avenues.

Atar & the Adrar

The historic caravan gateway to Mauritania's desert plateau, and the launch point for the Terjit oasis and Chinguetti.

Terjit Oasis

A canyon of date palms and natural spring pools in the middle of the Sahara — one of Mauritania's most photographed oases.

Chinguetti

A UNESCO-listed caravan city with centuries-old manuscript libraries, half-buried by the dunes of the Sahara.

Nouadhibou

The Atlantic port town where the iron ore train ends its run — and where its famous ship graveyard sits on the coast.

Banc d'Arguin National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage wetland where the Imraguen fish alongside dolphins, and migratory flamingos gather by the thousand.

Also on the route or close by: Choum Ben Amira Eye of the Sahara (Richat Structure) Mauritania Travel Guide
Explore all Mauritania destinations

About Us

Meet the Team

Cheikh started Sahara Iron Trail in 2019. He grew up in the Tagant region of Mauritania and wanted more people to discover Mauritania and its beauty. He guides in English, French and Arabic.

Every tour is guided in English, French or Arabic by our Mauritanian team, and between them our guides have ridden the iron ore train more than 50 times.

About Sahara Iron Trail

  • Cheikh

    Founder

  • Abdelahi

    Guide

  • Dah

    Guide

  • Ely Cheikh

    Guide

Travel Guides

Mauritania Travel Guides

First-hand advice from our guides, who have ridden the iron ore train more than 50 times since 2019.

Read our guides' travel advice →

Planning Your Trip

Mauritania Tours: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Mauritania tours?

The most popular Mauritania tours combine Nouakchott, Atar and the Adrar desert with either a night on the iron ore train or a visit to the ancient town of Chinguetti. Longer trips add the Banc d'Arguin National Park on the Atlantic coast. Our tours combine these in different ways, from short trips to a full week.

Can you still ride the iron ore train in Mauritania?

Yes. Rules for independent travellers have tightened in recent years, so the most reliable way is with a local operator who arranges boarding at Choum. Our iron ore train tours include the ride with a guide on board.

When is the best time to visit Mauritania?

November to March is the best time to visit Mauritania: warm days, cool desert nights and the peak season for birdwatching in Banc d'Arguin. June to September is extremely hot in the Sahara.

Do I need a visa for Mauritania?

Most visitors do. Since January 2025 Mauritania only issues e-visas, requested online before you travel; visas on arrival are no longer available, and the fee is paid in cash when you land. Check the official portal before you book flights. We send a checklist once you book.

How do I book a Mauritania tour with Sahara Iron Trail?

Send us a message on WhatsApp or through the contact form with your dates and the tour you like. We reply quickly, confirm availability and can tailor any itinerary.

Ready to plan your Mauritania tour?

Small groups, expert local guides, and a seat on the iron ore train.

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