4 days
from $1,300
Essential Mauritania: Iron Ore Train
Nouakchott, Atar, the Terjit oasis and a night aboard the world's longest iron ore train.
View itineraryMauritania · 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.
- Tours
- 4 itineraries
- Trip length
- 4–6 days
- Based in
- Nouakchott
"Overnight on the iron ore train — the Sahara rolling past under a full sky of stars."
Our Mauritania Tours
Four 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.
4 days
from $1,100
Atar & Chinguetti Heritage
Nouakchott to Atar and a full day in Chinguetti, Mauritania's ancient desert library city.
View itinerary
6 days
from $1,500
Iron Ore Train & Banc d'Arguin
The full iron ore train expedition, extended with two days in the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
View itinerary
6 days
from $1,300
Chinguetti & Banc d'Arguin
Our Chinguetti heritage tour extended with two days in the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
View itinerary
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 GuideWhere 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
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 four itineraries cover all of these in 4 to 6 days.
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?
Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival or an e-visa, but the rules change, so always check the latest requirements with the Mauritanian authorities or your embassy before you travel. We can advise 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.