About Us
Built in Nouakchott, Made for the Sahara
Sahara Iron Trail is a Mauritania tour operator based in Nouakchott. We run small-group trips into the Adrar desert and along the Atlantic coast, built around four experiences we think define the country: the Terjit oasis, the ancient library city of Chinguetti, the wetlands of the Banc d'Arguin National Park, and — the trip most people come for — a night aboard the iron ore train.
Why the Iron Ore Train
Mauritania's iron ore train is one of the longest trains in the world, and riding it overnight across the Sahara from Choum to Nouadhibou is unlike anything else on a Mauritania tour. Every guide on our iron ore train departures has made the crossing dozens of times.
Local, Not Franchised
Every driver, cook and guide on a Sahara Iron Trail tour is Mauritanian, most from Nouakchott, Atar or the communities around Terjit and Chinguetti. Local knowledge is the whole product.
Small Groups
We cap every departure — from the Terjit oasis to the Banc d'Arguin National Park — at a small group size so the pace stays unhurried and the 4x4s stay light on the desert tracks.
Responsible Travel
In the Banc d'Arguin National Park we travel exclusively with licensed Imraguen guides, and in Chinguetti we pay manuscript libraries directly for every visit — tourism that puts money into the communities we visit.
Ready to see Mauritania?
Browse all four tours, or get in touch and we'll help you choose.