Mauritania Iron Ore Train Tour – January 2027

4 nights, 5 days 16 Jan, 2027 – 20 Jan, 2027

Start Date

16 Jan, 2027

End Date

20 Jan, 2027

Duration

4 nights, 5 days

Price

1545

After years of experience, we have designed our Mauritania Iron Ore Train tour to become the most thrilling and affordable tour to take place in this unique part of the world.

Your grand adventure begins in Mauritania where you'll have the opportunity to explore Nouakchott, the capital city. Once arriving we'll make our way and explore the UNESCO world heritage site of Chinguetti - a holy city of Islam. This city was for centuries the gathering point for pilgrims of the Maghreb to gather on their way to Mecca. Africans claim it as the 7th most holy city of Islam. Much of the old centre dates from the 12th century. Here you'll visit the incredibly historic library and have a close encounter with ancient architecture.

This is where you'll board the famed Mauritania Iron Ore Train and ride in open carriages through the Saharan desert. The train is up to 3km (1.8 miles) in length with over 200 freight carriages, carrying up to 84 tons of iron ore. This is the longest and heaviest train in the world.

You'll ride with us from Choum close to the border of Western Sahara to the Port of Nouadhibou, Mauritania's second largest city and economic hub. Riding in this direction will allow you to get the best possible views of the journey. You'll spend the better part of the evening gazing up to the starry night of the desert on this high-adrenaline ride. This is one of the most unique train trips in the world and not to be missed.

Once arriving in Nouadhibou we'll explore Cape Blanc, a peninsula that is shared between Mauritania and Western Sahara. We'll then return to Nouakchott by 4x4 and explore the Atlantic fish-markets, the Great Mosque and other must-see sights of the capital.

Our Mauritania tour can be combined with our Algeria Tour, prior to it, and Western Sahara, right after. Make the most out of your visit to this region of Africa and combine those tours!

Boarding, disembarking, and riding the Iron Ore Train involves inherent risks. By participating in this tour, travellers acknowledge and accept the potential dangers, including unpredictable train movements, operational delays, encounters with other locals, and situations beyond the control of the tour operator or guides. Riders understand that the experience carries a degree of uncertainty, and that safety procedures will be followed to minimize risk, but cannot be guaranteed.

Tour Highlight

Spectate hundreds of fishermen on their distinct sea canoes recognized by their colourful hand-painted hulls in Nouakchott - the capital city
Ride the Mauritania Ion Ore Train in open air carriages through the Saharan Desert!
Walk around Chinguetti - a holy city of Islam and a UNESCO world heritage site to marvel at the desert and cliffs of the White Valley

Included

Twin-shared accommodation
All meals
Private 4x4 transportation incl airport transfers
Entrance fees & travel permits
Blanket and sleeping mat for the train
English speaking local guides and YPT guide

Excluded

International flights to and from Mauritania
Mauritania visa on arrival (€55)
Single supplement €225
Pre-tour accommodation: single room €70 / double room €90
Personal spending
Tips for the local guide and driver

Group	Start date	End date	Duration	Price	Single Supplement

Print Itinerary

Full Itinerary

Saturday 16th January – Nouakchott

Arrival at your convenience into Nouakchott – the capital city of Mauritania which is well connected from flights between Algiers, Paris, Casablanca, Istanbul and Tunis. Visa on arrival in Mauritania is €55
For those coming from Algiers on our Algeria tour we recommend to book and board Air Algerie flight AH4014 departing Algiers at 7:30pm arriving Nouakchott 10:45pm. Flight cost not included.
Meet our driver as you exit the airport terminal and transfer to the comfortable Hotel Flora
Dinner and overnight at hotel

Sunday 17th January – Nouakchott – Tergit – Atar – Chinguetti

Morning

Breakfast at hotel
Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of Hotel Flora at 8:00am to discuss tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
Board our 4x4s and depart for our 400 kilometres drive to the Tergit Oasis within the Sahara Desert – Mauritania’s most picturesque location. Located within a gorge, this the perfect spot to cool down and relax after our drive as well as getting stunning desert photos.

Afternoon

Lunch at a camp in Tergit Oasis
Another two-hour drive later, we’ll pass through the city of Atar before arriving in the historic town of Chinguetti.
On arrival, we’ll witness a spectacular sunset from the massive sand dunes of Chinguetti – a magical moment you won’t forget.
Arrive at our motel in Chingguetti
Dinner at a nomadic campsite in tranquil palm oasis.
After our meal, you’ll see a music and dance performance by the local women nomads of Chinguetti – a great way to learn about the region’s rich traditions, and dance with locals!
Overnight in Chinguetti

Monday 18th January – Chinguetti – Choum – Iron Ore Train

Morning

Breakfast at hotel
Visit of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chinguetti, founded in the 13th century and considered to be one of Islam’s holiest cities. It served as an important center for Islamic scholarship, attracting students and scholars from across North Africa.
You’ll discover its fascinating history as you visit one of the ancient libraries and iconic landmarks, including the beloved Friday Mosque of Chinguetti, the national symbol of Mauritania. Built of dry stone and wood, it is considered one of the oldest mosques still in use in the Islamic world. Whilst it’s not possible to enter inside it can be admired outside.

Afternoon

On the way, we’ll stop for lunch and visit the stunning Amogjar Pass to see prehistoric rock paintings dating back 5,000 years and showing elephants, giraffes, humans,… We’ll also enjoy the view of the striking lava formations that define the region’s unique landscape.
Prepare for Mauritania Iron Ore Train – we’ll stop at Atar Market to ensure the group is stocked up on plenty of water, fruits, and snacks for the train journey. Here you can buy traditional Mauritanian clothing and face coverings which are most ideal for riding the Iron Ore Train to shield your face from the sand and iron ore dust.
Arrive at the town of Choum, the departure point for the Iron Ore Train
Tour highlight – Board the world famous Mauritania Iron Ore Train, the longest and heaviest train in the world. You’ll be sitting in open-top cars, so ensure you’re equipped with warm clothing, goggles, and other protective gear to protect yourself from the sand and the cold at night. The train does not have a fixed departure but usually arrives between from 6:00pm to 11:00pm.
Overnight on the train

Tuesday 19th January – Nouadhibou

Morning

Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise over the vast Saharan Desert, an unforgettable start to the day.
The train will arrive in Mauritania’s second largest city, Nouadhibou, expected arrival between 8:00am and 11:00am. Upon arrival, we’ll head to our hotel for a refreshing shower and some rest before heading out to explore the city.

Afternoon

Lunch at a local restaurant in town
Visit Cape Blanc, a peninsula shared between Mauritania and Western Sahara. This historic site was once the focal point of Spanish fishing expansions from the Canary Islands to the African coast. This is where the biggest ship graveyard used to be located until it was broken down into pieces and the steel sold by Chinese companies a few years ago.
Cape Blanc is also home to a colony of Mediterranean monk seals, which you may have the chance to spot. You’ll also have the chance to go for a swim on the beach.
Dinner at a family restaurant with a wide menu of delicious local dishes.
Overnight at Hotel Al Jezira

Wednesday 20th January – Nouadhibou – Nouakchott

Morning

Breakfast at hotel before boarding our 4x4s for the long drive back to Nouakchott (480km)

Afternoon

On arrival, we’ll have lunch before exploring the city.
Depending on the time we have, we’ll do the following sightseeing of Nouakchott:
Head straight to the lively Atlantic fish market. Every evening hundreds of fishermen bring in the day’s catch on their distinct sea canoes recognized by their colourful hand-painted hulls. The catch is then brought by donkey cart to the city’s markets. Take a walk along the beach here too.
On the way back, into the city you’ll pass massive embassies of the main players of the region – USA, China, France, and Russia
Visit the National Museum where artefacts of the history of Mauritania and its ancient cities are on view
Visit the local craft market where locals specialise in camel wool rugs
Quick photo stop by the Great Mosque of Nouakchott, funded by Saudi Arabia and built in 1982.
If you departure flight time permits we can arrange a farewell dinner downtown
Tour concludes – YPT is able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for flights out as the majority of airlines depart from the evening onward
Continue your Saharan Adventure with YPT on our Saharan Tales: Western Sahara Tour and board Royal Air Maroc flight AT510 departing Nouakchott on Thursday at 2:45am, via Casablanca arriving into Laayoune on flight AT1410 at 10:15am. Flight cost not included.