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 4×4 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 Libya Tour and Algeria Tour. Make the most out of your visit to this region of Africa and combine both tours!
Saturday 17th 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 or $60.
- 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 18th 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 motels 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 19th 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.
Afternoon
- We’ll visit Azoughi Oasis and village for a tea stop and experiencing how locals live
- On the way, we’ll stop at 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 and can leave anywhere between from 6:00pm to 11:00pm.
- Overnight on the train
Tuesday 20th 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, 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 21st January – Nouadhibou – Nouakchott
Morning
- Breakfast at hotel before boarding our 4x4s for the long drive back to Nouakchott (480km)
Afternoon
Tour concludes – YPT is able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for flights out as the majority of airlines depart from the evening onwards.
On arrival, we’ll have lunch before exploring the city.
Depending on the time we have, we’ll do the following sightseeing:
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.
Farewell dinner at the Sun House restaurant, the best in the country!
Tour Details
Tour Highlights
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