2-Day Iron Ore Train Tour from Nouakchott to Nouadhibou

Ride the Iron Ore Train across open desert in an ore wagon.

A 2-day tour from Nouakchott through the Mauritanian Sahara to Nouadhibou, with private transport to Choum, a stop in Atar, and passage on the legendary Iron Ore Train in an open ore wagon. Local guide support, drinking water, boarding assistance and hotel transfer are included. Minimum age 18. Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or cardiovascular concerns.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Nouakchott to Choum – Sahara Road Journey

• Travel from Nouakchott to Atar
• Stop in Atar for lunch and break
• Continue journey toward Choum

Day 2: Choum to Nouadhibou – Iron Ore Train Adventure

• Board Iron Ore Train in Choum
• Travel across Sahara on open ore wagon
• Transfer to hotel in Nouadhibou

The experience

You start in Nouakchott and travel by private transport across the Sahara toward Choum, stopping in Atar, one of Mauritania's main desert towns, for lunch and a break. The road journey covers the first day, with your local guide handling navigation and logistics while you rest and take in the landscape.

On day two, you board the Iron Ore Train in Choum. The train crosses the Mauritanian Sahara in open ore wagons, a route few travelers experience. Your team assists with boarding and preparation for the ride. After arrival in Nouadhibou, a transfer takes you to your hotel or your agreed location in the city.

All difficult logistics (city pickup in Nouakchott, private transport to Choum, drinking water during the road journey, boarding help, and the final transfer) are arranged for you. The guide speaks English, French or Arabic depending on your preference.

What’s included

• Private transport from Nouakchott to Choum with city pickup.
• local guide in English, French or Arabic.
• bottled drinking water during the road journey.
• boarding assistance for the Iron Ore Train.
• transfer from Nouadhibou to your hotel or agreed location after arrival.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 6 days before the start.Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund.After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mauritania Experience

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day riding open freight cars across the Sahara with a local guide and private transport included, not if you prefer climate-controlled comfort or shorter travel days.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Arabic.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 6 days before the start.

What is the Iron Ore Train and why do people ride it?

The Iron Ore Train is a working freight train that carries ore from mines in the Sahara to the port city of Nouadhibou. Travelers ride in open ore wagons, experiencing an authentic desert crossing that few tourists undertake. It is not a tourist train but a real working route.

How much time do I spend on the train itself?

The train journey from Choum to Nouadhibou covers the second day of the tour. The exact duration depends on the train's schedule and stops, which can vary. Your guide will confirm timing when you board in Choum.

What happens during the stop in Atar?

Atar is a main desert town where you stop for lunch and a short break on the first day. You have time to rest, eat and experience the town before continuing toward Choum.

Is airport pickup from Nouakchott included?

Airport pickup is available as an option at checkout. If you choose it, your driver will meet you at Nouakchott airport and take you to the start of the tour.

What should I bring for two days in the Sahara?

Bring sun protection, a hat, sunglasses and layers for temperature changes between day and night. Drinking water is provided during the road journey. Meals are not included, so plan for lunch stops and bring snacks. Your guide can recommend places to eat in Atar and Choum.