Mauritania Desert Adventure & Iron Ore Train Tour

Summary

Private Mauritania Journey: From Sand Dunes to Shipwrecks

Get ready for eight days crossing Mauritania’s wildest landscapes: camp under desert stars, share mint tea at an oasis, ride the world’s longest iron ore train with a local guide, and wander ancient towns. This journey mixes adventure with real moments you’ll remember long after you’ve shaken out all the sand.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re really going to sleep on a pile of iron ore?” That’s what my brother texted when I sent him a photo from the train platform in Zouerat. I’d already lost track of how much sand was in my shoes by then — it gets everywhere, honestly — but there’s something about Mauritania that makes you stop caring about little things like that. Our guide, Ahmed, just grinned and handed out scarves before we climbed up. He said, “You’ll need this for the dust.” He wasn’t kidding.

The days before that were a blur of gold dunes and sudden bursts of green — Terjit Oasis felt like someone had left a secret garden in the middle of nowhere. The air smelled faintly sweet near the palms, and lunch was simple but perfect: fresh bread, dates, mint tea poured high so it foamed. In Chinguetti, we wandered through an old library where the caretaker let us touch centuries-old manuscripts (I was almost afraid to breathe on them). Sunset over those sand dunes is something I still think about when I can’t sleep.

There were moments that caught me off guard — like the silence in Ouadane at dusk, or how friendly people were at the camel market back in Nouakchott. One old man tried to teach me how to say “good price” in Hassaniya; Li laughed when I tried it out (probably butchered it). The shipwreck beach at Nouadhibou looked almost unreal with all those rusting hulls against blue water. And after the train ride? That hotel shower felt like some kind of miracle. Not exaggerating.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Azouega Desert Camp

• Cross Adrar desert, camp at tallest dune
• Goat barbecue dinner and shisha by campfire

Day 2 — Terjit Oasis and Chinguetti

• Drive to Terjit Oasis and have lunch
• Visit Chinguetti library and grand mosque, sunset at dunes

Day 3 — Ouadane Off-Road Excursion

• 4x4 desert excursion and explore Ouadane town

Day 4 — Atar, Choum Tunnel, Zouerat

• Arrive in Atar
• Explore 2km Choum tunnel
• Arrive and stay overnight in Zouerat

Day 5 — Iron Ore Train Adventure

• Visit mining company and ride longest iron ore train

Day 6 — Nouadhibou City and Beach

• Arrive Nouadhibou, hotel, visit shipwreck beach

Day 7 — Nouakchott Market and Port

• Visit world's largest camel market and Port de Pech

Day 8 — Departure

• Drive to airport for flight home

Top questions

Is this Mauritania tour suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, solo travelers are welcome—private transport and local guides make it easy to join alone or with friends.

How difficult is riding the iron ore train?

The train ride is rugged—expect dust and basic conditions—but your guide helps with logistics and safety.

Are meals included during the tour?

Yes, traditional meals are provided throughout—like goat barbecue and fresh bread at camp.

What should I pack for this Mauritania desert adventure?

Bring light layers for heat and cool nights, sturdy shoes for sand, a scarf for dust, and basic toiletries.

Is airport pickup included in this private tour?

Yes, airport pickup and drop-off are both included for convenience.

What’s included

Your trip covers private transportation across Mauritania’s deserts and towns, all entry fees to sites like Chinguetti’s library and shipwreck beach, comfortable hotel stays (plus one unforgettable night on the iron ore train), airport pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicles when possible, plus daily meals including a traditional underground barbecue dinner under desert stars.