4 days
from $1,300
Essential Mauritania: Iron Ore Train
Nouakchott, Atar, the Terjit oasis and a night aboard the world's longest iron ore train.
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Custom Mauritania Tours — Built Around You
Every itinerary on this site can be changed, extended, shortened or run privately. Tell us what you want to see and we will build it.
The four tours on this site are our most popular routes, not a fixed menu. We are a local operator in Nouakchott with our own guides and 4x4s, so we can change almost anything: the dates, the pace, the places, the level of comfort, even the direction of travel. Most of the trips we run each season are tailor-made for one group.
What we can change
- Your own dates — we do not run fixed departures only; tell us when you can travel
- A private tour for you, your family or your friends, with no strangers in the group
- Add the Eye of the Sahara (Richat Structure), Ouadane or Ben Amira to a Chinguetti route
- Add or skip the iron ore train, or ride it in the direction that suits your plan
- More time at the Terjit oasis, in Chinguetti, or in the Banc d'Arguin National Park
- Longer expeditions of 8, 10 or 14 days, or a short 3-day taste of the desert
- Camping in the dunes, simple auberges, or the most comfortable lodging available
- Photography trips built around sunrise and sunset light, and slower driving days
- Solo travellers, couples, families with children, small groups and larger parties
How it works
Send us a message on WhatsApp or through the contact form with three things: roughly when you want to travel, how many days you have, and what you most want to see. If you are not sure, say so — most people start from "the iron ore train and a bit of desert" and we take it from there.
We reply with a suggested route, what it includes and a price per person for your group size, usually within a day. Nothing is booked until you are happy with the plan. We can adjust it as many times as you like — that is the point of a tailor-made trip.
What a custom tour costs
Prices depend on the number of days, the group size and the standard of accommodation. Small groups cost more per person than larger ones, because the 4x4, the driver-guide and the fuel are shared between fewer people. The per-person prices on our tour pages are a good starting point for a group of four or more.
Every quote we send lists exactly what is included — transport, guide, accommodation, park fees, the train ticket where it applies — and what is not, so you can compare it with any other operator.
Groups, companies and special trips
We also arrange trips for larger parties, university and research groups, film and photography crews, and motorbike or overland travellers who need local support in Mauritania. If you have an unusual request, ask — the answer is very often yes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make a custom Mauritania tour for me?
Yes. We build tailor-made itineraries all season. Send us your dates, the number of days and what you want to see, and we will design a route and send you a price.
Can I book a private tour rather than join a group?
Yes. Every tour on this site can be run privately for you, your family or your friends, with your own guide and 4x4.
Can you add the Eye of the Sahara or Ouadane to a tour?
Yes. The Richat Structure (Eye of the Sahara), Ouadane and Ben Amira are our most requested additions and usually add one to two days to a Chinguetti itinerary.
Do you arrange tours for families with children?
Yes, and we adjust the driving days, the nights on the train and the camping to suit the ages of the children. Tell us how old they are when you write.
How far in advance should I book a custom tour?
The winter season, November to March, is the busiest. A few weeks ahead is usually enough, but the earlier you write the more choice you have — especially for private departures around the holidays.
What does a custom tour cost?
It depends on the number of days, your group size and the accommodation. The per-person prices on our tour pages are a good starting point. Every quote lists exactly what is included.
Ready to see Mauritania?
Browse all four tours, or get in touch and we'll help you choose.
Our Mauritania Tours
4 days
from $1,100
Atar & Chinguetti Heritage
Nouakchott to Atar and a full day in Chinguetti, Mauritania's ancient desert library city.
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6 days
from $1,500
Iron Ore Train & Banc d'Arguin
The full iron ore train expedition, extended with two days in the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
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6 days
from $1,300
Chinguetti & Banc d'Arguin
Our Chinguetti heritage tour extended with two days in the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
View itineraryTailor-made trips
Want a tour built around you?
Every itinerary here can be changed: your own dates, a private departure for your family or friends, more days in the desert, or extras like the Eye of the Sahara and Ouadane. Tell us what you want to see and we will design it.