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.
View itineraryAdrar Region, Mauritania
Atar & the Adrar — Gateway to the Mauritanian Sahara
Palm groves, rock plateaus and caravan history at the heart of Mauritania's desert.
Atar, capital of the Adrar
Atar is the main town of the Adrar region and the traditional gateway to the Mauritanian Sahara. Its market, palm groves and old quarter have served desert travellers for centuries, and today it is the base for trips to Chinguetti, Ouadane, the Terjit oasis and the iron ore train at Choum.
The drive from Nouakchott to Atar crosses the whole transition from coastal plains to the rock plateau of the Adrar — long, but full of views, camel herds and roadside tea stops.
Highlights of the Adrar
- Chinguetti: the UNESCO-listed caravan town and its manuscript libraries
- The Terjit oasis: spring pools and palms in a desert canyon
- Mountain passes and viewpoints across the Adrar plateau
- Date palm groves (guetna harvest season is in summer)
- Choum, where travellers board the iron ore train
Atar & the Adrar in Photos
Atar & the Adrar: Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Atar from Nouakchott?
Atar is roughly 450 km north-east of Nouakchott — a full day by road with stops.
Which tours go through Atar?
All four Sahara Iron Trail tours pass through Atar, since it is the gateway to Terjit, Chinguetti and the iron ore train.
Mauritania Tours That Visit Atar & the Adrar
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 itineraryMore places to discover in Mauritania
Tailor-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.