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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6 days
Moderate to Challenging
Atar, Chinguetti & Banc d'Arguin Explorer
Our Chinguetti heritage tour extended with two days in the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
Photo Gallery
A 6-day Mauritania tour combining Nouakchott, Atar and a full day in the ancient library city of Chinguetti with two days birdwatching and fishing in the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
Places you'll visit
Day-by-Day Itinerary
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Arrival and welcome dinner in Nouakchott, Mauritania's Atlantic capital, with an orientation tour of the port and markets.
Overnight: Nouakchott
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Drive north through the Adrar plateau to the historic caravan town of Atar.
Overnight: Atar
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A full day in Chinguetti, the medieval caravan city and former center of Islamic scholarship. Visit family-run manuscript libraries and walk the dunes that edge the historic stone old town.
Overnight: Chinguetti
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Leaving the desert interior, we drive west to the Atlantic coast and south to Iwik village, on the edge of the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
Overnight: Iwik, Banc d'Arguin National Park
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A full day in the Banc d'Arguin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage wetland. Sail with Imraguen fishermen using their traditional dolphin-assisted technique, and spend the afternoon among vast colonies of flamingos, pelicans and migratory shorebirds.
Overnight: Iwik, Banc d'Arguin National Park
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Morning at the Banc d'Arguin lagoons before the return drive to Nouakchott, where the tour concludes.
What's Included
- All ground transport in a private 4x4
- Manuscript library visits in Chinguetti and Banc d'Arguin National Park entry fees
- Imraguen fishing excursion
- 5 nights accommodation
- English/French-speaking Mauritania tour guide
- Bottled water throughout
Not Included
- International flights
- Mauritania entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Chinguetti and Banc d'Arguin on the same trip?
Yes — that is exactly what this 6-day tour does: a full day in Chinguetti's old town and libraries, then the drive to the Atlantic coast for two days in the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
Is this a good Mauritania tour if I don't want to ride the train?
Yes. It is our most cultural and relaxed route — desert heritage in the Adrar plus wildlife and fishing villages on the coast, without the overnight train.
What wildlife will I see in Banc d'Arguin?
Huge flocks of migratory shorebirds, flamingos, pelicans and terns, and often dolphins near the Imraguen fishing villages. Sightings vary with season and tides.
Is it possible to add the iron ore train to this tour?
Yes. We can add the Choum–Nouadhibou train ride as an extra day in a custom itinerary. Message us on WhatsApp and we will adjust the route.
Other 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.
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.