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
Grand Sahara & Banc d'Arguin: Iron Ore Train Expedition
The full iron ore train expedition, extended with two days in the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
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Our 6-day flagship Mauritania tour: Nouakchott, Atar, Terjit, an overnight on the iron ore train to Nouadhibou, then two days birdwatching and fishing with the Imraguen in the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
Places you'll visit
Day-by-Day Itinerary
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Arrive in Nouakchott, Mauritania's Atlantic capital, for a welcome dinner and orientation drive through the port and markets before the expedition heads into the desert.
Overnight: Nouakchott
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Drive north from Nouakchott into the Adrar plateau, reaching the caravan town of Atar by evening.
Overnight: Atar
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Morning visit to the Terjit oasis, where spring-fed pools sit beneath date palms in a narrow desert canyon. In the afternoon we transfer to Choum to board the iron ore train for an overnight crossing of the Sahara to the Atlantic coast — a highlight of any Mauritania tour.
Overnight: Aboard the iron ore train
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Arrive in Nouadhibou at dawn as the iron ore train reaches the coast. After breakfast and a look at the city's ship graveyard, we drive south along the coast to Iwik village, gateway to the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
Overnight: Iwik, Banc d'Arguin National Park
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A full day inside the Banc d'Arguin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's most important wetlands for migratory birds. Join Imraguen fishermen for their traditional lateen-sail, dolphin-assisted net fishing, and spend the afternoon watching flamingos, pelicans and terns across the tidal flats.
Overnight: Iwik, Banc d'Arguin National Park
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A final sunrise over the Banc d'Arguin lagoons before the drive back to Nouakchott, where this Mauritania tour concludes.
What's Included
- All ground transport in a private 4x4
- Iron ore train ticket and onboard guide support
- Banc d'Arguin National Park entry fees and 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
What makes the Banc d'Arguin National Park special?
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Atlantic coast and one of the most important wintering grounds in the world for migratory shorebirds, alongside flamingos and pelicans. It is also home to the Imraguen, who still fish from traditional sailing boats.
Why combine the iron ore train with Banc d'Arguin?
The train ends at Nouadhibou on the coast, and the Banc d'Arguin lies between Nouadhibou and Nouakchott — so the park fits naturally into the return journey instead of doubling back through the desert.
When is the best time for birdwatching in Banc d'Arguin?
Bird numbers peak from roughly October to March, when millions of migratory birds winter in the park. That matches the best season for the desert and the iron ore train.
How physically demanding is this 6-day tour?
It needs a reasonable level of fitness: long 4x4 drives, a night on the train in an open wagon, and walking on sand. No technical skills are required.
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4 days
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Atar & Chinguetti Heritage
Nouakchott to Atar and a full day in Chinguetti, Mauritania's ancient desert library city.
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6 days
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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.