Iron Ore Train — Ride the Iron Ore Train: Group Trips Across Mauritania

Mauritania Iron Ore Train Expedition

5 Days

Price : £1190

Start: Saturday 28 November 2026

End: Wednesday 2 December 2026

Itinerary

Arrive at your leisure into Nouakchott International Airport, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel (Al Khaima City Center Hotel).
Nouakchott is served by a number of international airlines, with regular connections from cities including Paris, Casablanca, Istanbul, Tunis, Gran Canaria, and Dakar. Most international arrivals tend to land in the evening. Visa guidance and flight assistance will be provided before departure.
Depending on arrival time, you may wish to explore the capital’s markets, coastline, or simply rest after travel. Anyone arriving earlier in the day and wishing to explore will be shown around local Nouakchott sights if desired.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome briefing to run through the expedition, logistics, and expectations for the days ahead.
Overnight: Nouakchott
Morning
After breakfast, we hold a short pre-tour meeting discussing the upcoming adventure before departing Nouakchott in comfortable private 4x4 transport and beginning the journey into the Sahara.
Our first stop is Terjit Oasis, a palm-lined refuge hidden within canyon walls — a striking contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. Time is given to explore, relax, and take in one of Mauritania’s most unique natural settings.
Afternoon & Evening
After time at the oasis, we continue north toward Chinguetti, one of Mauritania’s most historic towns and a former centre of trans-Saharan trade.
We arrive in time for sunset over the dunes before settling into our desert camp for the evening meal, followed by local Mauritanian activities and time beneath the Saharan night sky.
Overnight: Chinguetti
Morning
After breakfast, the morning is spent exploring Chinguetti — its ancient stone streets, desert architecture, and atmosphere shaped by centuries of movement across the Sahara.
Late morning, we continue onward with a brief stop in Atar for any final supplies before heading toward Choum, positioning ourselves for the train.
Afternoon & Evening
Upon arrival in Choum, we check into a local guesthouse where there is time to rest, hydrate, prepare equipment, and eat before departure. Final gear checks and timing updates will be provided throughout the evening.
Typically between 20:00–23:00 (depending on operations), we board the iron ore train for its overnight journey to Nouadhibou.
Local contacts and on-ground coordination will help ensure smooth access to the iron ore train upon its arrival into Choum.
There are no passenger carriages. This is a working industrial freight train travelling 700km across open desert — a raw and unforgettable experience beneath the Saharan sky. If you’re already here, we’re sure you’ve already seen glimpses online of what to expect.
Overnight: On the iron ore train
Morning & Afternoon
We arrive into Nouadhibou after sunrise, having crossed the length of the desert by rail.
After transferring to the hotel, there is time to shower, rest, eat, and recover from the overnight journey before heading out to explore Nouadhibou and its Atlantic coastline.
The afternoon will include visits to coastal viewpoints, fishing areas, shipwreck scenery, and quieter stretches of shoreline that give insight into life in Mauritania’s northern port city. Compared to the deep Sahara landscapes of previous days, Nouadhibou offers a completely different side of the country — shaped by the ocean, trade, and the rhythm of daily coastal life.
Evening
In the evening, we gather for dinner at a local restaurant and reflect on the journey together.
Overnight: Nouadhibou
Morning
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin the overland journey back to Nouakchott in private 4x4 transport.
Afternoon
After lunch in Nouakchott, there may be time to visit several local sights depending on onward travel plans, including:
- Atlantic Fish Market & Beach – One of Nouakchott’s liveliest areas, where brightly painted fishing boats arrive along the Atlantic coastline and local fishermen bring in the day’s catch.
- Nouakchott Mosque – A central landmark of the capital and an important part of daily life in the city.
- Local Markets – Busy trading areas offering everything from fabrics and spices to traditional Mauritanian goods.
- Mauritanian National Museum – A small but interesting museum showcasing the country’s history, culture, and nomadic heritage.
Evening
A farewell dinner and opportunity to freshen up can be arranged depending on onward travel schedules.

Included/Not Included

- All accommodation throughout the trip
- All meals
- Private 4x4 transportation throughout the trip
- Iron ore train experience
- Blanket and sleeping mat for the train journey
- Entrance fees and travel permits
- Experienced trip leader and local drivers
- All logistics and on-ground coordination
- International flights to/from Mauritania
- Mauritanian visa (€55, subject to change)
- Personal spending (souvenirs, gifts, snacks, drinks)
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Tips for local guides and drivers
- Any additional accommodation outside the itinerary
Tour Price: £1,190 per person
Deposit: £290 to secure your place
The remaining balance is due 16 weeks prior to departure. Once your deposit has been received, further payment details and trip information will be provided.
£99 for private accommodation
This expedition is designed for curious and adaptable travellers looking to experience a side of Mauritania rarely seen by tourists.
No specialist skills or previous expedition experience are required, but participants should be comfortable with long travel days, changing conditions, and basic environments.
This is not a luxury tour. Instead, it is suited to those with a sense of adventure who value unique experiences, cultural discovery, and travel beyond the usual tourist trail.
We recommend packing light for this expedition. Travellers will be responsible for carrying their own luggage, particularly when boarding the iron ore train.
Essential Items
- Passport and visa documentation
- Travel insurance documents
- Small backpack or duffel bag
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Comfortable clothing suitable for warm days and cool evenings
- Sturdy walking shoes or trainers
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Reusable water bottle
- Power bank
- Head torch or flashlight
- Personal medication and toiletries
Recommended for the Train Journey
- Buff, scarf, or face covering (for dust)
- Lightweight gloves
- Warm hat or beanie
- Eye mask
- Earplugs
- Camera or phone for photography
Provided by JBee Travels
- Blanket for the overnight train journey
- Sleeping mat for the overnight train journey
*A Note on Luggage*
The iron ore train is a working freight service, and luggage will need to be carried by participants when boarding. For comfort and convenience, we strongly recommend packing only what you need for the duration of the expedition.
What happens if the train is delayed?
The iron ore train is a working freight service and does not operate to a tourist timetable. Delays and schedule changes can occur. The itinerary has been designed with flexibility in mind to accommodate operational realities while maintaining the overall flow of the expedition.
Is the train legal?
The iron ore train is an industrial freight service and not a dedicated tourist attraction. Access and conditions can vary, and travellers should expect a degree of flexibility throughout the experience. Local guidance and coordination will be provided throughout the journey.
Is it safe?
Yes. The iron ore train is travelled by both locals and visitors each year. Once aboard, travellers typically settle into their chosen spot and enjoy the journey across the Sahara. As with any adventure travel experience, participants should follow guidance provided throughout the trip.
How physically difficult is it?
The trip is suitable for most reasonably fit travellers. The most physical aspect is climbing a short vertical ladder to access the train wagon. No specialist skills or previous expedition experience are required.
How cold does it get?
Temperatures on the train can approach 0°C overnight, particularly during the cooler months. Blankets are provided, and detailed packing advice will be supplied before departure.
What is the visa process?
A 30-day Mauritanian tourist visa currently costs €55 (or approximately $60 USD). Applications are completed online before travel and payment is made upon arrival. Assistance with the process will be provided.
Will I have mobile signal?
Mobile coverage is available in Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, and most larger towns. An eSIM is generally the easiest option for visitors. Coverage becomes limited during sections of the train journey through the Sahara.
What are the toilet and shower facilities like?
Toilets and showers are available throughout the trip at accommodation stops. Naturally, facilities are not available whilst travelling on the iron ore train itself.
Are there luggage limits?
There are no strict luggage limits, however we recommend packing as lightly as possible. Travellers will be responsible for carrying their own luggage, particularly when boarding the train.
Can solo travellers join?
Absolutely. Solo travellers are very welcome and often find group expeditions a great way to share the experience with like-minded people. A single supplement of £99 applies for those requesting private accommodation.

Important Information

Riding the iron ore train involves inherent risks and operates outside of conventional passenger services. By joining this expedition, travellers acknowledge and accept the unpredictable nature of the journey, including variable conditions, delays, and factors beyond the control of JBee Travels.

While all reasonable precautions and preparation are taken to support the experience, a degree of uncertainty is part of the journey.

Interested in joining this expedition?
If you have any questions about the trip, logistics, flights, or visas, use the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'll be happy to help.

Mauritania Iron Ore Train Expedition

£290.00

This 5-day expedition through Mauritania begins in Nouakchott before heading deep into the Sahara, with stops at Terjit Oasis and the historic town of Chinguetti. From there, we continue to Choum to board the iron ore train for a 700km overnight journey across the desert to Nouadhibou, before returning to Nouakchott or continuing on to Dakhla.

Designed for travellers seeking something raw, uncommon, and approached with intention.