Always
sells out!
First come, first served
One of the least visited countries on earth
Sand dunes. Ancient cities. The iron ore train.
Mauritania is one of the final frontiers of real travel. I come back time and time again, normally twice a year, and this November I’m bringing you with me.
Off-roading, oases, nomadic tribes, camping in the Sahara, then hitching a night ride on the longest train in the world with the coolest group of travel weirdos you’ll ever meet.
Fair warning: the train company now says riding it is illegal. We’ll try our best to get on anyway, as usual.
Tour highlights
-
Iron Ore Train
A night on the longest train on earth
-
Eye of the Sahara
A bullseye visible from space
-
Chinguetti
Islam’s 7th holiest city
-
Terjit Oasis
Palm groves and desert camps
Trip facts
- Dates
- Trip length
- Rooms
- Twin share, solo travellers paired up
- Visa
- On arrival at the airport
- Guides
- Local guides, Johnny from Chinguetti
- Style
- Real adventure: tents and basic guest houses
Day by day
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Nouakchott
· Hotel, Nouakchott
Arrive in Nouakchott any time. We’ll pick you up at the airport, and at 6pm your guide holds a briefing in the hotel lobby.
Then it’s our first group dinner (the only meal you pay for yourself), a chance to meet the other hardcore adventurers about to sign up for this madness.
Day 2: Into the Sahara to Terjit
Terjit Oasis
We hit the road: 450km and 5 or 6 hours deep into the Sahara, with tea stops in Bedouin tents along the way.
Then Terjit Oasis, one of Mauritania’s absolute gems. Palm groves, cooling water, a late lunch and a sunset walk along the ridge looking down on it all. A night-cap, if you were brave enough to smuggle one in.
Day 3: The White Valley & Azougui
Tented camp, Azougui
Off-roading over the Tifoujar mountain pass to the White Valley, then deeper into the Mhairett Oasis in the afternoon.
Next, the ruins of the ancient Azougui dynasty and a chill in the palm groves, like something from a cartoon as a kid. We bed down in tents, eat dinner under the stars and soak up exactly where in the world we are.
Day 4: Ouadane
Guest house, Ouadane
Even deeper into the Sahara, to the ancient ruins of Ouadane, a city few people ever venture to.
A guided tour of the old city teaches you about the Mecca pilgrimages and the secrets of the desert. Tonight it’s the nicest guest house in town, complete with Starlink. Luxury.
Day 5: The Eye of the Sahara & Chinguetti
Camp near Chinguetti
From Ouadane to the Eye of the Sahara, a giant bullseye in the desert that’s visible from space and, some say, hides the lost city of Atlantis. Keep an eye out for ultra runners (wave at me, please).
Then Chinguetti, Islam’s 7th holiest city and a UNESCO site: the medina, the ancient mosque and the old library. Sunset in the dunes, and we sleep just outside town.
Day 6: The Main Event
Overnight on the iron ore train
Into the depths of the Sahara to Choum, where the train tracks mark our pick-up spot. After lunch we line up and listen for the longest train in the world.
When it pulls in, we hustle: bags up, four to a carriage, dig a hole in the iron ore and bed down. Goggles on, earphones in, all night through the Sahara. I won’t say more. Just epic.
Day 7: Nouadhibou
Hotel, Nouadhibou
An early arrival into the port town of Nouadhibou and an early hotel check-in for a well-earned shower. You’ll be filthy. I mean filthy.
Time permitting, a visit to the old mining district and lunch on the bay. Dinner and a night in the hotel, and maybe a secret bar to celebrate. Watch this space.
Day 8: That’s All, Folks
· Bus back to Nouakchott
The end of the line. We take the bus back to Nouakchott (about 6 hours) and roll in around 3pm, so book a late flight or one the next day. We can help sort an extra night.
Feeling intrepid? Overland north to Western Sahara instead.
Your host
Johnny Ward
Irish guy, been to every country in the world. I come back to Mauritania time and time again, normally twice a year, and riding the iron ore train is still one of the best things I’ve ever done.
This year I’m running the Eye of the Sahara Ultra at the same time, so a local guide takes you through the first few days and I meet you in Chinguetti for the train. Expect chaos, a cracking group and stories for the grandkids.
Adventurous, chaotic, one to tell the grandkids, and always oh, so fun.
For real travellers
Why Mauritania?
-
The Iron Ore Train
The longest train in the world, hauling iron ore from the heart of the Sahara to the Atlantic. No tickets, no seats, just you on a pile of ore all night.
-
Ancient desert cities
Chinguetti, Islam’s 7th holiest city, and the ruins of Ouadane: libraries, mosques and old stone towns lost in the sand.
-
One of the final frontiers
One of the least visited countries on earth. The real Sahara, nomadic tribes and no tour buses in sight.
Before you book
Good to Know
How about the visa?
Easy these days. It used to be a nightmare, but now you get it on arrival at the airport and pay cash. Mauritania is open to every nationality.
Is Mauritania safe?
Perfectly safe. People welcome foreigners with open arms, big smiles and offers of local tea. Some of the older generation have outdated views on women travelling alone and LGBTQ issues, so everyone’s welcome but we keep partner choices personal.
How do I get there?
Fly straight into Nouakchott, normally via Paris or Casablanca. Tunis and Istanbul work too. Need help with flights? Let me know, it’s pretty easy.
What if the train doesn’t come?
It runs every day, but there are no tickets, so there’s always a chance. It’s never happened with my guy. If it does, it’s out of our control and we’ll take other transport to continue the trip.
How basic is it?
This is real adventure: tents in the desert, basic guest houses and a night on a pile of iron ore. Wifi is rare and hot water is a welcome surprise. If you want a comfy ‘adventure tour’, this isn’t it. No shame in that.
Can I come solo?
Yes, most people who travel with me do. Prices are per person sharing and I’ll pair you up.
What about refunds?
The deposit is non-refundable and full payment is due 3 months before the trip. After that, no refunds are possible. Travel insurance is mandatory.
Price and what’s included
What’s included
- All transport on the itinerary
- Airport transfer on arrival
- All accommodation: 6 nights, plus a night on the iron ore train
- All meals except dinner on the first night
- All activities and entrance fees
- Local guides
- A western guide from Chinguetti (me!)
- Per-person sharing, solo travellers paired up
- Bragging rights for life
What’s not included
- Mauritania visa ($65, cash at the airport)
- Lunches and dinners in the cities (cash, minimal cost)
- Tips for local guides
- Clothing for the iron ore train (ski goggles etc, packing list provided)
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
Tour price
$2,349
Per person sharing · 8 days
- $250 non-refundable deposit secures your spot
- Full payment due before September 17, 2026
- No refunds after full payment
- Pay by card through WeTravel
These trips always sell out
See you on the train.
First come, first served. Book online in a couple of minutes, or message me with any questions.
Rather pay by bank transfer? Email johnny@onestep4ward.com
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