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Overview

Mauritania & The Iron Ore Train NOVEMBER 2026
Mauritania
Nov 17 - 24, 2026
John Ward image
John Ward
$2,349
Deposit: $250

About your trip

Come and experience the most EPIC TRAVEL ADVENTURE on the planet, hitching a ride on the Iron Ore train through the Sahara (Now officially in the cabin rather than atop the iron ore as per the official law). In one of the world's least visited countries, Mauritania.*

THE 2026 EDITION NOW ALSO INCLUDES A VISIT TO THE MAJESTIC 'EYE OF THE SAHARA' and the ancient city of Ouadane.


Mauritania, in West Africa, is what real travel is about. Feel the culture of the nomadic tribes, road trip deep into the desert, camping under the stars, but remember to watch out for wild camels as you cross the road though. 


Starting in Nouakchott, we'll get to know our new group before we venture into the desert. Here we'll visit one of the ancient cities of Islam, Chinguetti. We'll also be off-roading through the sand dunes and staying in local villages. It doesn't get more real than this. 


And then of course, there's the iron ore train (Now officially in the cabin rather than atop the iron ore as per the law). We'll hop on the iron ore train, and ride it through the night to the Atlantic coast. See you there!


NOTE: 

I'm also organising a 160km ULTRA MARATHON in Mauritania at the same time as this tour (both trips run concurrently). You'll have one of my guides for the first few days of this trip, then once you arrive in Chinguetti, you'll meet me (after I hopefully have finished the ultra marathon) and then both trips will be on the same schedule for riding the iron ore train together!). 

The Iron Ore Train

The iron ore train has now been deemed illegal by the company. Now officially in the cabin rather than atop the iron ore as per the law.


What's included

All Accommodation

All meals

(Not including the first night)

All transport

Airport transfers

Local guide throughout

You'll have a guide throughout of course, and on Day 4, you'll finally join with me (Johnny) too.

Travel bragging rights

FOR LIFE!

What's not included

International airfare

Visa fees

Tips

Additional Nights

If you wish to arrive a day or 2 early, or stay a day or 2 later.

Day 1

Day 1   image

Arrival in Mauritania

December 6th. Arrive in Nouakchott anytime, your guide will hold a briefing this evening. 


Day 2

Day 2 image

Deep into the Sahara, to the Oasis of Terjit

The 2026 tour is now new and improved. Today we drive to the famous Oasis of Terjit. A beautiful drive deep in to the Sahara, we stop for tea in some Bedouin tents along the way.

We hit the road today. 450km, so 5 or 6 hours inwards into the Sahara. We’ll reach one of Mauritania’s absolute gems, the Terjit Oasis. Palm groves, cooling water. 

Late lunch at the Oasis followed by an epic sunset walk along the ridge line, looking down on the Oasis. Maybe a night-cap if you're brave enough to smuggle a little somethign in!

DAY 3

DAY 3 image

Terjit Oasis

We start with hitting up the White Valley, via the epic Tifoujar mountain pass.. Before heading deeper into the Mhairett Oasis later in the afternoon.


Soon we’ll reach the Ancient Dynasty of Azougui where we can visit the ruins and chill in the Palm Groves.Like something from a cartoon as a kid. Here we’ll bed down in our tented accommodation, have dinner under the stars and soak up just where we are in the world.

DAY 4

DAY 4 image

Ouadane, and the door to the Eye of the Sahara

We drive EVEN DEEPER into the Sahara, to the ancient ruins of Ouadane. A city few venture too.

A guided tour of the old city will teach you about the Mecca pilgrimages and the ancient secrets of the desert.

We'll be in the town's nicest guest house tonight (complete with Starlink!).

DAY 5

DAY 5 image

THE EYE OF THE SAHARA & Chinguetti (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

What a day. You'll drive from Ouadane, to the Eye of the Sahara, visible from space. Said to be covering the Lost City of Atlantis.

If you're lucky, you'll see some of the Eye of the Sahara ultramarathonrs running 1 of their 3 daily ultramarathons en route (wave hi to Johnny please!).


Up next is Islam’s 7th Holiest City, and a World Heritage Site, Chinguetti. We’ll visit the Medina, the Ancient City, followed by the ancient Mosque and library of the old city.

We’ll have sunset in the sand dunes of Chinguetti and sleep just outside the town itself.

DAY 6

DAY 6 image

THE IRON ORE TRAIN!!

What can I say? Today we make our way towards the depths of the Sahara, to Choum, and the train tracks that mark our pick-up spot.


After lunch, we’ll prepare ourselves. Lined up, and relaxing. Waiting for the noise of the train approaching. At this point, we’ll hustle. Get your bags ready, your calf muscles prepped. Once the train pulls in, we’ll be joining the official passenger carriage, 4 to a carriage, to claim our spot for the night. 


Now officially in the cabin rather than atop the iron ore as per the law.... Any questions you can DM me on instagram

DAY 7

DAY 7 image

Arrival in Nouadhibou

Early arrival into the port town of Nouadhibou. Here we’ll have an early check-in to our hotel for a WELL EARNED shower.

The day is a free day as we never know when we pull into the town. Dinner & overnight in the hotel. And maybe another secret bar to celebrate. Watch this space!

DAY 8

DAY 8 image

That’s all folks. Hometime.

That’s the end of the line. For the intrepid, you’ll overland north to Western Sahara. For those with return flights from Nouakchott, we have a bus transfer back to the Capital City, it takes about 6 hours or so. 


Depending on your flight time, you can stay an extra night or leave the same day, we can help organise that stuff for you.

Location

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1. Mauritania

Mauritania

About your organizer

JW
John Ward
Irish blogger @ onestep4ward.com. Every country in the world, 7 summits, North and South Pole. Now helping some crazy friends go to places they probably shouldn't.

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© 2026 John Ward