Mauritania Trip Feb 2025
Ride the legendary iron ore train across the Sahara in Mauritania!
Limited spots available. Apply to join now!
Overview
Dates: February 23 - 28, 2025
Limited spots available on a first come, first served basis!
Our 6-day, 5-night tour of Mauritania will take you from the busy capital city of Nouakchott to the dunes of the Sahara Desert. We'll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, camp under the stars, and finally hop aboard the world-famous iron ore train for an unforgettable adventure.
You'll travel with Doug as well as highly experienced, professional Mauritanian guides.
The trip will include:
Nouakchott, Azoueiga, Chinguetti, Ouadane, Choum, the iron ore train, and Nouadhibou.
Itinerary
Day 1
Upon arrival in Nouakchott, you will be picked up from the airport and have time to rest and relax. There are no scheduled activities for the day. We’ll get checked-in to our hotel and get to know our new crew for the week.
Overnight: Nouakchott
The Guides
Doug is an American traveler and YouTuber. He has spent years traveling throughout the Middle East and North Africa, and has led many group trips to countries in the region. See his experience on his YouTube channel.
Abdou is one of Mauritania's leading fixers and tour guides. He has worked with partners from all over the world, including Netflix most recently, to carry out operations within Mauritania.
Will leads Ready for Road, with whom we're partnering to bring you this trip. He has led countless groups on adventures across Pakistan, Mauritania, Afghanistan, and other countries. While he won't be joining us in person on this trip, he'll be supporting us from afar to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Inclusions & Price
Included:
-
5 nights accommodation (desert camps, guesthouses, and homestays)
-
3 meals each day
-
Private airport transfers
-
All tours, guides, & UNESCO site entry fees
-
Ground transportation throughout the trip
Excluded:
-
International flights
-
Visa (see more info)
-
Travel insurance
-
Souvenirs, snacks, alcohol, & other personal expenses
-
Tips (optional)
Price:
$1,950 USD
How to Join
There are limited spots available on the trip!
To apply to join, please send an email to trips@dougbarnardtravel.com.
Please ensure that you've read our Frequently Asked Questions before signing up.
A $750 deposit will be required to reserve your spot. This deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances, unless the trip is cancelled or postponed by the trip organizer. Upon collection, deposits are immediately transferred to the tour operator in country.
Final payment is due 45 days before the start of the trip.
Visa information
Mauritania offers a Visa On Arrival for all foreign nationals upon arrival to Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport. This single-entry visa is valid for 30 days.
The Visa On Arrival costs $60 USD or €55 Euros, and must be paid in cash. Change may not be available at the airport, so it's best to arrive to the country with exact change.
Frequently Asked questions
Who should come on this trip?
This trip is for those who crave a genuine, unfiltered adventure — prepared to handle conditions that may push you outside your comfort zone. Expect limited amenities: basic accommodations, minimal conveniences, and sometimes long, bumpy journeys in remote areas. Mauritania offers immense natural beauty and cultural richness, but it doesn’t come with luxuries. You may experience hot desert days, chilly nights, and rustic meals. This is a country with virtually zero tourism infrastructure. If you’re someone who enjoys simplicity and authenticity, has a sense of humor about roughing it, and thrives on unpredictability, then this trip is for you. The trip will be incredibly rewarding for those who come with a positive attitude and an appreciation of raw and authentic travel.
What exactly is the deal with the iron ore train?
Mauritania's iron ore trains are among the longest and heaviest trains in the world, often spanning 2.5 km/1.5 miles long, with over 200 cars loaded with iron ore. They run from the mining town of Zouerat in northern Mauritania to the coastal city of Nouadhibou, covering around 700 km/435 mi.
Mauritanian locals have used the iron ore trains as transportation for many years, and international tourists have joined them more recently, with the journey becoming an iconic experience for bold adventure seekers. Conditions aboard the iron ore train can be extreme. Passengers ride on open-top ore cars, exposed to desert winds, dust, and very cold temperatures. You can find many videos documenting the experience on YouTube.
We will literally be sleeping on top of the iron in the open air with the train moving at high speeds throughout the night, so you will be battered with iron ore powder, cold and wind for several hours. It’s going to feel freezing. It is important to wear durable clothing you don’t mind getting dirty, and that will keep you warm and protected from wind and iron ore dust. We will send a detailed recommended packing list to confirmed participants.
What are the accommodations like?
We will use a range of accommodations on this trip, including guesthouses, desert camps, and a homestay (and of course, one night aboard the iron ore train!). Generally, you should expect modest accommodations. As stated above, Mauritania is a country with very limited tourism infrastructure, but we will do our absolute best to make sure you're as comfortable as possible on our journey.
What is the food like?
Mauritanian cuisine offers a delightful blend of North African and West African flavors. Traditional dishes often feature ingredients such as fish, lamb, dates, and rice. A staple meal (and the national dish of Mauritania) is "Thieboudienne," a flavorful dish made with fish, rice, and vegetables. Mauritanians also enjoy hearty stews like "Mechoui" (roast lamb) and "Maru We Khudra" (meat and vegetable stew). The country’s tea culture is notable, with green tea prepared with mint and sugar being a social ritual.
What will happen to our luggage during expedition days?
We will have access to our luggage every night of the expedition and this will travel in the trunks of our 4x4 vehicles. On the night of the iron ore train, we will pack a separate overnight bag and our larger luggage will be transported safely in our 4x4 vehicles.
What happens if someone gets sick or injured?
In the event of someone falling ill or getting injured, we will assess and treat the sick or injured person. In the unlikely event of a serious incident which requires urgent hospital treatment, a dedicated vehicle will transport the person to the nearest facility as soon as possible. The decision to evacuate is ultimately the expedition leader's. You must respect the decisions of your expedition leader at all times. Extra costs incurred as a result of an evacuation must be paid for by the participant. Your personal travel insurance must cover such eventualities.
What's the best way to get to Mauritania?
Our trip begins and ends in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. Depending on your point of origin, you may connect through Morocco, Europe, Istanbul, or another Middle East hub on your way to the country. We can help you find flights if you'd like, and hopefully link you up with any other group members who may be on the same flights as you.
Have more questions? Email trips@dougbarnardtravel.com and we'll get back to you ASAP!