The Adrar Seven
Seven days into Mauritania's desert heart.
- Dune bivouac
- Oasis refreshment
- Historic libraries
- Stone cities
From €750 / person
Rail and Atlantic adventure
Iron & Atlantic
Ancient desert cities, iron rails and the wild Atlantic.
Duration8 days
Travel style4x4 + iron ore train + coast
ActivityModerate / adventurous
Best forTravelers seeking the iconic train experience
Price may vary depending on group size, travel dates and optional upgrades. International flights and Mauritania visa fees are not included.
Journey overview
Ride the iron road from Sahara to Atlantic.
A high-energy journey linking the Adrar, Ben Amira and Mauritania's working iron ore railway with Nouadhibou and the Atlantic coast.
Move from desert tracks and caravan cities to Ben Amira, board the iron ore train toward Nouadhibou, and finish among the coastal landscapes of Cap Blanc and the Banc d'Arguin.
Across Mauritania
Signature route
- 01Nouakchott
- 02Azweiga
- 03Tifoujar
- 04Terjit
- 05Ichif
- 06Chinguetti
- 07Ben Amira
- 08Tmeimichat
- 09iron ore train
- 10Nouadhibou
- 11Cap Blanc
- 12Banc d'Arguin
- 13Nouakchott
Places along this journey
Explore the destinations in context
Learn how each place fits the route before choosing the expedition that suits your time and pace.
Along the way
Journey in pictures
Day by day
Suggested itinerary
The sequence remains flexible when weather, tracks, train operations or local conditions require it.
Day 1Nouakchott
Arrival and hotel.
Day 2Azweiga
4x4 into Erg Amatlich and bivouac beneath the dunes.
Day 3Tifoujar, Terjit and Ichif
White Valley, oasis stop and desert camp.
Day 4M'Haireth and Chinguetti
Oasis landscapes, old city and manuscript library.
Day 5Ben Amira, Tmeimichat and the train
Cross the desert to the monolith, continue to the railway and board toward Nouadhibou.
Day 6Nouadhibou and Cap Blanc
Rest, coastline, city discovery and sunset if conditions allow.
Day 7Banc d'Arguin
4x4 into the national park, coastal wildlife landscapes and bivouac.
Day 8Banc d'Arguin to Nouakchott
Return, fishing port and departure.
Travel details
How the journey works
Transport
4x4, Iron ore train
Meals
Meals listed in the confirmed itinerary; dietary requirements are reviewed before booking
Departures
Private departures arranged on request; dates are confirmed before booking.
Included
- Airport pickup on arrival in Mauritania
- Final airport drop-off at the end of the journey
- Transport stated in the itinerary, including 4x4 and fuel where applicable
- Driver and local guide according to the tour
- Accommodation stated in the itinerary: hotel, auberge and/or bivouac
- Meals according to the approved itinerary
- Bivouac equipment when required
Not included
- International flight tickets
- Mauritania visa fees
- International travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional upgrades or activities not included in the approved itinerary
- Single-room supplement when applicable
Important to know
Flexible by design
- Train schedules and boarding details depend on railway operations and are confirmed as close to the journey as practical.
- Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
- Routes, timings and overnight stops remain subject to local weather, track, safety and operational conditions; Sahara Nomads confirms the workable plan before departure.
Physical requirements
- Moderate / adventurous expedition activity.
Important notes
- The final route, overnight stops and services are confirmed in writing before departure.
- Remote travel requires flexibility when weather, tracks, permits or local operations change.
Prepare well
Before you travel
Packing
- Lightweight, modest clothing and a warm layer for cool desert evenings
- Closed walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses and high-protection sunscreen
- Personal medication, a reusable water bottle and a small head torch
- A soft-sided travel bag suitable for 4x4 transport
Safety
- Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care, evacuation and planned activities is strongly recommended.
- Tell us about relevant medical, mobility or dietary needs before confirmation and follow guide instructions during the journey.
Weather
- Desert temperatures can vary sharply between day and night; seasonal guidance is provided before departure.
- Routes may change when heat, wind, rain or track conditions affect safety or comfort.
Cultural advice
- Dress modestly in communities and religious or heritage settings.
- Ask permission before photographing people and follow local guidance during visits.
Questions
Frequently asked
Are the published dates and itinerary guaranteed?
No. Departures, route order and services are confirmed after we review availability, season and local operating conditions.
Can you accommodate dietary or mobility requirements?
Tell us before booking. We will explain what can be arranged on the proposed route before you confirm.
Is travel insurance required?
Comprehensive cover for medical treatment, evacuation, cancellation and the planned activities is strongly recommended.
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