Would you like to ride on top of a 2.5-kilometer-long mining train, across the Sahara desert with a group of like-minded travelers?
Join an Against the Compass Expedition to Mauritania!
Mauritania is an epic, raw and off the beaten track country, home to a vast, jaw-dropping desert, occasionally dotted with ancient caravan cities, which once were important trading routes.
And then you have the Iron Ore Train, the longest train in the world, which we will ride for more than 700km of epicness.
Typically, our Mauritania expeditions are 8-day tours, always including the Iron Ore train.
These are all our scheduled tours to Mauritania
From January 2025 it is necessary to apply online through this portal. The visa, however, is still paid on arrival (€55 or $60).
All nationalities.
Here’s the standard 8-day tour for Mauritania we offer on most of our expeditions.
Day 1 – Arrival in Nouakchott
Day 2 – Azouega, the tallest dune in Mauritania
Day 3 – Chinguetti via Terjit and Mheirith
Day 4 – Old Chinguetti, Ouadane and Atar
Day 5 – The Iron Ore train
Update 2025: It’s not possible to take the train in Zouérat anymore so instead, we’ll take it in Choum.
Day 6 – Iron Ore Train and Nouadibou
Day 7 – Nouakchott
Day 8 – Back home and transfer
Before joining a tour to Mauritania, please read the information about the risks and dangers of the trip:
The traveler is expressly informed that the activities included in the travel itinerary are adventurous and/or take place in conflict zones, which entail dangers and imply the risk of physical, and psychological injuries, and/or death for the traveler.
Due to the characteristics of the destination and/or activities, the specific risks and dangers of the trip are, by way of example but not limited to, those listed below:
War; terrorism; political instability; arbitrary detentions, gunfire in the activity area; and/or violent crime.
Regarding the potential dangers of the destination, travelers are advised to consult the travel recommendations for the destination country provided by their country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For example, in the case of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these recommendations can be accessed on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mauritania
Also, remember that the Iron Ore Train is an illicit and dangerous activity.