YPT Tours to Mauritania

Young Pioneer Tours was one of the very first travel companies to operate Mauritania tours and to pioneer riding the Mauritania Iron Ore train. We’re pleased to announce our Mauritania tours schedule for 2026 and 2027, as well as our Mauritania independent tour packages.

Traditionally inhabited by Berber nomads, the contemporary history of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania has been somewhat interesting. At the start of the 20th century, the country became colonized by France as part of French West Africa, before gaining independence in 1960. Its history since then has involved one-party rule and numerous military coups during the previous conflicts in Western Sahara.

These days, Mauritania is renown as being one of the most stable and safest countries to travel to within the region.

Group Tours to Mauritania

Our group tours to Mauritania are capped at small groups. This is to ensure you have a great time, but also that safety is maintained. A Mauritania tour is what we like to call very off the beaten track.

Come explore Nouakchott, the capital city known as “place of the winds”. Experience Chinguetti, UNESCO world heritage site often referred to as a holy city of Islam. 

Tour highlights include riding in open carriages through the Saharan desert on Mauritania Iron Ore Train, the longest and heaviest train in the world, where you can experience no light pollution and freely gaze upon the stars!

Finally arriving in Nouadhibou, you will get a chance to freshen up and explore Cape Blanc, a peninsula that is shared between Mauritania and Western Sahara.  The tour concludes in Nouakchott, where we began!

Mauritania Iron Ore Train Tour – January 16th – January 20th 2027 – €1545

Mauritania Iron Ore Train Tour – November 21st – November 25th 2026 – €1545

Independent Tours to Mauritania

If our Mauritania tours do not fit your schedule, we can arrange bespoke Mauritania trips to fit around your wants and needs for visiting the country.

YPT arrange every facet for your Independent Mauritania Tours, as well as offering flexibility for our intrepid travellers.

Below is an example Mauritania tour itinerary. This can be done in its entirety, in part, or merged with other places. If you’re not interested in riding the Mauritania Iron Ore train, we can exclude it from your itinerary and give you other great suggestions. To discuss your exact needs for your travels in Mauritania please get in touch.

Example of a Mauritania Itinerary (5 days)

Day 1 – Nouakchott

• Arrival at your convenience into Nouakchott – the capital city of Mauritania which is well connected from flights between Algiers, Paris, Casablanca, Istanbul and Tunis.
• Meet the driver as you exit the airport terminal and transfer to the comfortable Hotel Sunset.
• Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 2 – Nouakchott – Tergit – Atar – Chinguetti

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel
• Board our 4x4s and depart for our 400 kilometres drive to the Tergit Oasis within the Sahara Desert – Mauritania’s most picturesque location. Located within a gorge, this the perfect spot to cool down and relax after our drive as well as getting stunning desert photos.

Afternoon

• Lunch at a camp in Tergit Oasis
• Another two-hour drive later, we’ll pass through the city of Atar before arriving in the historic town of Chinguetti.
• Evening sunset watched from the huge sand dunes of Chinguetti
• Arrive at our motel in Chingguetti
• Dinner at a nomadic campsite in tranquil palm oasis.
• After our meal, you’ll see a music and dance performance by the local women nomads of Chinguetti – a great way to learn about the region’s rich traditions, and dance with locals! Overnight in Chingguetti

Day 3 – Chinguetti – Choum – Mineral Train

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chinguetti, founded in the 13th century and considered to be one of Islam’s holiest cities. It served as an important center for Islamic scholarship, attracting students and scholars from across North Africa.
• You’ll discover its fascinating history as you visit one of the ancient libraries and iconic landmarks, including the beloved Friday Mosque of Chinguetti, the national symbol of Mauritania. Built of dry stone and wood, it is considered one of the oldest mosques still in use in the Islamic world. Whilst it’s not possible to enter inside it can be admired outside.

Afternoon

• On the way, we’ll stop for lunch and visit the stunning Amogjar Pass to see prehistoric rock paintings dating back 5,000 years and showing elephants, giraffes, humans,… We’ll also enjoy the view of the striking lava formations that define the region’s unique landscape.
• Prepare for Mauritania Iron Ore Train – we’ll stop at Atar Market to ensure the group is stocked up on plenty of water, fruits, and snacks for the train journey. Here you can buy traditional Mauritanian clothing and face coverings which are most ideal for riding the Iron Ore Train to shield your face from the sand and iron ore dust.
• Arrive at the town of Choum, the departure point for the Iron Ore Train
• Tour highlight – Board the world famous Mauritania Iron Ore Train, the longest and heaviest train in the world. You’ll be sitting in open-top cars, so ensure you’re equipped with warm clothing, goggles, and other protective gear to protect yourself from the sand and the cold at night. The train does not have a fixed departure but usually arrives between from 6:00pm to 11:00pm.
• Overnight on the train

Day 4 – Nouadhibou

Morning

• Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise over the vast Saharan Desert, an unforgettable start to the day.
• The train will arrive in Mauritania’s second largest city, Nouadhibou, expected arrival between 8:00am and 11:00am. Upon arrival, we’ll head to our hotel for a refreshing shower and some rest before heading out to explore the city.

Afternoon

• Lunch at a local restaurant in town
• Visit Cape Blanc, a peninsula shared between Mauritania and Western Sahara. This historic site was once the focal point of Spanish fishing expansions from the Canary Islands to the African coast. This is where the biggest ship graveyard used to be located until it was broken down into pieces and the steel sold by Chinese companies a few years ago.
• Cape Blanc is also home to a colony of Mediterranean monk seals, which you may have the chance to spot. You’ll also have the chance to go for a swim on the beach.
• Dinner at a family restaurant with a wide menu of delicious local dishes.
• Overnight at Hotel Le Bon Choix

Day 5 – Nouadhibou – Nouakchott

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel before boarding our 4x4s for the long drive back to Nouakchott (480km)

Afternoon

• On arrival, we’ll have lunch before exploring the city.
• Depending on the time we have, we’ll do the following sightseeing of Nouakchott:
• Head straight to the lively Atlantic fish market. Every evening hundreds of fishermen bring in the day’s catch on their distinct sea canoes recognized by their colourful hand-painted hulls. The catch is then brought by donkey cart to the city’s markets. Take a walk along the beach here too.
• On the way back, into the city you’ll pass massive embassies of the main players of the region – USA, China, France, and Russia
• Visit the National Museum where artefacts of the history of Mauritania and its ancient cities are on view
• Visit the local craft market where locals specialise in camel wool rugs
• Quick photo stop by the Great Mosque of Nouakchott, funded by Saudi Arabia and built in 1982.
• If you departure flight time permits we can arrange a farewell dinner downtown

Bespoke Mauritania Tours

We do not list all of our bespoke Mauritania itineraries, but can offer some examples, such as the following:

• Mauritania Adventure Tour – YPT can offer a tailored Mauritania tour to meet your adventure needs, including camping in remote picturesque locations and spending overnight on the Mauritania Mineral Train gazing upon the stars. We have in-depth experiences in this region and create a bespoke Mauritania tour for you.

• Mauritania Team-Building Tour – Our Mauritania Tours can be physically demanding. What YPT can offer to companies is precise and effective team building opportunities, which offer great opportunities for employees to reflect together with their co-workers on the overnight Mauritania Mineral Train.
• Mauritania Media Tour – YPT can help arrange an itinerary specially designed for the content you need in Mauritania. This includes a local guide who can take you to unique areas within Nouakchott and Nouadhibou to meet genuine local people to make your material stand out from the rest. You can read more about media travel here.
• Cultural Mauritania Tours – Experience Mauritania cultural heritage and explore the busy markets of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou sampling traditional food prepared by locals including mechoui to thieboudienne. Visit historical landmarks and learn about the French colonisation.
• Mauritania Road Trip – We can provide everything from 4×4 vehicles to take you out into the desert. YPT can provide first-rate bilingual (English or French) drivers and guide who have in-depth knowledge of the area.
• Mauritania Photography Tour – YPT can help arrange permits for camera equipment and transport to take you the most scenic destinations within Mauritania, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chinguetti and the camel market in Nouakchott.
• Mauritania University Tour – Learn about Mauritania ancient history and visit historical sites taking in recent events. See the impact of French colonisation and experience the local hospitality that Mauritanians offer. YPT can help organise exchange programmes which can be organised with the University of Nouakchott Al Aasriya.

Mauritania Tour Guides

Young Pioneer Tours work with the best Mauritanian tour guides. All are experts in their fields, know what they are talking about and speak English. Should you require a different language for an independent tour to Mauritania please get in touch.

Group tours to Mauritania are escorted by both an expert YPT guide, as well as a local Mauritania tour guide.

Riding the Mauritania Iron Ore Train

Boarding, disembarking, and riding the Iron Ore Train involves inherent risks. By participating in this tour, travellers acknowledge and accept the potential dangers, including unpredictable train movements, operational delays, encounters with other locals, and situations beyond the control of the tour operator or guides. Riders understand that the experience carries a degree of uncertainty, and that safety procedures will be followed to minimize risk, but cannot be guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions about Mauritania tours and travel

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about travel to Mauritania. Should your question not be listed, please get in touch to talk to one of our Mauritania travel experts!

Gallery