Iron Ore Express | Journey Across Mauritania feat. WESTERN SAHARA

Hop on board rail journey of a lifetime on longest train in the world for TREKKUP to Mauritania. Atop heaps of iron ore and below the stars we journey most daring way and surely you will earn star status as true adventure seeker!

Journey begins in Nouakchott along the Atlantic Ocean before our 4x4 caravan heads into the vast dunes of the Sahara. Most attractive Moorish oasis town of Chinguetti along the “coast” of the great Saharan sand ocean with labyrinthine lanes along stone mosques and libraries. We’ll trade wares and ride camels along ancient trade routes and watch sunsets on oceans of sand.

Highlight of our journey will be hopping on board train in Choum along the eastern corner of Western Sahara. We’ll pack our provisions and warm blankets for the night before climbing on board the longest train in the world at nearly 3 kilometres of rail cars packed with iron ore. As it lumbers through the desert sands we’ll sit atop heaps of ore for comfy night under stars and truly unforgettable experience!

With 7th Century oasis villages, endless golden sand dunes, and most unique rail journey in Western Africa, this trip will make you true traveller to places unknown.

This time we invite you to join us for an extended journey to check out on enigmatic Western Sahara, safe but disputed territory between Morocco and self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.

Let's go!!

Day 01 // DEC 01 // Departure
Meeting at 06am at DXB T3 for recommended flight to Casablanca 07:25-13:10.

Alternatively, meeting at Casablanca airport at 22:00, for connecting flight to Nouakchott, 23:55-01:50 (+1).

Day 02 // DEC 02 // Noaukchott

Arrival and visa formalities before transfer to hotel in Nouakchott for short rest.

After breakfast and first look at city, obtain provisions and begin journey through sand swept vistas, caravan routes and sand dunes on the way to Chinguetti. Arrival late afternoon and catch the sunset atop the dunes overlooking Tenewchert Oasis before returning to hotel for dinner and rest.

Day 03 // DEC 03 // Chinguetti
Our first stop will be the ancient library and ruins of Chinguetti. We’ll meet the local librarian for poetry and stories before continuing to wander the many hidden corners of this 7th century city on a hill. Dinner and night in hotel.

DAY 04 // DEC 04 // Chinguetti to Attar + night on the Wagons

We leave Chinguetti behind and head to city of Attar to replenish stocks.
Quick look at the 2 kilometer long tunnel carved entirely through solid granite in the 1960s by French colonial authorities for the train to avoid entering Spanish-controlled territory of Western Sahara. It's also refered as "monument to European stupidity in Africa".

We will not hesitate to cross to Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, partially recognized state in the western Maghreb.

With our blankets and provisions ready, we’ll hop aboard the longest train in the world, atop the iron ore and under the stars we sleep.

Day 05 // DEC 05 // Nouadhibou to Western Sahara
After hopping off the train, back to 4x4s for quick ride around town and absorb the amazing journey with a pinch of ore, before heading to hotel to wash off the dust. After lunch we’ll check out from Mauritania and cross the border to Western Sahara.

Drive across the plains of Sahara to Dakhla.
Check-in to hotel, time at leisure to explore the city or and relax at the marina under the orange sunset.

Day 06 // DEC 06 // Dakhla (WESTERN SAHARA)
In the morning return flight to Casablanca, VIL-CMN 09:00-11:00 and further back home.

Level of Difficulty:
Easy with limited facilities ahead. Open train ride is somewhat rough experience.

Activities:
Light trekking, off-roading, sightseeing, open-wagon riding.

Duration: 6 days.

Accommodation & Meals: Basic hotels and meals included, double sharing.

Cost: 6,900 AED excluding flights, until AUG 15th.
Past this date cost will change.

Flights on Emirates DXB-CMN excluded from trip budget, approx. 3800 AED.

Connecting flights from Casablanca are included in trip budget:
DAY 01 :: CMN-NKC 23:55 - 01:50 (+1)
DAY 06 :: VIL-CMN 09:00 - 11:00

Visa:
Mauritania & Morocco: e-visa
Several passports are visa free to Morocco.

See yah in Mauritania x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / docs@trekkup.com
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup