Mauritania

The Desert Train

Cross the Sahara Desert on board the world's most dangerous train!

I accept the mission !

Mission Order

Cross the Sahara Desert aboard the world's most dangerous train for 24 hours. Cross Mauritania with the best team to reach the lost iron mine from which the train will depart!​

You'll pass through stretches of sand as far as the eye can see, canyons and oases lost in the middle of the desert. Mauritania challenges you and is waiting for you.

September-December, February-June.      6-7 days       5-6 nights

 Program

Day 1
Welcome to Mauritania

Arrival in Nouakchott, briefing and preparation for the expedition.

Day 2
Terjit Oasis

You will take the road across the country towards the famous iron mine, but the road is long. First stop is the Terjit oasis, a little green paradise in the middle of the desert.

Day 3
The gates of the Sahara

Stage 2 : the town of Chinguetti, a unesco World Heritage site, buried in the sands at the gateway to the Sahara. To get there, you'll cross the Ardar plateau, mountains and canyons as far as the eye can see, without seeing a soul.

Day 4 - 5
The Train

The final stretch to the mission objective. It's time to infiltrate the mining town of Zouérate. You'll wait in our hideout for the go-ahead from our local contacts before going to the mine and boarding the famous train as soon as it's loaded. You'll either embark on a cargo of rock or iron powder.

You will reach the ocean by crossing the entire Sahara. It will take between 20 and 24 hours. Enjoy the journey and good luck.

Day 6
Nouadhibou 

As soon as you reach the coast, you'll jump off the train onto a wasteland where a few taxis will be fighting to get you there. You'll have a shower and a meal with a local before visiting the fishing town. Depending on the time, you'll head back to the capital.

Day 7
Nouakchott and Return

On this last day of your adventure, you'll set off to explore Mauritania's capital, with its camel markets, mosques and other sights, before saying goodbye.



Included


  • Transfer to and from the airport
  • Accommodation during the mission
  • Transport across the country
  • All meals
  • Your mission guide services
  • Follow-up and advice on organising and on taking your flights


Not included


  • Return flights to and from Mauritania
  • Your personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
  • Tips for local staff
  • Personal insurance (you will be subject to a liability waiver)
  • Visa of €50 issued on arrival



Mission Overview


 FAQ​

You'll need a valid passport and pay a €50 visa when you arrive at the airport (no need to apply in advance).

 

No vaccinations are required, but it is always advisable to take your vaccination booklet with you if you have one. COVID just in case.

Take out your own travel insurance. You will sign a liability waiver.

You are responsible for yourselves.

I'll talk to you personally to make sure you've got everything you need, depending on where you're from.

I'll send you a packlist in due course, but I can already tell you that your best friend is going to be a ski mask, so get it ready now!

The price of this trip varies according to the number of people and includes the items listed above:

- 1450€ for 1 person

- 1250€ for 2 persons

- 1150€ for 3 persons or more

Many adventurers like you dream of living the most impressive and incredible experiences. Only, it's more fun with friends and makes for unforgettable memories to share. But when it comes to extreme expeditions, it's sometimes hard to find friends who are ready to experience the unthinkable and step out of their comfort zone. That's why I've created a Facebook group"les sunlights des tropiques"  where you can find other ‘Travel Buddies’ and where you can share your best moments, ask questions and get advice!

Sometimes you'll sleep with local people, sometimes in nomad tents, you'll spend one night in a hostel and one night on the train!

Is Mauritania safe ?

As in every country in the world, you have to be careful where you step. The mission is taking place in the west of the country, which does not present any particular security risks. The east of the country, particularly in the area bordering Mali, exposes Mauritania to the risk of infiltration by terrorist groups and the risk of attacks, but we are a long way from this zone.

You'll be in the best hands, and everything will go perfectly smoothly as long as you respect the place and its inhabitants.

If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them. You can contact me by email, by message on Whatsapp or we can also call each other.

your mission if you choose to accept it...

I want to customise my expedition to Mauritania

Let's talk about finding the best solution for your tailor-made trip!

Let's go !