Dakhla Crossing
Travel overland from Dakhla in southern Morocco through the Guerguerat border crossing into Mauritania, with local guide support on the Mauritanian side from the moment you arrive. Continue to Nouadhibou, the Iron Ore Train, and the Sahara.
The Route
Your journey starts in Dakhla, a Moroccan-administered city at the southern tip of Western Sahara. Many travellers arrive by bus from Agadir, Marrakech, or Las Palmas, or by driving the N1 coastal road south. Dakhla has direct connections from Spain and the Canary Islands. It is the last major town before the Mauritanian border.
Starting pointThe crossing point between Western Sahara and Mauritania. Expect Moroccan exit formalities, a 4 km no-man's-land drive, and Mauritanian entry formalities (passport check, vehicle inspection if relevant, and registration). The crossing is open during daylight hours. Our guide meets you on the Mauritanian side.
2–4 hours at borderThe first major Mauritanian city, 60 km south of the border. A coastal town on the Atlantic, known for its fishing industry, the ship graveyard offshore, and as the terminus of the Iron Ore Train. Most travellers spend one night here before continuing south or east into the desert.
60 km from border (~1.5 hrs)From Nouadhibou, the most common route is to take the Iron Ore Train east to Choum (boarding the return train toward Atar and the Adrar plateau), or to drive south toward Atar directly. We advise on which route suits your timing and interests.
Iron Ore Train: 10–14 hrs to ChoumLogistics Split
After the Border
Nouadhibou is the starting point for two of the most compelling Mauritanian experiences. We can extend your trip into either, or both.
Common Questions
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at the Guerguerat border crossing. The fee is typically €55 in cash (euros or US dollars — bring exact change if possible). Always verify current requirements before departure, as visa rules can change.
Yes. The Guerguerat crossing handles private vehicles and overlanders. You will need your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a carnet de passage if applicable. We can advise on Mauritanian vehicle import procedures and can arrange a local guide to meet you across the border.
The crossing has been stable since 2020. The road through Western Sahara (the N1/Route Nationale) is paved and well-travelled. We monitor the situation continuously and will advise you if there are any concerns affecting the route.
Yes — this is actually one of the best itinerary combinations. Enter via Guerguerat, spend a night in Nouadhibou, board the Iron Ore Train toward Choum, and then explore the Adrar plateau before flying out of Atar or Nouakchott.
Allow 2–4 hours on a typical day. Mornings are usually faster. Peak times (Friday, weekends, and holidays) can be slower. We advise arriving at the Moroccan exit post no later than midday.
Message us with your arrival date in Dakhla, your group size, and how long you have in Mauritania. We'll put together a full itinerary from border crossing to final departure.