8-Day Western Africa Cross-Country Rail Journey: Morocco & Mauritania in April
Embark on a journey that redefines 'classic routes' by combining modern African infrastructure with the rawest form of travel on the planet. This 8-day itinerary focuses on the Western edge of the African continent, utilizing the region's most iconic rail systems to move from the vibrant, blooming landscapes of Morocco in April to the stark, majestic beauty of the Mauritanian Sahara.
Traveling on a lean budget of just $23.26 per day, you will navigate bustling souks, sleep in local hostels, and experience the legendary Iron Ore Train. April is the sweet spot for this route, offering mild Mediterranean spring weather and manageable temperatures in the desert before the summer heat intensifies.
Day 1: Tanger, Morocco - Mediterranean Gateway
Arrival at Tanger Ville
Arrive in the legendary port city of Tanger. Walk from the station to the Medina, where the scent of orange blossoms fills the air in April.
Grand Socco Street Food
Grab a 'Bocadillo' (Spanish-influenced sandwich) for less than $2 at the market entrance. Enjoy it while people-watching at the intersection of the old and new city.
Kasbah Museum and Views
Wander the blue-and-white streets of the Kasbah for free. Visit the viewpoint overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar to see Spain across the water.
Hostel Dinner in the Medina
Check into a budget hostel and join a communal tagine dinner to save costs and meet fellow backpackers.
Day 2: Tanger to Casablanca (Morocco) - High-Speed Spring
Al Boraq High-Speed Rail
Experience Africa's fastest train. The Al Boraq reaches 320km/h, whisking you south through blooming green fields. Book weeks in advance for the best rates.
Hassan II Mosque (Exterior)
Walk the Corniche to see this architectural marvel over the Atlantic. While the interior tour costs money, the exterior and the plaza are free and stunning.
Habous Quarter Exploration
Wander the 'New Medina' for a quieter, more traditional atmosphere. Visit the local bakeries for cheap Moroccan pastries.
Cheap Eats at Marche Central
Eat fresh grilled fish with the locals at the central market for a fraction of the price of tourist restaurants.
Day 3: Casablanca to Marrakech (Morocco) - Into the Red City
Inter-City Rail Journey
Board the classic train to Marrakech. This scenic 3-hour journey transitions from coastal plains to the arid, red landscapes of the Haouz plain.
Jemaa el-Fnaa Arrival
Drop your bags at a hostel near the square. Witness the square come to life with snake charmers and musicians as the sun begins to dip.
Koutoubia Mosque Gardens
Stroll through the rose gardens surrounding the mosque. In April, the flowers are in full bloom and the weather is perfect for a walk.
Night Market Food Stalls
Eat at Stall 1 or 14 for the best budget harira soup and mixed grills. It’s an essential, cheap, and high-energy Marrakech experience.
Day 4: Marrakech, Morocco - Souks & Secrets
Souk Navigation Challenge
Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of the souk. Focus on the artisans' quarters (leather, metal, wood) to see real craftsmanship without the pressure to buy.
Rahba Kedima Spice Square
Enjoy a cheap mint tea on a rooftop overlooking the spice market. It offers a great aerial view of the chaos below.
Bahia Palace
Visit this stunning 19th-century palace. While there is a small entry fee, the intricate tile work and courtyards are worth every cent.
Sunset at Cafe de France
Buy one cheap tea and stay for the sunset view over the Jemaa el-Fnaa. It’s the best free show in the city.
Day 5: Marrakech to Dakhla (Morocco/Western Sahara) - The Long South
The Supratours Connection
Since the rail ends at Marrakech, board the Supratours bus—the official rail-link bus. This is a long but vital journey through the Western Saharan coast.
Atlantic Coastal Views
The road hugs the dramatic cliffs of the Atlantic. Watch for shipwrecks and small fishing villages along the way.
Dinner Stop in Laayoune
A quick stop in the capital of Western Sahara for cheap Sahrawi tea and bread before continuing south.
Arrival in Dakhla
Arrive in the kite-surfing mecca. Check into a local guesthouse. The air here is noticeably cooler and saltier.
Day 6: Dakhla to Nouadhibou (Morocco to Mauritania) - Border Crossing
The Border Taxi
Take a shared 'grand taxi' from Dakhla to the border post at Guerguerat. This is the only way to cross the 'No Man's Land' into Mauritania.
Crossing No Man's Land
Traverse the 5km strip of desert between the two border posts. It’s a surreal experience of burnt-out cars and sand tracks.
Arrival in Nouadhibou
Welcome to Mauritania’s industrial heart. The city is famous for its ship graveyard and the start of the Iron Ore train line.
Street Food Fish
Eat grilled Atlantic fish at a local shack. Mauritanian hospitality is legendary; don't be surprised if you're invited for tea.
Day 7: Nouadhibou to Choum (Mauritania) - The Iron Ore Train
Stocking Up for the Desert
Buy plenty of water, bread, and a 'cheche' (headscarf). You are about to ride the longest and heaviest train in the world.
Boarding the Giant
The train arrives from the port. For the true budget experience, hop into an empty iron ore hopper for free. For a bit of comfort, find the single passenger carriage.
Sunset in the Hopper
As the train rumbles into the Sahara, watch the most incredible sunset of your life from the top of the train. The desert blooming in April adds a subtle green hue to the dunes.
Stargazing
With zero light pollution, the Saharan sky becomes a canopy of stars. This is the highlight of any West African rail adventure.
Day 8: Choum to Atar (Mauritania) - Desert Oasis Finish
Disembarking at Choum
Jump off the train in the dark at the desert outpost of Choum. Dust yourself off—you've just completed one of the world's toughest journeys.
Bush Taxi to Atar
Take a 4x4 shared taxi through the desert to the oasis town of Atar. The morning light reveals the incredible Adrar plateau.
Atar Market Exploration
Visit the local market to see nomadic traders and buy some famous Mauritanian dates.
Rest at Bab Sahara
Find a spot at a local campsite or hostel to recover from the train ride and share stories with other trans-Saharan travelers.
Best Time to Visit Africa & Oceania
April is an exceptional time for Western Africa. In Morocco, it marks the height of Spring, with vibrant greenery and comfortable temperatures (20-25°C) perfect for rail travel. In Mauritania, April is the last month of 'cool' weather before the intense Saharan summer heat arrives in May. For Oceania's western regions like Perth, April is early autumn, offering dry, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for the scenic 'Prospector' rail journeys.
Visas & Border Crossings
Most Western nationalities can enter Morocco visa-free for 90 days. For Mauritania, a visa-on-arrival is available for approximately 55 EUR at the Guerguerat border crossing (land) or Nouakchott airport. The border between Morocco and Mauritania is the only open land crossing between the Maghreb and Sub-Saharan Africa. Always carry multiple passport photos and crisp Euro/USD bills for fees. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity.
Getting Around Africa & Oceania
In Morocco, the ONCF rail network is the best in Africa, featuring the Al Boraq high-speed line and efficient InterCity trains. Where the rail ends, Supratours (owned by the rail company) provides seamless bus connections. In Mauritania, the Iron Ore train is the primary 'scenic' rail, though it is an industrial service. For those exploring Oceania, regional rail like the NSW TrainLink or the Indian Pacific provides vast cross-country options, though budget travelers often prefer the 'Prospector' for Western Australian legs.
