Route & Purpose
The Mauritania Railway stretches some 704 km (≈ 437 miles) from the mining town of Zouérat to the Atlantic port of Nouadhibou.This line is the lifeline of the country’s iron-ore export industry, operated by the state-owned mining corporation Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM)
Train Specs & Experience
The freight train is epic in scale: up to three kilometres long, hauling over 200 freight wagons filled with iron ore, and transporting around 16 – 17 million tonnes annually.For adventurous travellers, there is an informal and thrilling option: ride on the wagon tops or step from a passenger carriage as it crosses the Sahara
Expect a raw journey across wild terrain: sand-storms, rumbling freight steel, nights under desert stars, and iron-dust coating your boots by dawn.
How to Ride It
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Where to board – Popular starting points are Zouérat (for full-load, outbound trains) or Choum (a shorter section) toward Nouadhibou
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Direction matters – Going from Zouérat → Nouadhibou gives you loaded wagons and a dramatic ride. Reverse direction often means empty containers and less appeal.
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No fixed schedule – The train can depart any time between midday and late evening; delays are common
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Pack accordingly – Bring warm layers for night, eye-protection for iron-dust, water, snacks. There are no regular amenities
Why It’s Unique
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It’s one of the longest and heaviest trains in the world
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The setting is the Sahara: coarse ore piled high, desert horizon unfolding to the sea, and a raw-travel experience few will ever do.
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It’s part of Mauritania’s industrial backbone: what you’re riding helps keep the country’s economy moving.
Safety & Considerations
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This journey is adventurous, not luxury. Risks include dust inhalation, extreme weather, and limited support if something goes wrong.
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Some travellers board illegally or informally; follow local rules and check legalities for your safety.
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Use a guide, carry basic safety gear, and be prepared for minimal facilities.
Final Thought
If you’re seeking a travel experience that combines raw nature, industrial scale and desert solitude, this train offers it in spades. Just know: you’ll be trading comfort for authenticity. Ride it well and with respect—for iron ore, for the Sahara, and for the country’s story.
Quick Facts Summary
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Start-End: Zouérat → Nouadhibou (~704 km)
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Train length: Up to ~3 km, >200 wagons
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Annual volume: ~16-17 million tonnes iron ore
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Travel style: Very basic, extreme-adventure
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Best season: Cooler months (Nov – Apr)
For more on Mauritania’s iron-ore export system and train experience, see Wikipedia’s “Mauritania Railway” and adventure-travel blogs cited in the references.
