I’ve been fascinated by the idea of riding Mauritania’s Iron Ore train for years. Finally, in October 2023, I made it happen! Being from Singapore, many of my friends and family thought I was crazy for wanting to do it, especially since most of them don’t even know where Mauritania is.

I decided to do this trip on my own independently, instead of paying for tours from expensive tour companies.

Here’s what you need to know about riding the Iron Ore Train in Mauritania.

1. About Mauritania’s Iron Ore Train
Since 1963, the Iron Ore Train, also known as Train du Desert in Mauritania, has been running between the iron ore mines in Zouérat, deep in the Sahara, and the port of Nouadhibou on the Atlantic coast.

This train’s main job is to transport thousands of tonnes of iron ore in over 200 wagons. It’s the longest and heaviest train in the world, stretching up to 2.5 km long, and sometimes even reaching 3 km depending on the load. The train is run by the national mining and industrial company (SNIM).

There’s a total of THREE “stations” that the train travel to: Zouerat to Choum to Nouadhibou.

Zouérat:
This is where the train starts. Zouérat is a mining town about 700 km from the Mauritanian coast, where the iron ore mines are located.
Choum:
A small settlement between Zouérat and Atar where most trains make a brief stop to load and unload passengers and cargo.
Nouadhibou:
Mauritania’s second-largest city and the train’s final destination. The iron ore is unloaded at the port in Nouadhibou.

 

2. Getting into Mauritania.

Most nationalities need a visa to visit Mauritania. Here are some information about visa requirements on visiting Mauritania.

Visa-Free: 
Algeria, Ivory Coast, the Gambia, Libya, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Tunisia 

Visa on Arrival:
All other countries.
(You can get them from any international airport, as well as any land border crossings)
(I got mine from the Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport at €55)

Choum to Nouadhibou: 14-16 hours
Zouérat to Nouadhibou: 18-22 hours

3. How much does it cost to ride the train?

There are two options to ride the train.
1. Top of the Iron Ore in the cabins (FREE OF CHARGE)
2. Passenger Cabin (I didn’t take this, but online sources stated US$5. But, why would you want this option?)

You can also ride the train in both directions. Riding from Nouadhibou to Zouérat (west-bound) will be without the ore.

4. Location of each train “station”.

5. Do the train operate everyday?

YES!

However, the time that the train arrives at your selected “station”, is highly dependable on how quickly or slowly the wagons are filled up. Please take note that there are over 200 wagons. The best way of knowing, will be to asking the locals that are at the “station” with you. They get regular update from their friend at the ore mine.

I personally had to wait a total of 12 hours for the train to arrive in Choum, as the previously “scheduled” train came without stopping (even after trying to wave at the conductor from afar).

Patience is key when you are in Mauritania.

6. Eating, Drinking, and Peeing on the train

Like how you would eat a chocolate bar or biscuits in your moving car, having a snack on the train is totally doable. As long as your meal does not require a set of utensils, you are good. Just make sure that you are not facing the wind when you munch that snack.

Surprisingly, my 16-hour train ride didn’t make me hungry at all – maybe it was the adrenaline.

When nature calls,, do it on the ore itself (not at the location where you sit of course). On the other side of the wagon. Just make sure you hold on to the side of the wagon, as there may be unexpected bumps and jolts when the train is moving.

Occationally, the train stops will stop (for whatever reason). This would be the safest time to empty your bladder.

7. What is the best time of the year to take the train?

I personally rode the train in late October. Do note that the temperature drops significantly at night, and the sun will be scorching at noon time. Ensure that you have the proper clothing and hydration needed.

8. Packing list for the iron ore train.

Here’s a list of items that I personally brought (and would love to be brought) on the train for my ride.

1. 1. Face Mask (Covering your nose and mouth)

1. 1. Ski goggles (Preventing the dust from entering your eyes) – HIGHLY RECCOMENDED

1. 1. Blanket (you can purchase this from a local shop in Atar) – HIGHLY RECCOMENDED

1. 1. Head Scarf (Wrap your face and head)

1. 1. Food (Snacks, nuts, and other easy-to-eat food)

1. 1. Water (2 to 3 litres) – HIGHLY RECCOMENDED

1. 1. Torch Light (Head torch or hand torch) – HIGHLY RECCOMENDED

1. 1. Ziplock bags (For mobile phone or camera protection)

1. 1. Gloves

(If you have any other items you think might be good for the ride, please leave a comment below.)

9. Final Thoughts

I am very thankful to have a crazy friend (Paulina you rock star!), to join me on this trip. I even met a Japanese solo traveller (Ryotaro). It is an experience that we will never forget,

This train journey will tick all the boxes of an adventurous traveller. And if you are one, DO IT. Imagine the stories you can share with your friends!

If you have any questions about riding the train independently, or moving around the country, please feel free to comment below. Thank you for reading.