We rode Mauritania iron ore train. As of 2025, SNIM the company that operates it has banned tourists from riding atop the wagons. What was once tolerated is now illegal, and police may stop anyone attempting it, unless you ride inside the passenger carriage.
We waited for hours on a barren stretch of sand next to the tracks, stretching endlessly into the desert. When the massive iron ore train finally arrived, we sprinted with our backpacks and climbed atop a wagon just behind the locomotive a first and likely last for me.
The journey carried us through the desert, under sunsets and sunrises, sixteen hours overnight across the Sahara to the coast, alone under the stars. And the ride was free. Seven hundred kilometers of pure adventure, our only route to Nouadhibou.
Africa offers a few extreme train experiences. The Tazara Mauritania’s Iron Ore Train winds for three days through Zambia and Tanzania’s forests and savannahs. Mauritania’s iron ore train, by contrast, is a freight train the world’s longest in its category stretching two to three kilometers and hauling up to 200 wagons of iron ore from Zouerat to Nouadhibou. You can ride it too, though now only legally inside the passenger carriage.
Before You Go
Getting to Mauritania is the first step. If you’re coming from Morocco through Western Sahara, check whether the disputed border is open it was closed when we traveled. From Senegal, the Rosso border can be chaotic, with intense and sometimes borderline harassing checks.
Plan your Mauritania’s Iron Ore Train direction carefully. We rode from Zouerat in the interior to Nouadhibou on the coast, the recommended route. Wagons heading this way are loaded with iron ore, offering a dramatic perch on top. Going the other way means empty wagons, often riding in the bottom of a container—not quite the same experience.
The train has a passenger carriage at the rear, just outside Zouerat. Tickets are likely available there, but riding inside crowded cars pales in comparison to sitting atop iron ore.
Dress and pack for comfort and safety. Desert nights, especially in winter, can be cold. Bring blankets, long underwear, hoodies, pants, and sleeping bags. The journey lasts up to 18 hours, and iron ore is dusty—coarse powder or rocky chunks. Expect to get dirty; many clothes may not survive the trip. Ski goggles are essential to protect your eyes, and a tagelmust (or hawli) wraps sand, sun, and iron ore off your face.
Carry water and food, as the desert offers few resources and breakdowns are possible. Protect valuables like laptops in a large garbage bag to guard against grit.
For general Mauritania travel, bring multiple passport photocopies for local authorities and have the contact details of your accommodations ready. Even if you don’t stay there, officials like to know you have a plan.
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Going It Alone – Is the Iron Ore Train Safe?
We rode the iron ore train in December 2021, completely alone on top of the wagons. It felt wild, exhilarating, and unforgettable.
Some tour operators now offer organized trips that include a train ride, but doing it with a group can take away the thrill, turning an epic adventure into just another train ride.
Once we were moving, we felt safe. The only nerve-wracking moment was climbing aboard, but moving quickly made it manageable. Stops like Choum, with voices in the dark and people boarding or disembarking, might feel uneasy alone but as a pair, it was fine.
If you’re nervous about riding solo through the desert overnight, consider connecting with other travelers beforehand. Facebook groups or local guesthouses like Auberge Triskell in Nouakchott can help you find a travel companion.
Tours may simplify logistics, reduce wait times, and ease nerves, but part of the adventure is embracing the unknown. Riding this train alone or with a friend is all about plunging into a raw, unforgettable experience.
Getting to Zouerat
We reached Zouerat by minibus from Atar a four-hour journey. Near town, a police checkpoint caused a scene. One gendarme insisted we step out, bring our fiches into his shipping container office, and explain our visit. Despite limited French, we convinced his supervisor, Boubacar, of our intentions. He even gave us his phone number on a scrap of cardboard before letting us continue, after we promised to call when leaving town.
In Zouerat, we first stayed at Hotel Tiris Zemmour, but found the value lacking. Instead, we chose the simple yet welcoming Auberge Ba Dijirbl. The family running it treated us like guests, shared meals, and even provided a hotspot when Wi-Fi and local SIMs failed.
Catching the Iron Ore Train
The iron ore train runs daily in both directions but has no fixed schedule. From Zouerat, it typically departs after 13:00. We planned to hitch a ride on top, so we headed to Fderik, about 20 minutes by taxi, to catch the train where the passenger wagon is usually attached.
Fderik is a simple stretch of sand and tracks. Arriving early gave us a safe spot near the locomotive—essential, since the train can be over 200 wagons long, kicking up a storm of dust. We waited in front of a small shed, preparing our makeshift bedding in a trench we dug in the iron ore with a discarded plastic jug.
The train finally appeared around 16:30. Adrenaline surged as we sprinted to a wagon just behind the locomotive, climbing atop a heap of black powder. With backpacks and water secured, we settled onto wagon six, surveying the endless desert ahead. A conductor watched from the first wagon, giving a thumbs-up before signaling us to sit low as the train rumbled to life.
Speeding through the Sahara at 35–50 km/h, we were mesmerized by the desert rolling past. A parallel road revealed a broken-down bus; passengers waved as we rolled by, and we hollered back in exhilaration. At dusk, the train stopped briefly for the crew to pray, their shadows stretching across the sand.
As night fell, we huddled in our sleeping bags atop the iron ore, under a blanket of stars. Alone on a train in the endless desert, the experience was surreal intense, unforgettable, and completely worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to ride the train on top of the wagons?
Riding on top is thrilling but comes with risks. Solo travelers should exercise caution. Traveling with a friend or connecting with other independent travelers can make it safer. Once on the move, most riders report feeling secure.
Can tourists still ride on top of the train in 2025?
No. As of 2025, SNIM has banned tourists from riding atop the wagons. Riding on top is illegal; only the passenger carriage at the rear is allowed for visitors.
How long is the journey?
The ride from Zouerat to Nouadhibou covers roughly 700 kilometers and can take 16–18 hours, often overnight.
What should I bring?
Pack warm clothing for desert nights, sleeping bags, blankets, goggles, water, snacks, and protective gear for valuables. A tagelmust or scarf helps shield against dust and sun.
How do I get to the train?
Most travelers reach Zouerat by minibus or taxi. From there, head to Fderik to catch the train near the passenger wagon attachment point. The train doesn’t run on a fixed schedule, so arrive early and be prepared to wait.
Are there accommodations in Zouerat?
Yes. Options include Hotel Tiris Zemmour and the simpler, welcoming Auberge Ba Dijirbl, where families often provide meals and internet access.
Can I join a tour instead of traveling independently?
Yes, tours exist and can simplify logistics and reduce wait times. However, riding independently offers the raw adventure that makes this journey unique.
Conclusion
Riding Mauritania’s iron ore train is more than a journey—it’s a true adventure through the vast Sahara, blending exhilaration, isolation, and raw beauty. From the endless desert vistas to the rhythm of the train beneath you, it’s an experience unlike any other. While regulations now restrict tourists to the passenger carriage, the story of climbing atop wagons, watching sunsets and stars across the desert, and sharing a once-in-a-lifetime ride will stay with travelers forever.
