Iron Ore Train
Photo: Vuxi, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The infamous Iron Ore Train, the longest and heaviest in the world, rumbles between Nouadhibou and Zouerat via Choum in Mauritania. You can ride it to get to... well, god knows where... but you can ride it. There are seats available, but what's the fun in that? You want the real experience? Sit with the ore. It's hot, and cold, and dirty, and it's one of Africa's greatest, and most uncomfortable, thrill rides. The train passes through the beautiful Mauritanian desert and its vast sand dunes and rock formations.
UnderstandConstruction of the Iron Ore railway line began in 1960, and the line opened 1963. It consists of a single, 704 km track linking the iron mining centre of Zouerat with the port of Nouadhibou, via Fderik and Choum.5-3 km.
PrepareThe 460-km journey to Choum runs daily, and typically takes 12-14 hr. It takes a further 5-6 hr to get to Zouerat.
Stay safeBe careful aboard the train as it lurches violently when accelerating or braking. But, then again, if safety (let alone comfort) is your primary concern, you might want to reconsider taking the Iron Ore Train.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Iron Ore Train" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Vuxi, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons