Stretching across the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, Mauritania’s iconic Train du Desert offers an unforgettable adventure for thrill-seekers and iron ore haulers alike.
Spanning 704 kilometres, this remarkable train runs from the remote iron ore mines of Zouérat to the Atlantic port city of Nouadhibou, traversing one of the most desolate yet stunning landscapes on Earth.
The line, constructed at an estimated cost of $50 million, serves as a vital lifeline for transporting iron ore from the interior to the coast.
While its primary cargo is iron ore, the train also presents a unique opportunity for passengers to experience the raw beauty of the Sahara.
Adventurous travellers can hitch a ride atop one of the open ore cars for free, enduring the extreme conditions of the desert as they make the 20-hour journey across scorching sands by day and freezing temperatures by night.
Riding atop the train is no ordinary rail journey—it’s an adventure that demands preparation.
Travellers need to pack enough food and water for the entire trip, as well as clothing suited for the Sahara’s unforgiving climate.
During the summer, temperatures soar into the triple digits, while in winter, nighttime temperatures can plunge below freezing.
Sunscreen is essential for daytime protection, and a sleeping bag offers some comfort for bedding down on the surprisingly soft piles of iron ore.
For those who prefer a more structured experience, the train sometimes carries a single-passenger car.
However, many adventurous souls choose the open-air route, basking in the surreal beauty of the desert as they ride the world’s longest freight train.
For travellers looking for a more organised desert journey, British travel outfitter Lupine
Travel offers guided trips on the Train du Desert. These tours often combine the iron ore train ride with visits to other striking Mauritanian destinations, such as the golden Azoueiga Dunes, the lush Terjit Oasis, and the ancient UNESCO World Heritage city of Ouadane.
Whether you ride atop the ore cars or take the passenger carriage, the Train du Desert offers a one-of-a-kind experience, revealing the vast, harsh, and starkly beautiful expanse of the Sahara Desert.
This epic 437-mile journey is more than just a ride—it’s a true test of endurance, adventure, and awe-inspiring scenery.
