How to ride the Iron Ore Train in Mauritania - Against the Compass
Riding the World's Longest Train Across the Sahara
My experience crossing the Mauritanian Sahara on top of the Iron Ore Train, with all the practical information and personal tips and advice
This isn't just any train ride — it's a 700-kilometer journey across the Mauritanian Sahara on top of iron ore carriages, creating one of the world's most epic (and dusty) travel experiences. The train stretches up to 3 kilometers long and takes around 12-20 hours to cross the desert from the mining town of Zouérat to the port city of Nouadhibou. You'll be riding on open-top freight cars under the stars, watching endless dunes roll by while covered head-to-toe in iron ore dust.
Tip
Bring a sleeping bag, plenty of water, goggles and a scarf to protect against the iron ore dust, and expect delays — the train runs on mining schedule, not passenger timetables.
Best time to visit
Cooler months (November-February)