iron ore train mauritania

It goes to the iron ore mines in the centre of the Sahara, then returns, full of Iron Ore and runs all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, to the port town of Nouadhibou. But dont worry, it is not so easy to fall off the train even when it is fully loaded. Running 700km across the African country of Mauritania, this is technically a cargo only railway line. Arriving at one of the stations where you can board this train can be a bit tricky. Keep in mind that there is a lot of dust, so take with you special clothes and shoes, you dont mind getting dirty, which you will wear only on the train, because there is very little chance that you will find a washing machine in Mauritania and I can imagine, that removing dust off the clothes by hand can be pretty hard. I believe it was about 340km and there are markers on the way to Choum. For those with return flights from Nouakchott, we have a bus transfer back to the Capital City, it takes about 6 hours or so. Every country in the world (yaay! You should be able to find some locals that would gladly help you for a fraction of the cost that the big tour agencies charge. It wasnt comfortable in first place, but I would do it again and I believe that there are still many adventurers out there, who would love to experience this, so I wrote a few tips on how to experience such a unique train ride. + $25.05 shipping. That was probably a highlight of this ride, to see the sun climb up over the horizon as we could feel the rays of light getting warmer and warmer. The ride takes approximately two hours and the bus leaves at around 10 a.m., but the leaving time may vary as nobody exactly knows when the train arrives in Choum. Take clothes that will keep you warm in the cold desert night. The best way to do this is to check travel forums for information. Most of the time it is fast low budget backpacking, but from time to time I go for luxury., Follow Dangir onInstagram,FacebookandPinterest. Then back to our tented accommodation for the night. Measuring at up to 3 kilometers long (1.9 miles), trains that run on this 700-kilometer (435-mile) line are some of the longest and heaviest in the world. Starting in Nouakchott, we'll get to know our new group before we venture into the desert. Travel Hacks Lying outstretched in the back of my station wagon, the night was almost comfortable well not really, but better than expected. There is also a covered bus station, where you will spend the day, hidden from the sun, while waiting for the train. Thank you for your support. We have wanted to visit Mauritania for many years and our time here was very memorable!, you planned an exciting adventures itinerary where we could see the best sites, I cannot believe we survived the iron ore train ride!. Youll be filthy from the iron ore. Even with 40Celsius during daytime, temperatures drop fast and I was happy that I had blankets and a sleeping bag nearby. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me to keep the site going. Atlas HO Duluth Missabe & Iron Range Covered Hopper Item 941 Road 5018. They managed to fix it, but it broke again. Buy scrap iron,waste oil,iron ore on exporthub from high-apex group co., ltd the professional scrap iron waste, waste iron scrap manufacturer and supplier. Required fields are marked *. Mauritania forums . Even if you will not have any place to stay by the time, just look up on the internet and tell them a name of random hotel in Nouadhibou and you should be fine. Its just south of Morocco and north of Senegal. The Mauritanian Iron Ore Train is one of the most unique and incredible train journeys one can take. One last dinner & sleep in civilization before we head off to the desert. Another platform was already loaded for the trip back to Nouadhibou, while my car was just a stone throw away, without a chance of getting off. In 2018 Mauritania accepted new currency with exactly 10 times bigger value. Video Player is loading. This is the Exploding Hammer Festival. The train is said to be the longest one in the world, having over 220 cars and being over 2 kilometers long. This is the worlds deadliest (and longest) train. Answered: Hello, Could someone please let me know up to date timings of the iron ore train. Mauritania is one of theleast visited countries in the world, home to ancient Muslim cities, nomadic tribes, epic Sahara sand dunes, and of course the Iron Ore train. Did you know that in North korea, you can only visit 28 websites. Mauritanians are generally very polite people but are definitely not used to talking to Western (female) tourists. Ride the infamous Iron Ore Train across the Mauritanian desert with 15 other daredevil adventure travelers.One of the best trips Ive ever been on, this is the type ofraw adventure travelthat youll remember for the rest of your life. However, if you want the real experience of Mauritania's iron ore train, skip the passenger car. The train length expands to 2,5 kilometers with 200 train cars carrying cca 85 tons of iron ore from mines in Zouerat to Mauritania's second largest commercial centre Nouadihbou. In this article I will focus mainly on riding Iron Ore Train in Mauritania from Choum to Nouadhibou, because I did it that way. Twice daily over two hundred connected cars - a distance of nearly three kilometers - rumble along the tracks between the port city of Nouadhibou and the inland iron ore mines of Zouerate. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Mauritania, in West Africa, is what real travel is about. I suggest a combination of an anorak and fleece, which are lightweight and protect you from wind and cold. Reaching the Oasis of Toungad, where well stop for lunch. Photo: Hugh Carveth. The iron ore train that connects the iron ore mines in the town of Zourat to the port town of Nouadhibou in Mauritania. Fill out, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand | The Bucket List Series, The Amalfi Coast Road Trip in Italy | The Bucket List Series, Orangutan Tour An Extraordinary 2 day hike in the stunning Sumatran Rainforest, West Sicily Itinerary 13 Fabulous Things to Do in Western Sicily, Island Hopping Croatia 5 Utopian Islands of Southern Croatia, The Ultimate Italian Bucket List | 40+ Incredible Experiences in Italy, What to Take Hiking 15+ Important Things for Your Hiking Essentials List, Madrid In Winter: 30+ Fabulous Things to do during Winter in Madrid. I knew this from my tripsacross the Sahara Desert in the 70s & 80s and so I wasnt able to see anything when the train stopped at night. Big smiles, offers of local tea, wide-eyed smiles and genuine interest in where youre from. All forums . We needed some time to settle in before we were not sliding around anymore, all while experiencing the excitement that we were actually making this iconic train journey. [1] [2] It consists of a single, 704-kilometre (437 mi) railway line linking the iron mining centre of Zourat with the port of Nouadhibou, via Fderik and Choum. On a safety note, be careful on the train because people have fallen and died on these rides. Operating since 1963, the Iron Ore Train - Train du Desert in Mauritania - is a train that connects the iron ore mines in the town of Zourat, located deep into the Sahara, with the port of Nouadhibou, located on the Atlantic coast. Luckily we managed to get on the train on time. I try to experience different things. Manage Settings This year Im running an Iron Ore Train tour to Mauritania. In 2017 an embarked on his second solo backpacking trip, this time from Senegal to Morocco, through some of the remotest parts of Sahara desert, where he spent almost whole time with hospitable and extremely generous people living in harsh environment with basic essentials. . A mining center was constructed at Zouerate together with port facilities at Nouadhibou on the Atlantic coast, and both centers were linked by a railway line 700 km long. Three to four diesel locomotive cars drive the train of up to two hundred . Take care & all the best for your trip! For the intrepid, youll overland north to Western Sahara. - Camping gear on the Iron Ore Train - Single room supplement (we can allocate someone to share with on a group tour if you prefer to avoid this cost subject to availability) - Airport transfers Prices: Tour Price: 1685 Deposit: 450 Single Room Supplement: 280 Book Adventure Africa Desert Featured Iron Ore Train Mauritania Must Do Nouadhibou Photo Road Trip Sahara, I Finally Did It: Travelling On The Infamous Iron Ore Train In Mauritania.. Answer 31 of 38: Hey All -- I haven't seen any Iron Ore Train Guides on here yet so I wanted to copy and paste our experience (below). At this point, well hustle. The iron ore train was opened officially in 1963. I have a ton of travel experience, but I guess I am just wondering about when it gets dark and if anyone will hassle me. Our unconventional 700km journey took us right through the Sahara to reach the coast . Most of the time it is fast low budget backpacking, but from time to time I go for luxury., If youre planning your trip already, then check out these useful, Have a bucket list travel story of your own that just needs to be shared? I asked several officers and workers when my car would be unloaded and I got the same answer every time In a while Madam. Ride the infamous Iron Ore Train across the Mauritanian desert with 15 other daredevil adventure travelers. I want to ride on the top of the train, and I will be traveling alone. To allow for two-way traffic, nine sidings are distributed along the line to allow trains to pass. The car was unlocked from the platform, I drove down and followed the station masters car until I was on the right road back to Choum where I actually had planned to get off. Share this video: Mauritania's Iron Ore Train: World's most dangerous train Camping In The Sahara Desert Of Sudan, Africa. Day 6 - Noaudhibou- Noaukchott Morning An early rise for breakfast and the long drive to the Mauritanian capital city of Nouakchott Afternoon Other handy items are headlamps and goggles. It didnt take long and my platform was towed up and down the tracks to bring me to the unloading section. We'll hop on the back of the iron ore, and ride it through the night to the Atlantic coast. If you have photos/stories, please let us know. Before you go on the train, get yourself a turban or scarf to cover your mouth and nose. A long sleepless night on the iron ore was followed by few more hours of ride through the beautiful desert scenery in the daylight. Early arrival into the port town of Nouadhibou. We can partner with you and help promote trips, tours, sights and African destinations that wouldnt ordinarily be on average travellers radar. A few minutes later the train was back in motion with lots of noise. Our aim is to spread a passion for all types of travel to Africa, inspire and to encourage people to take first step into wonderful world of Africa! For locals, the iron ore train is a commuter rail; for foreigners, it's the ride of a lifetime. Copyright 2021 Safari Junkie | All Rights Reserved |, Crossing Border from Senegal to Mauritania, 20 Instagram Accounts Capturing Everyday Africa, 50 Movies Where the Action Happens in Africa, African Proverbs 300 Inspirational Proverbs and Quotes, How to Travel In Africa on a Tight Budget, How Safe is Zanzibar for Solo Female Traveller, Sacred Women Travel Womens Journey to Kenya. It doesn't get more real than this. The train runs from the iron mine in Zourate to the coastal town of. Preview. Distance: The train takes about 14-16 hours to Choum. Mostly to let the other trains pass by, but it is totally possible to jump off the train there too, though it is not recommended, because another train might not stop there. The first leg was a road to Atair in a shared taxi. Remote Work Also called the eighth wonder of the world, the Karakoram Highway is the highest road ever built. Waiting for the noise of the train approaching. Suddenly, we can see bright lights approaching in the distance, people start rushing, Josh and I pick up our backpacks and then just admire the train while its stopping. All of our fun facts are from the Around the World in 800 Facts series, by Jordan Simons. Electricity can be a problem in Pyongyang, so theyve had to be a bit inventive. And maybe another secret bar to celebrate. Twitter, We took some time to recuperate before moving back north towards Morocco. How many websites are there in North Korea? The Iron Ore Train is up to 2.5 kilometres long, making it one of the longest and heaviest in the world. Get notified by e-mail when a reply is posted. The train takes you through the remotest places of the Sahara Desert so you can imagine how bright the stars are there in the night and the milky way is clearly visible. Google, Iron Ore Train Experience Many travellers pack ski goggles for eye protection. (2022), 1000 True Fans Theory Explained: Monetise Your Online Following, 12 Tips to Start a YouTube Channel (The RIGHT Way), How to Start a Travel YouTube Channel (Do THIS First). I sat back down on top of my car and looked into the Mauritanian desert. The officers stared at me and my crying, not sure whether to be astonished or shocked and immediately started talking in their local language. It then unloads the iron ore in the Mauritanian coastal town of Nouadhibou, and returns empty, back deep into the Sahara, to the area around Zouerat, 700km from the coast. A bunch of people are standing by the small building in a tiny village Choum somewhere in the Mauritanian desert, as it is getting dark. 37-275D Bachmann OO 27 Ton Steel Tippler Wagon Iron Ore BR Grey (Pre-Owned) 21.95. I stepped down from platform and walked along the railway tracks up to the station office and demanded to speak to the station master. The train itself is rated as one of the heaviest trains in the world because of its incredible length and contents. About the trip Now, this is all still up for debate. Politeness is very helpful and Idemanded politely toseethe station master. On our return to Mauritania, Bostjan suggested this special experience, to ride the famous Iron Ore Train. Ask a question Recent Conversations. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. We start with hitting up the White Valley, via the epic Tifoujar mountain pass. Again, the turning of switches, pulling and pushing of wagons took two hours until my platform finally came to a halt somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Shiploading facilities are at Point Central, Nouadhibou. If you want more information, check out our website where we have another article and video on this trip. We arrived safely after 15 hours, but tired, dirty, hungry, and thirsty. If you have any questions, Id love to hear from you in the comments below. I promise you one thing: its all worth it, because this is nothing that youll come across twice. I got the hang of it after a couple of times. An action-packed day. $20.50. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. In Africa, in a while can mean one hour, five hours, 12 hours or more than 24 hours. Originally only used for the iron ore transportation, this line distinguishes itself by having the longest trains in the world as they are 1,25 mile long but they also are the slowest with a speed under 37 mph. Go check your inbox for your FREE TRAVEL PLANNER & information on the VIP area. Hes the owner of, I try to experience different things. Well reach one of Mauritanias absolute gems, the Terjit Oasis. Well check out the city, a museum, the administrative center. The Iron Ore train officially stops in three places, but, as you will notice, it actually stops several more times along the way. The train came to a stop even though we hadnt arrived at port yet. The Iron Ore Express shuttles people and ore from the desert to the coast on a single-track railway line of 419 miles (674 km). First, a few facts: Operating since 1963, the iron ore train covers 437 miles (704 kilometers) on its journey across the Sahara Desert from Nouadhibou, on the coast, to Zourat, an iron. The Mauritania Railway was opened in 1963, ten years after iron ore was discovered near Kediet ej Jill, Mauritania's highest mountain. Get your bags ready, your calf muscles prepped. I dont want to say too much, youll experience it soon enough. Unloading cars in Choum was only recently stopped, so there was no chance for me to get off here. Facebook, I love anything to do with off-beat travel, abandoned places, temples & ruins, street art, wildlife in its natural habitat, adventure sport..basically anything but the 9-5! Mauritania Tour (and Iron Ore Train!) Climb up or down only when the train is at a full stop and dont lean over the sides of the cart. Duplication and/ or copying of content (images, videos, written word) prohibited unless prior permission has been given. I've been travelling since the early 70s. Have a bucket list travel story of your own that just needs to be shared? After the second time it broke, another vehicle took us to our destination where we waited a few hours in the shade. The official stops are in Nouadhibou, Choum and Zouerate. 450km, so 5 or 6 hours inwards into the Sahara. It normally consist of 3 or 4 diesel-electric EMD locomotives, around 200 cars each carrying up to 84 tons of iron ore, and 2-3 service cars. No need to register, buy now! Since 1963, the Mauritania Railway has been transporting iron ore from the mining town of Zouerat to the fishing port of Nouadhibou. The Mauritania train is the longest train in the world at 2,500m. 2 NH Locations: Landcare Stone Madbury, NH Stratham Hill Stone Stratham, NH Shipping Nationwide Mauritania Tour (and Iron Ore Train!) Even though the ride is bumpy you can still enjoy watching the night sky, because I can guarantee you that you will not get any sleep at all. if it was said in the article, that the transport costs 2000 ougiyas, it should now cost 200 of the new currency. Do you think that would be ok for a woman going alone, if I dont have my own car? Morning arrived and I watched a beautiful sunrise while the train tugged leisurely into Choum. It is one of the least visited countries in the world- home to ancient holy cities, nomadic tribes, and the one of the . Get answers to your questions about Mauritania . So, after waiting another three hours in the soaring heat, with someone occasionally walking by, noticing my impatience yet not doing anything, my nerves went rock bottom. north korea But, I know my way around this city, so we may even find a little bar from our friends in-the-know. The Iron Ore: From Nouadhibou to Choum the train is empty. I explained my situation and he and the others didnt seem to be bothered at all and said that my car would be unloaded in a while. In one of the world's least visited countries, Mauritania. Then it was over, my nerves collapsed and I started crying. Aside from historical towns, the country is also home to the longest and heaviest train in the world. MAURITANIA - Life aboard the unique Iron Train (longest in the world).mp4 Its a beautiful, winding, loud, and epic journey through the Sahara. Sometimes 2 to 3 kilometers long. Mauritania is an epic, raw and off the beaten track country, home to a vast, jaw-dropping desert, occasionally dotted with ancient caravan cities, which once were important trading routes. Soon well reach the Ancient Dynasty of Azougui where we can visit the ruins and chill in the Palm Groves. He had read about this amazing experience, so he set about the preparations for our journey. Time runs slow here. Lunch on the beach and a visit to the local fish market. All rights reserved. The goal; to bring you the very best things that our fabulous planet has to offer. It was a new experience for sure. The Iron Ore train is definitely not a place to be digging through your bag, as the dust and the wind get aggressive. ), now onto the Seven Summits. Still can't believe I finally got the chance to do this one-of-a-kind experience in Mauritania. My name is Jordan Simons and over the past few years I've learned how to travel the world continuously. Trains on this track are among the longest and heaviest in the world with 200 cars, a single train can be up to 3 kilometers in length, weighing 16.000 tons with its cargo that are pulled by 4 diesel locomotives. If youve travelled the Middle East before, expect the same kind of warmth here. Bucketlist Check: Riding Iron Ore Train, the world's longest freight train! You'll ride with us from Choum close to the border of . Just epic. The total traffic averages is 16.6 million tons per year. Find the perfect iron ore train from zouerat stock photo. Read More North Koreas Wind-Powered BuildingsContinue. The Iron Ore train goes across the Sahara desert, connecting from the iron mines in the north of Mauritania to the city of Nouadhibou It is a 2.5km long train that is filled with iron ore every single day, and has been running for the past 50 years. DisclaimerCrafted with love by Ines Maria Gamler. It wasnt until I returned back home that I had time to reflect that I realised it would be difficult to match the experience of riding on the Ore Train. Iron ore is transported to port - a distance of some 700km - on SNIM's own railway. You can find more country fun facts on The Life of Jords YouTube & TikTok accounts. Feel the culture of the nomadic tribes, road trip deep into the desert, camping under the stars, but remember to watch out for wild camels as you cross the road though. Way, Way Off the Beaten Rails | The Iron-Ore Train of Mauritania by Chris Elliott It's dirty and it's dangerous and you probably shouldn't do it. Thank you so much for your lovely comment! Finally, around 8pm, after seven hours of waiting (talk about an immediate decision making), everything was set and the train took off honking repeatedly, taking the endless semicircle track out of Nouadhibou. Miferma (Mines de Fer de Mauritanie) was created in 1952 to exploit iron ore deposits in the Kedia d'Idjil area of northern Mauritania. Mauritania is a leading producer of iron ore, as well as copper, gold and silver. Can you please tell me if it is possible to get a visa at the land border with Morocco? While it is highly unlikely that anything serious will happen to you on Iron Ore train, you should be fully aware of the risk you take. In the daytime the ride is more enjoyable, since it is warm and you can watch the constantly changing scenery of endless desert as you move through it. Come and experience the most EPIC TRAVEL ADVENTURE on the planet, hitching a ride on the Iron Ore train through the Sahara. Mauritania Railway is one of a kind bucket list experience. The Iron Ore train goes across the Sahara desert, connecting from the iron mines in the north of Mauritania to the city of Nouadhibou. Indonesia Close by, though lightyears away, I could see the unloading facility for cars. Depending on your flight time, you can stay an extra night or leave the same day, we can help organise that stuff for you. Nationalisation of the Miferma consortium My ticket said no passengers in the car, but nobody obliged when I asked if I could spend the journey in or on the car. Cant even imagine what it was like to wait all those hours in the heat for your car to be unloaded! The Mauritania train is used to transport iron ore from the mines in the depths of the Sahara, all the way to the west coast of Africa. Adventure travel blogger with a big addiction to the World. Your message. Heres a video of me riding the Iron Ore train across Mauritania in 2022: Getting to the start point for the train is a little bit difficult. You should also cover your eyes and sunglasses work well in this case, though they dont completely protect your eyes. Culture shock. FULL DETAILS. In Mauritania, an iron ore train runs daily a 704-kilometer route from the interior of the country to the coast and back again. The Bucket List Series: A series of short, inspirational travel articles focusing on single bucket list experiences from all over the globe. Your Stories This evening I stopped near a military checkpoint along the road and asked for permission to sleep nearby, since there was no hotel to be found anywhere. Advertisement. Read our community guidelines. A 200-carriage, iron ore freighter in sub-Saharan Africa is no place for a white wedding dress. The next day we woke up before sunrise and sat, smoking a cigarette while waiting for the sun to rise above carts. Check departure times on arrival. A simplified look on the 700-km long iron ore train route and Mauritania But hidden away underneath the sand, away from the public in a remote corner and military zone, lay crazy amounts of precious iron ore deposits. 22,000 tons of iron ore mined in one of the world's largest iron ore mines in the Sahara desert town of Zouerat daily to the coastal town of Nouadhibou. So we're doing it again! Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Image: Mining Technology. It's overcrowded, uncomfortable and costs a small fee. That visceral experience was exactly what we got as we slithered night and day through the vast uninhabited desert, sleeping on top of Mauritania's infamous iron ore train. Starting from the mine would mean extra effort and no gain, so the logical choice is to get on at Choum, on the way to the sea. The History of the Iron Ore Train in Mauritania. The position of my platform was near the end of the train, so I was not bothered by anyone during the night. Take a ride on board Mauritania's Iron Ore Train, deemed by many to be the most dangerous railway in the world.

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