Packing List+Detailed Information Iron Ore Train Mauritania
Intro
At the moment, I am attempting to write about the actual Iron Ore Train post, but I am having difficulty uploading all of the pictures since I am in South Sudan. For now, I will leave you with a short synopsis of a packing list and detailed information on how to ride the iron ore train. Tomorrow, I will hopefully share the whole experience.
Packing List
8 liters of water per person
Enough food for 18 hours (packaged)
Ski Goggles
Face covering
Face masks (N95 or blue ones)
Blankets and layers (lots)
Plastic bags to cover your stuff in
A bloody smile
Getting on the train:
Hop on point: it is now F'derick, not Zouerat. The train can depart anytime after 12, but for me, it arrived in Fderik at 1:30 pm and departed at 2:15. Usually 12-4 in that window.
The hop-on point is by marker 628. To Choum (the first stop) is about 5 hours, give or take.
The train stopped at Choum for about 15 minutes.
Overnight gets cold even in the summer,r so bring layers. I had a ski jacket and a blanket, and my teeth were still chattering.
Arrival:
Arrived in Nouadhibou at 7:10 a.m.
Get off around the 20km mark and quickly. The train will stop for about 5 mins and you will see taxis chasing. Taxi to the town currently costs about 2-300 local currency (6$USD). Someone I know rode it all the way to the port and got arrested.
My Advice:
Change out your face mask every few hours as it will hurt your lungs breathing in iron ore. Mold the iron ore to create a bed while it is fresh when you get on.
Create a corner of the train car designated for a “toilet” and another for bags/supplies.
Everything is going to get dirty; my phone 2 months late, it still has iron ore in it.
From Nouakchott to Zouerat:
Bus to Atar- change to Zouerat (around 25$) Private driver 300$ Planes 131$ (often can be canceled like me,so have a backup)
It’s going to be cold, it’s going to be hot, it is the desert. However, sleeping under the stars and watching sundown/sunup is what makes it ever so beautiful.
Final Thoughts
If you plan on riding the Iron Ore train in Mauritania, this is pretty much all you need to know. If you have any more questions, I should have a long post out tomorrow detailing the whole experience. Hope this helps!
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