A growing number of adventure seekers are taking the iron ore train to explore the Sahara Desert in Mauritania.
Image: Fabian Struwe/Unsplash
Imagine embarking on an 18-hour journey across the sprawling Sahara Desert aboard a train laden with tons of iron ore. There are no bathing facilities, limited opportunities for breaks, and the only relief offered is a rudimentary hole dug into the ore itself.
For many, this is not merely a harrowing trek but a thrilling “raw and authentic adventure”. Welcome aboard the Iron Ore Train in Mauritania – a unique experience that has stirred debate amid its growing popularity.
Affectionately dubbed “The Snake of the Desert”, the Iron Ore Train stretches between Zouerat, a mining town in the heart of the Sahara, and Nouadhibou, the nation’s second-largest city, located on the northwest coast.
The train can reach lengths of 2.5 to 3 kilometres as it transports iron ore - both in powder and chunk form - over a distance of approximately 700 kilometres, taking about 22 hours to complete its journey.
Amid this iron-laden cargo, local commuters often hitch a ride, with many opting for the adventurous allure of balancing atop iron ore heaps.
Although there’s an official passenger carriage available for about €15, many locals choose the clandestine option of hitching a ride on the ore carriages. This trend caught the eye of adventurous travellers keen on seeking unique experiences.
A few years ago, the opportunity to hitchhike on the train was shared across social media, escalating its allure as a bucket-list item for some.
However, this growing phenomenon, shared by content creators on TikTok, has sparked controversy.
Videos showcasing the iron ore train experience have prompted questions about the motives behind such travels.
@wild_milk, an outspoken TikTok user, questioned the romanticisation of what she perceives as an arduous ordeal: “What do you mean people are glamorising a 17-hour train ride in an iron ore train just so people can cosplay Dune on IG? Sorry, but I’m not falling for the propaganda.”
Her comments have resonated with others, generating a rich dialogue on the ethics of poverty tourism.
One user, @alexanblah, remarked, “These folks will pay thousands of dollars to do this, but won’t go to certain neighbourhoods in their community.”
Another user, @toothpick8128, highlighted the stark contrast between the experience of local merchants, who rely on the train for their livelihoods, and affluent tourists aiming for adventure: “Additionally, the iron ore train is used by merchants living in poverty to make money. It’s a means of survival for some and a bucket-list item for others. It never sat right with me.”
Moreover, it’s crucial to acknowledge that hitching a ride on the iron ore train is currently illegal for tourists due to safety concerns and incidents of rule breaches.
SNIM, the operating company, has officially banned tourists from riding on its ore cars, though there are suggestions that a designated passenger carriage may still be accessible with prior arrangements.
As more intrepid travellers seek authenticity in their adventures, the iron ore train in Mauritania stands at a crossroads.
While it offers an unparalleled look at life across the Sahara, the implications of such choices merit serious reflection.
Will the allure of adventure overshadow ethical considerations, or can experiences like these foster greater awareness and connection with local cultures?