The World’s Deadliest Train – Mauritania Iron Ore Train
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The World’s Deadliest Train – Mauritania Iron Ore Train
Fun Fact About Mauritania
This is the world’s deadliest (and longest) train.
Did you know that Mauritania is home to the world’s longest, and possibly most deadly, passenger train.
It’s full of iron ore, can be up to 2.5km long and has been running every day for the past 50 years.
You can also hitchhike it and travel across the Sahara desert in style… just make sure you don’t fall off.
Here’s a video of me riding the Iron Ore train across Mauritania in 2022:
How can I ride the Iron Ore train?
Getting to the start point for the train is a little bit difficult.
It’s possible to do on your own, but challenging. You will most likely need a local guide.
Well.. you’re in luck! This year I’m running an Iron Ore Train tour to Mauritania.
This is by far the easiest way to ride the train and see the beauty of the rest of the country too.
Where is the Iron Ore train?
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.
Here is a map of the Iron Ore train’s route:
Where is Mauritania?
Mauritania is a country in West Africa. It’s just south of Morocco and north of Senegal.
Mauritania is one of the least visited countries in the world, home to ancient Muslim cities, nomadic tribes, epic Sahara sand dunes, and of course – the Iron Ore train.
You can check where Mauritania is on Google Maps here:
How safe is Mauritania?
Mauritania is perfectly safe to travel.
The people of Mauritania are very open to the few tourists they receive, and welcome foreigners with open arms. Big smiles, offers of local tea, wide-eyed smiles and genuine interest in where you’re from.
If you’ve travelled the Middle East before, expect the same kind of warmth here.
That being said, many of the older generation in Mauritania have outdated views on women traveling alone and on LGBTQ issues.
You can find more country fun facts on The Life of Jord’s YouTube & TikTok accounts.
All of our fun facts are from the Around the World in 800 Facts series, by Jordan Simons.
If you have a fun country fact to contribute, please drop it in the comments below.
