Mauritania Railway
Modernisation, Facts & Travel Guide
Introduction
The Mauritania Railway stretches deep into the Sahara, hauling iron ore from the mines at Zouérat to the Atlantic coast at Nouadhibou. In 2025, it is undergoing one of the most significant upgrades in its history. Whether you are a logistics professional, infrastructure enthusiast or a traveller drawn to extreme terrain, this article offers an authoritative, readable look into the railway’s past, its transformation and why it matters today.
What Is the Mauritania Railway?
History and Purpose
The Mauritania Railway was built to connect the iron‑ore mining region around Zouérat in northern Mauritania with the coastal port of Nouadhibou. It is operated by the state mining and rail company Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM).
Construction began around 1960, and the line opened by 1963.Its main role: moving large volumes of iron ore through remote desert terrain for export.
Key Facts and Specifications
Here are the most important figures:
- Line length: approximately 704 km from Zouérat to Nouadhibou
- Operator: SNIM owns both the mining operations and the rail corridor.
- Train length: freight runs up to ~2‑3 km long, making it among the longest in the world.
- 2025 upgrade: the rail line will be extended by roughly 42 km to new mining sites at El Aouj and Atomai to meet growing transport demand.
- Takeaway: This is a major freight corridor, not a tourist ride.
A Journey Through the Landscape
Route Experience
Travelling along the Mauritania Railway means witnessing a harsh and beautiful environment. The train crosses vast dunes, desert plateaus and remote mining communities under intense sun by day and chilly nights. According to one account:
- The train can reach up to three kilometres in length … pulling over 200 wagons through the Sahara.”
Visiting and Observer Tips
If you plan to observe or travel part of the route:
- Be aware of access restrictions. As of 2025, SNIM has tightened access to riding on top of ore wagons
- Bring appropriate gear: dust mask, goggles, sun‑hat, plenty of water, and reliable transport.
- Choose vantage points wisely: towns such as Choum or Nouadhibou serve as practical entry points.
Takeaway: Visiting this railway is more expedition than a casual tourist excursion.
The 2025 Modernisation: What’s Changing
Upgrade Highlights
The 2025 upgrade programme is large‑scale and strategic. Key components:
- Extension of ~42 km to mining sites at El Aouj and Atomai
- Financing: The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a loan of about USD 125 million (~EUR 107 m) as part of a broader USD 512 million upgrade.
- Rolling stock and infrastructure improvements: new locomotives, additional wagons, maintenance depots and upgraded infrastructure.
Strategic, Social and Environmental Significance
The modernisation is more than track‑laying:
- It aims to prevent modal shift from rail to heavy trucks, reducing road wear, emissions and improving safety
- Local processing targets: SNIM plans increased domestic processing of ore to add more value locally rather than simply exporting raw material.
- Governance and sustainability: SNIM established a new subsidiary to strengthen oversight of subcontracting and investment efficiency
Takeaway: The upgrade positions the Mauritania Railway as a modern node in mining, logistics and sustainable infrastructure.
Why It Matters: Industry, Nation & Global
Technical and Operational Insights
- Heavy‑haul freight in the Sahara brings unique challenges: extreme heat, remote terrain, and very long train consists. Upgrading the corridor improves availability, lowers cost per tonne and supports export growth.
- Trains on the railway are up to 3 km in length, consist of 200‑210 cars each carrying up to 84 t of ore.
Economic and Social Impact
- Iron‑ore exports are crucial to Mauritania’s economy; efficient rail logistics strengthen national competitiveness.
- Infrastructure investment brings jobs, skills and development to remote internal regions.
- The desert railway links remote mining communities with coastal export hubs – a key logistic lifeline.
Global Relevance
For infrastructure professionals, mining analysts and transport planners, the Mauritania Railway offers a case study in:
- heavy‑haul freight in extreme terrain
- mining‑logistics integration
- sustainable development in an export‑heavy economy
Takeaway: The railway is both a national asset and a global example of remote logistics at scale.
Planning a Visit (for UK‑Based Travellers)
Logistics & Entry
- Flights typically route via Europe (Paris, Casablanca) into Nouakchott or sometimes directly to Nouadhibou.
- As of January 2025, Mauritania introduced an online visa application portal, although payment on arrival remains common (€55/$60).
- Climate: Desert environment — hot days, cold nights, sand/dust are constant companions.
What to Pack, Photograph & Expect
- Essential kit: protective eyewear, sun protection, dust mask, high‑capacity water, socks/layers for nights.
- Photography tips: early morning or late afternoon light gives the best contrast; vantage with train + desert works well.
- Accommodation/transport: very limited along the track; plan lodging (Nouadhibou, Zouérat) and vehicle support ahead.
Alternative Experience Options
Because riding on top of ore wagons is now discouraged or restricted:
- Observe the train from trackside near Choum or Nouadhibou.
- Visit the mining town of Zouérat to understand the origin of the ore and local infrastructure.
- Combine the rail observation with a 4×4 desert tour for a more rounded expedition experience.
Takeaway: Treat this as a specialist adventure, not a typical tourist ride.
Conclusion
The Mauritania Railway is more than a rail line across desert sands. It is an engineering achievement, a vital export corridor and a modern infrastructure asset. In 2025, its upgrade reinforces its significance not just for Mauritania but for global logistics and mining‑infrastructure professionals. From the mines at Zouérat to the port at Nouadhibou, this rail line moves more than ore; it carries economic potential, regional development and industrial opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tourists ride the Mauritania Railway today?
While adventurous travellers have ridden atop ore wagons historically, as of 2025, SNIM has significantly tightened access and riding outside the official passenger carriage is strongly discouraged
What key changes occurred in 2025?
The upgrade includes a major extension (42 km), the EIB loan (USD 125 m) and a wider USD 512 m programme to modernise rolling stock and infrastructure
What are the main statistics?
The main line is 704 km long; trains up to 3 km long; expansion 42 km; upgrade investment USD 512 m; EIB loan ~USD 125 m
Why is the Mauritania Railway globally relevant?
It exemplifies heavy freight logistics in remote terrain, links mining to export, emphasises sustainability and shows how infrastructure investment can reshape a national resource corridor.