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SNIM Railway Line
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The SNIM railway line in Mauritania is a remarkable feat of industrial endurance and the primary artery of the nation's economy. Connecting the iron ore mines of Zouerat deep in the Sahara Desert to the port city of Nouadhibou on the Atlantic coast, it facilitates the export of Mauritania's most valuable natural resource. The line is home to what is widely considered the world's longest train, often stretching between 2.5 to 3 kilometers in length and consisting of over 200 heavily laden ore cars. Beyond its industrial purpose, the train is a lifeline for remote Saharan communities, transporting essential water, food, and people across one of the most inhospitable environments on Earth. For intrepid travelers, riding atop the iron ore piles through the vast, shifting dunes of the desert has become a legendary journey, offering an unparalleled view of the Saharan landscape under the vast desert sky.
- Location: Mauritania
- Nearby: Fdérik (89 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 17 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 28 | 31 | 33 | 34 | 32 | 28 | 22 | 18 |
| Rain mm | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 12 | 14 | 21 | 1 | 1 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The SNIM railway line transports iron ore from the mines near Zouérat to the port in Nouadhibou, forming the backbone of Mauritania's export economy. It is one of the longest and heaviest trains in the world, regularly hauling ore across the desert.
Visiting
The railway line itself is not open to tourists, but passenger cars are attached to the train and can be used for a fee. The journey from Nouadhibou to Zouérat is known as one of the world's most extreme train rides for adventure travelers.
Where to view it
The best way to see the train is at level crossings in Nouadhibou or along the track in the desert. The sight of the kilometer-long train from the dunes is particularly impressive as it slowly rolls across the landscape.
Local products
The main product is iron ore, mined in Zouérat and transported by rail. In the souks of Nouadhibou and Zouérat, travelers can also find local handicrafts, Tuareg jewelry, and desert products like dates.
Active season
Trains run almost daily, with higher frequency during the dry season when mines operate at full capacity. The best time to ride is between November and February when desert temperatures are more tolerable.
Nearby
A train ride from Nouadhibou to Zouérat can be combined with a visit to the iron ore mines and the oasis town of Atar. The ancient rock paintings in the Adrar region are also worth a detour if you are in the area.
Geography
Facts
- Track length: 700 km (435 mi)
- Track gauge: 1,435 mm (standard gauge)
- Year built: 1963
- Maximum train length: 200 cars (2.5 km / 1.6 mi)
- Annual freight volume: 20 million metric tons
- Passenger service: once weekly
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Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town SNIM Railway Line (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the SNIM railway?
The most important route for iron ore transport.
Can one travel on it?
There are passenger cars, but it is very basic.
How long is the trip?
It takes many hours through the desert.
Is it safe for tourists?
Only for extremely adventurous travelers.
What is special about it?
It is one of the longest and heaviest trains.
SNIM Railway Line: where is it located?
SNIM Railway Line is located in Mauritania.
SNIM Railway Line: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
SNIM Railway Line: why is it worth visiting?
The SNIM railway line in Mauritania is a remarkable feat of industrial endurance and the primary artery of the nation's economy.
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Nearby cities
Nouakchott
Nouakchott is the capital of Mauritania and lies on the Atlantic coast.
Nouakchott Central Market
The central market of Nouakchott is a significant hub for regional trade.
Nouadhibou
Nouadhibou is located on the Ras Nouadhibou peninsula and is the economic center for iron ore exports.
Kiffa-Nord
Kiffa-Nord is an expanding part of Kiffa.
Kiffa
Kiffa is a city in southern Mauritania and capital of the Assaba region.
Market Town Kiffa
Kiffa serves as a central hub for trade in the eastern regions of Mauritania.
Nouakchott Wholesale Market
This wholesale market in Nouakchott coordinates the flow of goods in the capital.
Kaedi Distribution Center
Kaedi serves as an important commercial base along the river course.
Kaédi-Nord
Kaédi-Nord includes residential areas on the northern edge of Kaédi.
Kaedi Agricultural Center
Kaedi is situated along the Senegal River and is a center for local agriculture.
Zouérat
Zouérat is the center of Mauritanian iron ore mining in the Sahara Desert.
Zouérat-Nord
Zouérat-Nord includes the northern expansion zones of the industrial town Zouérat.
Atar Oasis Agriculture
Atar is a center for date palm cultivation in the Sahara.
Boutilimit
Boutilimit is known as a center of Islamic scholarship.
🗺️
Aleg
A strategic transit and commercial hub in southern Mauritania, famous for its seasonal lake.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Tichitt Old Town
Tichitt is a fortified desert town built in the 12th century.
Fderik Mine
The Fderik mine is an important part of iron ore mining in the north.
Kedia d'Idjil
Kedia d'Idjil is an isolated mountain range near Zouérat.
Zouerat Mine
Zouerat is the center of Mauritanian iron ore mining.
Atar Oasis
Atar is a central desert trade hub with adjacent palm groves.
Adrar Plateau
The Adrar Plateau is a vast sandstone plateau in the western Sahara.