Riding the Iron Ore Train Through the Sahara: A Mauritanian Adventure British travel vlogger Isaac Elam (@isaacexploress) recently documented his journey across Mauritania, culminating in a unique experience: riding the iron ore train through the Sahara Desert. His video, published on March 10th, 2025, details the trip from the capital, Nouakchott, to the remote city of Atar, and finally to Choum, the train's departure point. Elam's video highlights the logistical challenges involved. He describes relying on local buses, navigating countless police checkpoints, and spending nights sleeping by the roadside. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, stating, "On this stretch of the journey, you need to be prepared to sleep on the side of the roads and eat with locals." Despite some online concerns about safety in Mauritania, Elam recounts only positive interactions, describing the locals as "kind and generous." The video culminates in the thrilling experience of riding the train itself, offering stunning visuals of the Sahara Desert landscape. Elam's video has garnered significant attention, with over 323,400 views and 23,900 likes in just a few days. His adventure provides a fascinating glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of Mauritanian travel.
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