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.

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Netizens divided: is the Iron Ore Train ride to the Sahara Desert worth it?

Talk on responsible tourism