Through the Sahara to the ocean in the freight train: extreme trip in the longest train in the world

Mauritania is a country in the North-West of the Black continent, much of which is located on the territory of the scorching Sahara. The population greatly scattered oases and small towns, between which there are practically no roads. But Mauritanians, hardened desert, not used to give up and solve the problem on its own.

Mauritania has access to the Atlantic ocean, on the coast of which is situated the port of Nouadhibou and trading artery connecting Mauritanians with the world. But for residents of a mining town Surat located in the heart of the Sahara, getting there is not so simple between them and the ocean surf stretches 704 km of desert.

The only way to travel to Nouadhibou, which has the country's largest market — is to use only in Mauritania railway, which is considered the most dangerous in the world. The train that since 1963 every day off with a cargo of iron ore from Zouerate to the ocean — a world record for size and tonnage. Usually, the composition is stretched to 2.5 km and consists of 210 cars, of which only 2 or 3 passenger.

The world's longest train

Residents are not too keen Sorata General passenger cars, which is heated in the desert sun like a brazier. In the journey they travel in boxcars, directly on top of the pre-loaded ore. For seats under the open sky no need to pay, and the movement of air in the path saves one from heat.

Cars, of course, not SV, but you can go

For a coupe you have to pay

So you go to the ocean lovers of comfort and spendthrifts

To enjoy the ride don't need a ticket in the car

The train seldom stops, and residents of some villages have sits it on the go. Often train specifically to break, so he lingered, and could easily plunge into the cars of their simple belongings and Pets. During the long trip the passengers of the world's longest composition quietly go to each other's homes, jumping from car to car at full speed.

Hand Luggage Mauritanians can have impressive sizes

So loaded donkeys and mules. Goats and sheep just throw on one-two-three

Merchants pastries are not far behind from the passengers even at the station in the middle of the Sahara

Mauritanians are very experienced rail passengers — not only do they manage themselves to get into freight cars, but also dragged to their belongings and livestock. A huge part of in which on top of the ore is picturesquely situated, people with bags, suitcases, goats and sheep, is in the path of 20-22 hours. All this time on top of travelers incinerates the ruthless desert sun, and surrounded by clouds of sand and dust.

The turban worn by all men in the country, protects against heat and dust

The goat is a large and, often, the only value of a Mauritanian, even. In the train the animals closely

At major junctions is always crowded

Rare in these parts and tourists travel to here mining companies still prefer passenger cars

The worst moments I have to worry about passengers during sand storms, when it is not too comfortable trip becomes deadly. But that's nothing compared to what awaits them in Nouadhibou in the port city for a sheep can be sold for $ 100.