Is it possible to survive 20 or more hours on the Iron Train with no preparation? No, but you’re lucky…here there’s everything you need to have and know before to start your epic journey!
Let’s start. What do you really need to know before to start your adventure are three things:
- The risks you’re exposed to on the train
- What to bring to eat and drink
- What clothes and extra gear you’ll need
The risks you’re exposed on the Iron Train.
Let’s be honest. This adventure isn’t like sipping a drink in Ibiza, it’s physically and mentally challenging. Once you’re there, in the middle of Sahara Desert, no one can help you if something happen, so be prepared to face these three situations:
- Police. The police don’t allow you to hop on the Iron Train. So, as long as you don’t get caught, you’re safe.
I personally spoke with an Italian guy who was caught by the police at the Nouadhibou port and spent 4 hours at the police station, being questioned and waiting for a guarantee from Italy to be released. However in my trip, 3 Polish guys were caught by police in Choum. They had to pay 35 USD each to continue the journey, while me and my friend were properly hiding on the wagon. - Fall from the train. As long as you don’t do anything stupid, it’s almost impossible to fall off the train. Just don’t jump from one wagon to another, and avoid sitting on the edges, the train makes a lot of sudden movements while it’s running. Anyway, if you do fall and somehow survive, you’ll have a great story to tell me!
- The “Predoni” or “Marauders”…the desert pirates. Is it rare to meet them? No. I can say that I spoke with 10 people who made this adventure, and at least 3 of them met them. What can you do? Nothing. But every time the train stops at night, don’t use your light, stay hidden, and don’t do anything.
What to bring to eat and drink
The journey can last anywhere from 19 to 24 hours, so having everything you need to survive in case of delays is extremely important. Obviously, it’s impossible to buy food or water once you’re on board. I had with me:
- 7.5 liters of water – don’t be thrifty on this.
- 1 avocado
- 2 boxes of biscuits
- 1 Twix
- 1 bread (like baguette, typical in Mauritania)
- 2/3 Magnesium and potassium drinks
I had a huge lunch before starting the journey and decided not to carry too much with me. Once on the train, eating and drinking is extremely difficult because iron dust gets everywhere, especially on you.
What clothes and extra gear you’ll need
We’re in the Sahara Desert, where it’s extremely hot during the day and can get cold at night… but it really depends on the season. This is the list of the stuff i had to ride the train in September:
- Long trousers & long sleeve t-shirt
- Turban – Buy it in Atar or Zouèrat in local shops
- Sky Glasses – Purchased in Amazon
- FFP3 Masks – They were really uncomfortable, better the simple ones.
- Bags (like garbage ones) to put the backpack – Buy them in local shops
- Headlamp – Purchased in Amazon
- Gloves – Standard working ones
- Sleeping bag – Useful in case at night the temp. drops
- Protective bag for your cell phone
Before to start your journey, monitor the temperatures you expect to have during night by using Windy.com and consider if it is worth to bring a jacket for the night.
If you want to make sure you’re fully prepared, from anti-theft backpacks to drones and cameras all the travel must-haves, check out my dedicated page with personally recommended gear.
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