Mauritanian railway – an unforgettable photo expedition. Photo

Mauritanian railway – an unforgettable photo journey through the desert on the roof of the train.

On the Mauritanian railway to move trains with iron ore, which can reach a length of 3 kilometers.

The path runs through the Sahara desert from the mines of the Mauritanian city Zouerate to the port of Nouadhibou, on the shore of the Atlantic ocean in West Africa. Passengers are often located on the roofs of cars or directly into the ore, as seen in these photos, taken in autumn 2015. Travelers, usually merchants carrying food and farm animals, had to endure strong winds and high temperature in summer reaching 50 degrees Celsius. The trip lasts 20 hours.

A donkey is loaded into the wagon with ropes. Next waiting two representative horse. The railway line extends for 704 km. The train consists of about two hundred wagons with 84 tons of cargo in each and reaches a length of 2.5-3 kilometers. This is one of the longest freight trains in the world. Although in the last four years of terrorist attacks here did not happen, Mauritania recognize the international “red zone”, a place where slavery and human trafficking cannot be called a rarity.

Romanian photographer Gheorghe Popescu (George Popescu) first visit to Mauritania in 2010, after several kidnappings. Two years later he was back, although to ride the train through the desert was still risky. In September 2015, he traveled the country during the month. Being exposed to a strong heat, wind and dust, Popescu went to a 40-hour journey there and back, hidden behind a bunch of iron ore to protect themselves from the raging wind. Passengers without tickets going on railway wagons with an open top. They face harsh conditions, but free to move together with all his Luggage, including donkeys and goats. Popescu said: “Only a casual observer, this trip seems to be spectacular. For locals who do it regularly to earn a living or to visit relatives, it’s business as usual”.

To the question about the current security and personal impression of Mauritania Popescu said: “Now is a peaceful country, bordering Mali and Algeria, so I think the risk of being kidnapped is small. Conservation – friendly and peaceful people. You are always welcome as a traveller is part of the life of the desert.” Despite the language barrier, taking pictures was easy. The main challenge faced by the photographer, this weather – hot streams of air, full of dust, like shards of glass. On reflection, Popescu said, “I Think my new lens has aged a year during that trip.”

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