Ben Amera - Mauritania.
 

Hi everyone !!!

Has anybody tried to jump-out from the ore train in surroundings of Ben-Amera? Does the train stopped there ???
And what about the mines ? Is there clear ? Can I walk to the monolyth when I jump-out from the train ??
I'd like to see the monolyth ,but i wouldn't like to see that from the bird's eye view :)

thanks,

Ben Amira Mauritania
 

usually the train does not stop there. If you walk in the car tracks - and there are a lot! - you can arrive there without any problems. There is also a tourist camp at NW of Ben Amira and a small village near the rails.
Good luck - Ursula

Ben Amira Camp and Tourist Train
 

I just found the link to this special tourist train who stops near Ben Amira - a french agency offers a tour
http://www.cheminsdesable.com/public....screen?p_id=1
there is also a picture of the camp mentioned above.
See. you don't need to jump off the train!

Ursula

you can also get direct in touch with the camp owner of Ben Amira
e-mail: cheikselemtouhabib@yahoo.fr
MOKTAR CHADLY
EMS- MAURIPOST-NKTT
p/c CHEIKH HABIB ( BENAMIRA) MAURITANIE

Hello massud,

Mines? What mines?

You can try paragliding, but think twice before jumping off to take a closer look :-)

Yes, you can walk unless you break something in the process off jumping-out ;-)

Mines
 

There are mine-possible areas to north of railway line, along nearly it's entire length. Don't forget to hop - halves the risk apparently.

Sam.

Great thanks for answers :)

So - I'm going to jump-out and..... walk straight to monolyth :)
Wish me good luck :)

best regards,
massud

some advice...
 

Massud:
Before you actually jump out. Do some local inquiries (best bet Choum) or contact the person mentioned earlier.
If you jump out walking 5-7 km's to realise for some reason nobody is there, 'village' empty, tourist camp deserted, the well is dry, you are developing some troubles.
First you'll have to walk back, second you'll have to wait for the next train, which doesn't normally stop!
I've not actualy been to Ben Amira (high on the list) yet, so I don't really know how populated the aeria is and I don't want to make you paranoia but be sure of some backup plan's, lots of water and maybe some companion or at least somebody knowing where you are.
You realise the trains normally pass that aeria at night in the dark?

Be prepared but don't be paranoid that will spoil the fun.
Have a great time.

Hi,

I visited the place in January 06. There's a village just be the rail track and it's not deserted. The monolith is within a walking distance (a few hours maybe - I was driving so can't tell). Maybe not all trains stop in the village, but some definitely do, otherwise the villagers would not be able to get their supplies. The question is - how often?

Jump off
 

Massud:

I'm thinking of doing the same.... wondering if you actually jumped off and what was your experience?

I hear it is a 5km walk or so?

Is it then possible to get to Atar from there, maybe via taxi??

Thanks,
Aaron

I'm going to do this route in November.
If i do that ,i will answer to your questions.

best regards,
massud

Hi,

Plenty of traffic around the railway, especially SNIM maintenance cars and trucks. In the right season there are also plenty of tourists.
You can rent a taxi in Nouadhibou or Atar, no problem. But try to find out first about local trucks heading for Atar or NDB.
Anyway, in case of trouble, as long as you stay close to the railway there will be people from small villages and sephards that can give you a hand. Plenty of people in the area between Ben Amera and Choum ;-)

Cheers,
José

Great,

Thanks so much for the help.....

Aaron

So......I back from Ben Amera.
The cheapest (probably ;) ) way to reach this place:
1.take a ore train from NDB.
2.Jump out in Tmeimichat village.the train stops there :) You don't have to jump out when the train run :)
3.take a "little train - dreisine" to ben amera village (local people helps you.
4.jump out there
5.walk on to the north - Ben Amera monloyth ;).

Probably - there is no landmines in surroundings of Ben Amera and Aicha. Incredible place.....

it takes ca. 2 days.


next (if you want to leave this place)

1.take a "little train" to Choum
2. there is a lot of transport to Atar.

best regards.
massud

i did this route only with "locals" transportation .I didn't rent a taxi ,car and others. It costs too much for me. (car Tmeimichat-Ben Amera.... ca. 80-100 E)