Mauritania

Country info

Square area:

1,030,000 km2

Population:

4.5 million

Capital:

Nouakchott

Currency:

Ouguiya (MRU)

Language:

Arabic, French

Religion:

Islam

Political:

Republic

English:

Rarely spoken

Safety level

Mauritania is generally one of the safest countries in Africa, particularly the coastal region from Morocco to Senegal.

The unsparing embrace of the desert has, ironically, spared the Mauritanian culture of change. Very patriarchal and very traditional, some of its norms strike as troubling and moving at once. Slavery still exists here, and you might meet slaves by choice: as no other choice seems plausible. You will for sure meet nomads who openly detest cities!

But the heart of the Mauritanian culture is laid of openness and sharing, the keys to surviving one of Africa's most demanding landscapes. The rolling dunes of the Sahara traverse the entire country before meeting the Atlantic Ocean. Traveling in Mauritania will be shaped by vast distances and poor infrastructure, but no matter where you go, its fascinating culture will find you to make a long-lasting impression.

Feel tiny in the valley of grand monoliths, at Ben Amera and Aisha Monolith.
Catch the Iron Ore Train, a mile-long train, for a unique ride in the Sahara.
Deep in the desert, find the Eye of Sahara – the Richat structure.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage caravan towns built of stone and mud: Chinguetti and Ouadane.
Stop by the winter residence of millions of migratory birds at Banc d'Arguin National Park.

THE

SANDS OF

MAURITANIA

Perfect For

You’ll need a wide angle lens for vastness of deserts and an eye keen on detail for the vibrant welcome in nomad’s tents.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Golden jackals are a common sight in Mauritania, but the true winners here are birdwatchers: over 500 species have been recorded.

NATURE

Mauritanian history is a mosaic of religious movements, caravan routes, French colonization and 20th-century coups.

HISTORY

The influences of ancient Berbers, the Moors and the French overlay the indigenous culture into unique lifestyles, music and cuisine.

CULTURE

DAY 1

Upon your arrival to Nouakchott Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative, after which you will be transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2

Off to Atar. En route, you will visit the White Valley, the Toungad and the Terjit Oasis. Admire the breathtaking landscapes, the white sand, and enjoy your tea time recapping all your impressions throughout the day.

DAY 3

Head toward Ouadane, a UNESCO's World Heritage site. En route, visit the caves of Agrour for some impressive thousand-year-old stories and visuals. After a tour of Ouadane, enjoy your overnight in an auberge.

DAY 4

Your day trip takes you first to the Richat Structure, also known as the Eye of Africa. Afterwards, visit the charming oasis Tanouchert and take in the gorgeous scenery. At sunset, experience the traditional Madah celebration.

DAY 5

Enjoy a camel back ride across the desert. Visit Chinguetti, the seventh holiest Islamic city and relax over a lunch. After a cultural tour of Chinguetti, enjoy the sunset in the dunes, accompanied by a cup of tea.

DAY 6

After breakfast, head to Mhairett Oasis and admire the extraordinary landscape along the way. Lunch will be served upon your arrival after which you will head back to Nouakchott, arriving in time for dinner.

DAY 7

Check out after breakfast and meet up with your private chauffeur for a transfer to Nouakchott Airport to catch your outbound flight.

Mauritania offers a variety of accommodation options. Throughout this program, explore Mauritanian natural beauties while enjoying the unique hospitality of this desert nation.

DAY 1

Upon your arrival to Nouakchott Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative, after which you will be transferred to the hotel.

DAY 2

You are off to Atar, but en route you will visit the White Valley and marvel at the rich white sand contrasting the black rocky surroundings. After lunch at the Oasis of Toungad, continue toward Atar.

DAY 3

DAY 4

DAY 5

DAY 6

After breakfast, head to Mhairett Oasis and admire the extraordinary landscape along the way. Lunch will be served upon your arrival after which you will visit Terjit Oasis, famous for its palm grove and cool flowing waters.

DAY 7

The west of Africa features numerous UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of them is on your schedule today - Banc d'Arguin National Park in Arkeiss. On your way there, stop in Benichab for a lunch break. Spend the night in the park in khaima tent.

DAY 8

Visit the charming fishermen’s village of Iwik. Embark a traditional sailing boat to go explore a nearby island and for birdwatching. Enjoy the afternoon walking by the sea, swimming or even fishing. Spend the night in a khaima.

DAY 9

Head back to Nouakchott, but not before visiting Mamghar and Tiwilit, another two fishermen's villages, to further discover the local way of life. Upon arrival to Nouakchott, explore the city's major sites before dinner.

DAY 10

Check out after breakfast and meet up with your private chauffeur for a transfer to Nouakchott Airport to catch your outbound flight.

Charming oases, white-sand valleys, camel back rides, island birdwatching, pristine landscape, and sleeping under the stars - all this is part of our exclusive Mauritanian package.

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What to Expect

ACCOMMODATION

Mauritania is not for a traveler looking for luxury hotels. While there are several upscale hotels in the capital city, the service and offer are not up to Western standards. However, they are more than acceptable. Outside the capital, options vary between modest B&Bs and spectacular camping under one of the darkest skies of our planet!

Sleeping in a tent under the starry sky

• Upscale hotel options only available at Nouakchott
• Modest B&Bs and home stay in main towns
• Camping in the desert is highly recommended
• Glamping possible in some areas

WHEN TO GO

As a predominantly desert country, Mauritanian climate is mostly hot and dry with little rain. The coastal area is tempered by trade winds and more humid than the interior. The winter season from November to March is the best time to visit although this is the period of harmattan . This trade wind is often cool, brings a lot of dust, and can cause disruption of flights.

Nouakchott year-round temperatures

• Best time to visit is from November to March
• Nights can be cold in the desert
• In hot summer months, many Mauritanians from the coast go for weekends and holidays to oases
• Nomad Fest starts late in January and is well worth seeing

STAYING CONNECTED

Excellent WiFi is available in almost all hotels in Nouakchott. In other areas, WiFi is not available in the hotels. To have internet on the go, it is best to get a local SIM card. Some areas of this vast country are not covered but in most areas a decent signal is possible.

Mauritania SIM card

• Local SIM card for best internet on the go
• Parts of the country are very remote so no GSM coverage is available
• WiFi in all hotels in the capital but very limited outside the Nouakchott
• Plug type is C (European); standard voltage is 220 V at 50 Hz

FOOD

Traditional Mauritanian food has been heavily influenced by Arab and African peoples who have traversed the area by the caravans. Mauritanian food has quite a few similarities with Senegalese and Moroccan cuisine. Mauritanian mint tea is widely consumed and all men have their own tea-cooking sets in their cars.

Eating couscous with local family

• Thieboudienne is a coastal dish of fish and rice, which is considered the national dish of Mauritania
• Couscous is widely consumed
• Definitely try Creps Ouadiene if visiting Oudane
• Alcohol consummation is forbidden
• Tipping: expected at upscale restaurants only

SHOPPING

Mauritania is not considered as a shopping destination but there are definitely some crafts that are amazing and unique for this part of Africa. Leather goods, items made of wood, gold and silver jewelry are the main local souvenirs that can be found at each market in a bigger city.

Local women selling souvenirs by the road

• Cheche scarf
• Carpets from goat and camel hair are best to buy in Boutilimit
• Awls, pottery and arrowheads are specific for Tagant region
• Bargaining is a necessary but must be done with respect in order to avoid sometimes too high prices on local markets

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

It is a patriarchal, traditional Muslim society with many people living the same way as their ancestors hundreds of years ago. Arranged marriages are a standard and the country is known as the last one to abolish slavery. However, there are accounts that slavery is still existent.

Evening tam-tam with nomads

• Traditional Muslim society
• Very respectful of food so do not throw away anything
• Eating on the floor, from the same bowl with others, is a common practice
• Ask for permission before taking pictures
• Mauritanians have often breaks for drinking tea

SAFETY

Mauritania is very safe and locals are hospitable and welcoming. There is almost no crime against tourists. Various government advisory sites are suggesting staying away from Mali border due to conflicts in that country. Medical care is available only in Nouakchott so make sure you have all your medications with you.

Mauritanian police

• Mauritania is a quite safe country
• Poor roads in most of the country outside major cities
• Medical care is limited to non existent outside major centers
• Tap water is not safe to drink

GETTING AROUND

Country is best visited by traveling in an off road vehicle with your guide and driver. The vehicles used are of higher class Toyota SUVs but all depends on the program. There are limited local flights to certain destinations. Private plane hire is possible from Nouakchott only. Easy border crossings from Morocco and to Senegal.

SUVs are usually the only way to go

• Driving side: right
• International airport is in Nouakchott (NKC) only, although Atar airport is open as well
• SUV vehicles with driver and guide for all transfers
- Private plane hire possible from Nouakchott only
• Long desert drives are sometimes hard to avoid

Let's Start Planning

What to pack

Deserts of Mauritania are challenging at times but here is a list to help you pack. Don't forget that Mauritania is a desert country and sand is everywhere! Here are some cool gear choices for you. Don't forget your camera!

History and Tourist Guide of Mauritania

Body Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

RFID Money Belt

In The Media

This Sahara Railway

Mauritania Railway - Transporting Since 1963

Ouadane a Chinguitti

Dunnes of Mauritania

Banc d'Arguin National Park, Mauritania

Largest Concentration of West African Birds

Mauritania Atar Local food

Traditional Day with Mauritanian Family

Trans-Sahara, Mauritania

Ride on Iron Ore Train - Lifetime Experience!!

Arabic for Beginners

Useful Arabic Phrases

Maalouma Mint El Meidah - Best songs

Popular Music in Mauritania

Best to combine with

Mauritania is on the border between the mystical riches of Africa's north and true, black Africa. From this unique country, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Morocco
One of Africa's most popular destination has it all: from historic towns to vibrant markets and World-class cuisine

Senegal
Mauritania's southern neighbor is one of continent's up and coming destinations offering everything from vibrant Dakar, African wildlife and Saint Denis of colonial charm.

Mali
Mysteries of Sahara revealed! From ancient rock paintings to secret knowledge of the Dogon tribe.

Morocco

Senegal

Mali

Quirks for the Curious

Richat Structure
If you are a seeker of unknown and interested in truly unique places, the a visit to Richat Structure is simply a must! One of the most unique places on the planet is also called "Eye of Sahara" due to its unusually regular shape. While this structure can only be seen from the sky, a visit to it by car is also a unique experience. Especially if you are waiting for dawn at it's very center. This structure is purely a geological formation although some are connecting it to legendary Atlantis. There is only one way to check.

Nomad Life
While in Mauritania, you will encounter nomads besides the stationary people living in towns and villages. Nomads have been here for millennia and they still lead pretty much the same life. Besides some modern day objects and a cell phone, you will not see many modern objects in their tents. And their lifestyle is unchanged for many many centuries. Staying for their tam-tam evening is truly a unique event!

Fish Market of Nouakchott
If you are looking for something very local, Nouakchott fish market is one of the places to visit. This is very African place compared to the rest of Mauritania. And it is because most of the fishermen are from Senegal and Gambia since Mauritanians are more desert people. Thousands of colorful pirogues line up the beach of Nouakchott. Best time to visit is late afternoon when fishermen are back and the area is full of buyers.