Mauritania Travel Information

Mauritania, located in West Africa, is a country that offers a unique blend of desert landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and friendly people. From exploring the Saharan Desert to visiting historic sites, there is no shortage of things to do and see in Mauritania. Here are the top 10 things to do in this fascinating country.

1. Visit the Chinguetti Mosque

One of the most historic sites in Mauritania, the Chinguetti Mosque is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. The mosque dates back to the 13th century and is considered one of the oldest in West Africa.

2. Explore the Terjit Oasis

The Terjit Oasis is a stunning desert oasis that offers visitors a unique opportunity to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Sahara Desert. With crystal clear pools, palm trees, and breathtaking views, Terjit is a must-visit destination.

3. Experience the Sand Dunes of Adrar Plateau

Adrar Plateau is a stunning desert landscape that is known for its towering sand dunes. Visitors can go sandboarding, trekking, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of the dunes.

4. Visit the Nomad Markets

The nomad markets of Mauritania are a great place to experience the local culture and buy handmade crafts, textiles, and spices. These markets are a must-visit for anyone interested in local life and traditional arts and crafts.

5. Explore the Oualata and Ouadane Fortresses

The Oualata and Ouadane fortresses are historic sites that date back to the 11th and 12th centuries. These fortresses offer visitors a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Mauritania.

6. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Banc d'Arguin National Park

Banc d'Arguin National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its incredible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Visitors can go bird watching, take a guided tour, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of this unique park.

7. Explore the Kaédi and Boutilimit Cities

Kaédi and Boutilimit are two historic cities in Mauritania that offer visitors a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins, visit the local markets, and learn about the history and traditions of these fascinating cities.

8. Take a Camel Trek in the Sahara Desert

For a truly unique experience, visitors can take a camel trek through the Sahara Desert. This is a great way to explore the vast and beautiful landscapes of the desert, as well as experience local nomad culture.

9. Visit the Royal Palace of Nouakchott

The Royal Palace of Nouakchott is a historic building that was once the home of the Mauritanian royal family. Today, the palace is open to the public and offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the country.

10. Enjoy a Traditional Mauritanian Meal

Mauritanian cuisine is a blend of African, Berber, and Arabic influences. Visitors can enjoy a traditional meal at one of the local restaurants and experience the flavors of this unique and delicious cuisine.

Climate

Mauritania has a hot, arid desert climate with temperatures ranging from 25-40°C throughout the year. The country is located in the Sahel region and experiences very little rainfall. Coastal areas are affected by strong sea breezes, while inland areas can get very hot and dusty.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Mauritania is from November to February when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable, although still hot during the day. The country experiences the highest levels of rainfall from July to September, making travel more difficult in these months. Winter is the best time to visit the interior desert regions, while spring and autumn are the best times for visiting coastal areas and the north of the country.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Mauritania offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from basic camping facilities to luxury hotels. Some of the most popular options include:

Hotels

Mauritania has a number of hotels, both in the capital city of Nouakchott and in other cities and towns throughout the country. These range from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels, with varying levels of amenities and services.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are another popular option for travelers in Mauritania, offering a more traditional and cultural experience. These typically provide basic accommodation and meals, and can be found in rural areas and small towns.

Camping

For those who prefer a more adventurous experience, camping is a popular option in Mauritania. There are many designated camping areas and facilities, as well as opportunities for wild camping in more remote areas.

Luxury Tented Camps

For a more luxurious camping experience, visitors can opt for one of the country's many luxury tented camps, which offer comfortable tents, private facilities, and high-end amenities. These are often located in remote desert locations, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable mode of transportation for longer journeys, connecting cities and towns throughout the country.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in cities and towns, and are a convenient way to get around. These can be found at taxi ranks, or can be hailed on the street.

Rental Car

Rental cars are also available, allowing visitors to explore the country at their own pace. This option is particularly useful for those traveling to more remote areas, or for those who want greater independence.

Air

For longer distances or for travel to more remote locations, visitors can opt to fly. Mauritania has a number of airports, with flights connecting the country's major cities and towns.

Train

There is a limited train service in Mauritania, with trains connecting Nouakchott and the mining town of Zouerat. This is a slow but scenic option, and is particularly popular among tourists.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.