Mauritania

Mauritania is a vast country of deserts, ancient trade routes, and quiet resilience in Northwest Africa. Nouakchott, the capital, sits near the Atlantic coast with sandy streets, markets, and fishing boats. Inland, Chinguetti and Ouadane are historic caravan towns, their libraries preserving centuries-old manuscripts. The Adrar plateau offers striking landscapes of canyons, sand dunes, and rocky outcrops. The iron ore train from Zouérat to Nouadhibou is one of the world’s longest and most adventurous rail journeys. Life in Mauritania moves at the pace of the desert, shaped by nomadic traditions and Islamic culture, offering travelers raw beauty and timeless stillness.

Mauritania is a vast, arid country where the Sahara stretches endlessly, dotted with ancient trading towns, sand dunes, and remote oases. Most travelers come to visit the historic cities of Chinguetti and Ouadane, once thriving centers of Islamic scholarship, or to ride the iron ore train across the desert, a true adventure. Along the Atlantic coast, the Banc d’Arguin National Park offers unique wildlife, while the capital, Nouakchott, hums with quiet energy. Mauritania feels raw, desolate, and timeless, a place where the desert’s silence is its greatest treasure.

Some of its major attractions are the Adrar region, often called center of Mauritanian tourism, the old Moorish town of Ksar, and the Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The diverse bird population near the coastline is also a favorite spot, as much of the land is dry, arid, and inhospitable to wildlife. Tourists are also attracted to the pristine sandy beaches, although many are discouraged by the health alerts, poor medical facilities, and limited accommodation.

Traveling in Mauritania is affordable, though infrastructure is basic outside Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Accommodations range from simple auberges and family-run guesthouses to modest hotels in major towns. Food is centered around rice, grilled meat, couscous, and mint tea, with Western food very limited outside the capital.

There is very limited hotel accommodation, except for a few in Nouakchott, which are mostly high-end and fairly expensive. A few budget hotels and hostels can also be found outside the capital, but they get crowded easily. There are government rest houses located throughout the country, which can be booked through the Tourism ministry. It’s best to book hotels well in advance and secure a written confirmation of your booking to avoid problems.

Getting around usually involves bush taxis, shared minibuses, or 4x4s for desert travel. Roads are paved between key cities but turn rough quickly outside main routes. French and Arabic are widely spoken; English is rare. Mauritania is generally safe in central and western regions, though travelers should check current advisories and avoid border zones.

Families: Mauritania is best for families with older, adventurous children. Attractions like the Banc d’Arguin National Park and camel treks are fascinating but infrastructure is basic, and long distances make travel tough for young kids.

Couples: Couples seeking solitude and adventure will appreciate Mauritania’s surreal desert scenery , overnight stays in Chinguetti, sand dune picnics, and scenic drives along the Adrar Plateau. Romance is rugged and remote.

Backpackers: Mauritania is a magnet for adventurous backpackers eager to ride the iron ore train, camp under the stars, and explore ancient ksars like Chinguetti and Ouadane. It’s affordable and rewarding for those willing to rough it.

Digital Nomads: Internet is limited outside Nouakchott, and even in the capital, speeds can be slow. Mauritania isn’t suited for digital nomadism beyond brief urban stays.

Luxury Travelers: Luxury tourism is minimal. Accommodation is basic outside Nouakchott; even top-end options are rustic compared to international standards. The country’s appeal lies in simplicity, not opulence.

Foodies: Mauritanian cuisine is simple and hearty , mechoui (roast lamb), rice with fish, couscous, and mint tea dominate. Food tourism is minimal, with home-cooked meals often being the highlight.

Beach Bunnies: Mauritania’s Atlantic coast is wild and undeveloped. Nouadhibou and the Banc d’Arguin offer scenic coastal spots, but facilities are scarce, and beaches are more for birdwatching than swimming.

Nature Buffs: Mauritania’s natural beauty is stark and compelling , vast dune seas, the Richat Structure (Eye of the Sahara), and migratory bird sanctuaries in Banc d’Arguin. Nature lovers find remote, untouched landscapes.

History Buffs: Mauritania’s ancient caravan towns (Chinguetti, Ouadane, Tichitt) are UNESCO treasures with medieval libraries and architecture. It’s a history lover’s dream, focused on Islamic scholarship and Saharan trade routes.

Culture Vultures: Mauritania’s nomadic culture, Moorish music, and desert festivals offer deep cultural immersion. Experiences are authentic and personal, often shared in tents or village settings.

Adventure Seekers: Adventure abounds , riding the iron ore train, camel trekking, 4x4 expeditions across the Sahara, and camping under desert skies. It’s wild, raw, and far from mass tourism.

Solo Travelers: Mauritania is safe for solo travelers in most regions, though long distances and limited public transport can be isolating. Solo visitors benefit from hiring guides for desert exploration.

Party Animals: Nightlife is almost nonexistent. Social life revolves around tea rituals and family gatherings rather than bars or clubs, especially outside Nouakchott.

Wildlife Watchers: Banc d’Arguin National Park is a world-class birdwatching site with flamingos, pelicans, and migratory species. Terrestrial wildlife is sparse due to the desert environment.

LGBTQ+: Same-sex relations are illegal, and societal attitudes are very conservative. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise extreme discretion and avoid public displays of affection.

Why Go to Mauritania?

• Chinguetti’s Ancient Libraries: Explore one of Islam’s holiest cities, home to centuries-old manuscripts and stone architecture.
• Iron Ore Train Ride: Experience one of the world’s longest and most extreme train journeys across the Sahara.
• Banc d’Arguin National Park: Visit a UNESCO-listed wetland known for its migratory birds and traditional fishing communities.
• Atar and Ouadane: Wander desert towns with ruins, narrow alleys, and dramatic surroundings.
• Sahara Desert Adventures: Camp under the stars, climb towering dunes, and visit nomadic communities.
• Nouakchott’s Fish Market: Watch colorful wooden boats unload their catch on the Atlantic shore.
• Remote Solitude: Embrace a landscape of silence and space, far from crowds and tourist infrastructure.

Who Might Not Enjoy Mauritania?

• Safety-Conscious Travelers: Mauritania faces risks of terrorism, banditry, and political instability, particularly in border regions and the vast interior; many governments advise caution or against travel to certain areas.
• Luxury-Only Travelers: Luxury accommodations are extremely limited; most hotels are simple and basic, even in Nouakchott.
• Tourists Expecting Polished Tourism Infrastructure: The tourism sector is minimal; attractions have little signage, few organized tours, and very basic visitor facilities.
• Budget Travelers Without Local Knowledge: Public transport is informal, slow, and geared toward locals; navigating without local help can be difficult and frustrating.
• Strict Vegetarians or Vegans: Mauritanian cuisine relies heavily on meat, camel, and fish. Vegetarian meals are limited, and vegan options are rare outside self-catering.
• People Sensitive to Heat, Sun, and Dust: Mauritania has an arid, desert climate with extreme heat and dusty conditions; outdoor activities can be physically taxing.
• Visitors Hoping for Big-Game Safaris or Wildlife Parks: Mauritania is not a wildlife tourism destination; its appeal is in desert landscapes and historic trading towns rather than wildlife.
• Travelers Needing Reliable Medical Care and Internet: Healthcare facilities are limited outside Nouakchott, and internet access is slow or unavailable in rural areas.
• Tourists Wanting Vibrant Nightlife or Urban Entertainment: Nouakchott has minimal nightlife; elsewhere, towns are quiet with very limited entertainment options.

Highlights

Nouakchott: Created only in 1960, Nouakchott is a young, modern capital lying close to the sea and littered with low dunes, thorn bushes, and traditional Berber architecture. Some of the highlights are Ksar, an old Moorish settlement, the Plage du Wharf, the Maison de la Culture, and the numerous open markets.

Parc National du Banc d’Arguin: This sprawling park houses one of the world’s biggest bird sanctuaries and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

El Agher: This wild plateau is home to several archaeological sites, including Koumbi Saleh, former capital of the Ghana Empire, and the Aoudaghost, an ancient Berber capital.

Adrar Region: This rugged mountainous area, inhabited since the Neolithic period, is famous for its pink and brown plateaus, palm groves, and deep canyons.

Fishing: Nouâdhibou, one of the major fishing villages, has several excellent fishing spots. The locals have an interesting symbiotic relationship with the dolphins – the dolphins carry the fish to shore, and the fishermen get their share and leave the marine mammals with theirs.

Swimming and surfing: The western coast has some good beaches and resorts, and the waves are just right for leisurely surfing. Don’t bring any valuables to the beach though, as they’re a hot spot for robbery and pickpocketing.

Shopping: Some of the best local markets can be found in Nouakchott. These include the market in Ksar, the Camel Market, and the African Market.

Night train at Choum: Board the nighttime train at Choum to Nouâdhibou, and experience a quiet night in the desert with a rare, unobstructed view of the stars.

Health risks include malaria, typhoid, polio, rabies, and hepatitis B. All water and milk is potentially contaminated, so sterilize drinking and cooking water, and drink only tinned milk reconstituted in pure water. Make sure all your food is well-cooked. Crime rates are very low, but there is a general threat from terrorism in the area. Pickpocketing incidents are also on the rise. Nouakchott has a good medical facility with 450 beds and many private doctors, but medical care is inadequate outside of the capital. If you expect to tour outside of Nouakchott for more than a few days, you may want to bring your own first aid and medical supplies, or stock up on them before leaving Nouakchott.