Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Mauritania Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Mauritania – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type E
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU) £1 ≈ MRU 53.53 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 1/5
Cashless payments are limited in Mauritania. While major hotels, shops, and some businesses in Nouakchott may accept credit cards, cash is the most widely used method of payment.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not obligatory in Mauritania, but small tips are appreciated in restaurants (around 5-10%). Tipping hotel staff and taxi drivers is also common in tourist areas. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not widely accepted in Mauritania, as the country is predominantly Muslim, and alcohol is generally prohibited. Alcohol consumption is allowed only in certain private spaces and hotels. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in many public areas, including restaurants, but many establishments may have designated non-smoking areas. |
| Independence Day (28 November) |
National celebrations with parades and festivities |
|---|---|
| Ramadan (variable) |
A major holiday in Mauritania with fasting and prayers |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 17 (Police), 18 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | None, Taxis are available in cities and can be flagged down or arranged through hotels |
| Other: | Mauritania offers unique desert landscapes and cultural experiences. However, travellers should be aware of limited healthcare services and should stay updated on safety advisories. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Mauritania, Mauritania
Desert trips to Adrar (Chinguetti, Ouadane, Atar) are best November to February, before the heat and sandstorms
Banc d'Arguin National Park: migratory birds peak November to March
Security situation and permitted areas can change at short notice, especially in the east and near borders; check official travel advisories before planning
Don't miss
- 🏜️ Explore the ancient trading city of Chinguetti in the Sahara
- 🐫 Ride a camel across vast desert dunes near Atar
- ⚓ Visit the historic port city of Nouadhibou
- 👁️ See the massive Eye of the Sahara from above
- 🏰 Walk through the old ksar of Ouadane
- 🌅 Watch the sunset over the Atlantic in Nouakchott
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Mauritania?
What makes Mauritania truly special is its remarkable blend of natural beauty and cultural authenticity that few travelers ever experience. From the shifting sand dunes of the Sahara to the bird-rich wetlands along the Senegal River, the country's diverse landscapes provide a backdrop for adventures that feel genuinely exploratory. The ancient caravan cities and traditional nomadic communities offer glimpses into ways of life that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. However, travelers should be aware that Mauritania presents significant challenges. The country is essentially a desert nation with extreme temperatures, particularly from May to October when daytime highs regularly exceed 100°F (38°C). Infrastructure is limited outside the capital Nouakchott and the current political situation requires careful monitoring. Despite these challenges, for those seeking authentic experiences away from tourist crowds, Mauritania offers rewards that few other destinations can match.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Independence Day Celebrations
-
Eid al-Fitr
-
Eid al-Adha
-
Mouloud (Prophet's Birthday)
-
Guetna (Date Harvest Festival)
-
Festival of Nomadic Cultures
-
Islamic New Year
-
Desert Music Festival
-
National Day
-
Nouakchott International Film Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Obtain e-visa online before travel. Required for most nationalities.
- Hire experienced 4x4 guide for Sahara; roads are rough tracks, solo driving extremely risky.
- Dress modestly, respect Islamic customs – no alcohol or pork, learn basic Hassaniya Arabic phrases.
- Ride the epic Iron Ore Train from Zouerate to Nouadhibou for unmatched desert adventure experience.
How to travel to Mauritania
Most international visitors arrive in Mauritania through Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport, which has connections to several West African cities and European destinations including Paris and Las Palmas. Royal Air Maroc, Air France and Mauritania Airlines operate regular flights. Alternatively, some travelers enter via Nouadhibou Airport, which has fewer international connections. Land borders with Senegal, Mali, Algeria and Western Sahara exist, though security situations can affect their accessibility. The most commonly used land crossing is at Rosso on the Senegal border. Visas are required for most nationalities and should be arranged in advance through Mauritanian embassies or consulates.
Access summary
- Nouakchott: Fly to Nouakchott–Oumtounsy (NKC) from Paris, Casablanca, Istanbul, regionally.
- Atar/Chinguetti desert: Fly to Atar seasonally or drive/4x4 from Nouakchott.
- Mauritania Airlines based at NKC; regional carrier, no major global alliance.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Mauritania
Accommodation in Mauritania ranges from basic guesthouses to mid-range hotels, with most options concentrated in Nouakchott and major towns. International-standard hotels are limited even in the capital and facilities become increasingly basic as you move into the interior. In desert regions, simple auberges (guesthouses) provide authentic experiences, while desert camping can be arranged through tour operators. Advance booking is recommended, especially during cooler months (November-March) when most tourists visit.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Mauritania
Getting around Mauritania requires patience and planning. In cities like Nouakchott, taxis are the primary mode of transportation, while shared taxis (sept-places) connect major towns. For desert exploration, 4x4 vehicles with experienced drivers are essential, as many areas have no paved roads. The Trans-Mauritania Highway connects the major cities, but road conditions can be challenging, especially during sandstorms. For longer distances, consider domestic flights operated by Mauritania Airlines between Nouakchott, Nouadhibou and other regional centers. The famous iron ore train from Nouadhibou to Zouérat offers a unique (if uncomfortable) travel experience for adventurous travelers.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Mauritania are around 68% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to MRU) is 11% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Exercise increased caution in Mauritania due to terrorism and crime risks. The northern and eastern regions have higher security concerns. Travel with reputable guides, avoid isolated areas and stay informed about regional security developments. Most tourist sites along the west coast have fewer security issues.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are extremely limited outside Nouakchott, with basic care available in the capital. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential. Malaria is present in southern regions and waterborne diseases are common. Bring necessary medications as supplies are limited.
Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure is virtually non-existent in Mauritania. Natural attractions, historical sites and public transportation present significant challenges for those with mobility issues. Even in Nouakchott, sidewalks are often missing or in poor condition and buildings rarely have accessibility features.
Tap water
Tap water is unsafe to drink throughout Mauritania. Bottled water is available in cities but may be harder to find in remote areas. When traveling in the desert, carry sufficient water supplies, as dehydration is a serious risk in the extreme heat.
Packing recommendations for Mauritania
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
👕
Light, breathable clothing
covering shoulders and knees
🕶️
Sunglasses
🪰
Insect repellent
🔦
Torch
power cuts are common
🧣
Shawl or headscarf
🔋
Power bank
for electronics
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
📃
Travel insurance
🚰
Water bottle with filter
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
👛
Cash in multiple currencies
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Mauritania
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