Things to Do in Mauritania

About Mauritania

Chinguetti's medieval libraries hold manuscripts older than European printing—proof that scholarly brilliance lit up the Islamic world centuries before Gutenberg. That alone should get you on a plane. This is desert meeting ocean, ancient trade routes still active, and a pace of life set by camel caravans rather than traffic lights. The Banc d'Arguin pulls in millions of migratory birds each year. The contrast is stark. Desert silence broken by wings—lots of them. You won't find tour buses clogging the view or Instagram crowds racing for the same shot. Moorish hospitality means mint tea. Expect it everywhere. Nomadic traditions shape daily routines here, and you can trace old salt merchant routes if you're willing to put in the work. Sleep under genuinely dark skies—the kind you can't find near cities anymore. Mauritania sits at Africa's edge where the Sahara hits the Atlantic, and civilization has managed this harsh landscape for thousands of years. You'll see how.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Bush taxis (Peugeots) between cities cost 2,000-5,000 MRU ($4.88-12.20) for long journeys like Nouakchott to Atar. Local transport in Nouakchott includes yellow taxis charging 200-500 MRU ($0.49-1.22) per ride. Motorcycle taxis cost 100-300 MRU ($0.24-0.73) for short trips. Car rental requires international license and costs 8,000-15,000 MRU ($19.51-36.59) daily. Camel trekking in desert costs 5,000-12,000 MRU ($12.20-29.27) per day with guide. Train to Mali (iron ore train) is free but challenging - bring water and shelter. 4x4 essential for desert areas. Airport taxis charge fixed rates of 1,500 MRU ($3.66).

Money: Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU) replaced old currency in 2018. ATMs in cities dispense local currency but frequently empty. Euro preferred over USD for exchange. Budget $40-70 daily depending on transport needs. Credit cards work only at major hotels. Mobile money via Mauritel and Mattel gaining popularity. Banking hours Saturday-Wednesday 8am-1pm, 3-5pm, Thursday until noon. Tipping isn't expected but 200-500 MRU ($0.49-1.22) appreciated. Keep cash secure - ensure reliable access before desert trips. Exchange rates roughly 41 MRU per euro.

Cultural Respect: Arabic and French are official languages with Hassaniya Arabic widely spoken. Islam is central - respect prayer times and Friday services. Greet with 'As-salamu alaykum' and handshakes (same gender only). Traditional hospitality includes tea ceremony with three glasses. Photography of people requires permission. Women should dress very conservatively with head coverings. Alcohol prohibited. Time moves slowly - patience essential. Bedouin culture influences social customs. Remove shoes before entering tents or homes. Traditional crafts include leatherwork and silver jewelry. Ramadan significantly affects daily schedules.

Food Safety: Thieboudienne (fish rice) costs 800-1,500 MRU ($1.95-3.66) at local restaurants. Camel meat costs 1,200-2,500 MRU ($2.93-6.10) per portion and is lean and flavorful. Traditional tea ceremony costs 200-400 MRU ($0.49-0.98) and is social ritual. Couscous with meat costs 1,000-2,000 MRU ($2.44-4.88). Dates are abundant and cheap at 300-800 MRU ($0.73-1.95) per kg. Bottled water essential - costs 100-200 MRU ($0.24-0.49). Milk from goats or camels offered fresh. Restaurant meals average 1,500-3,500 MRU ($3.66-8.54) per person. Most food is halal by default. Eating with right hand only. Fresh fish along coast costs 800-2,000 MRU ($1.95-4.88).

When to Visit

Mauritania's prime season runs November through March (18-28°C/64-82°F) with minimal rainfall (<5mm monthly) and pleasant desert nights. This peak period sees hotel prices increase 40-60%, especially during December holidays. The shoulder seasons of October and April offer good weather (22-32°C/72-90°F) with 20-30% lower accommodation costs, though April brings occasional sandstorms. May through September constitutes the harsh hot season (35-45°C/95-113°F) with the brief rainy season (June-September) bringing 50-200mm annual precipitation, primarily in the south. Budget travelers benefit from 50-70% lower prices during summer, but extreme heat limits outdoor activities. Key festivals include Eid al-Fitr (dates vary with lunar calendar), typically March-May, and the Nouakchott International Festival of Ancient Music (February). Cultural ensoiasts should visit during cooler months to fully explore desert sites like Chinguetti and Ouadane. Birdwatchers should target November-April when millions of migratory species inhabit Banc d'Arguin National Park. Adventure travelers comfortable with heat can explore during shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and real feels, though adequate water supplies and sun protection are essential year-round.