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: Rent a 4WD vehicle with GPS and spare tires for desert travel. Public transport operates mainly between major cities via bush taxis (sept-places). Book internal flights through Mauritania Airlines for longer distances. Always travel with a local guide in remote areas.

Money: Bring euros or US dollars to exchange for Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). ATMs are scarce outside Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Credit cards rarely accepted. Budget 30-50 euros daily for mid-range travel including accommodation, meals, and local transport.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees. Remove shoes when entering homes or mosques. Use right hand for eating and greetings. During Ramadan, avoid eating/drinking publicly during daylight. Photography requires permission, especially of people.

Food Safety: Stick to bottled water and avoid ice. Eat at busy local restaurants where food turns over quickly. Try national dishes like thieboudienne (fish and rice) and mechoui (roasted lamb). Street food is generally safe in cities during peak hours.

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.