Things to Do in Mauritania in August

August Weather in Mauritania

42°C (108°F) High Temp

29°C (84°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1.0 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Desert camping becomes magical - nighttime temperatures drop to 22-25°C (72-77°F), perfect for sleeping under pristine star-filled skies with zero light pollution
Banc d'Arguin National Park bird migration reaches its peak - over 2 million migrating birds create spectacular viewing opportunities, especially flamingos and pelicans gathering before Atlantic crossing
Guelta d'Archei crocodile pool visits are optimal - water levels stabilize after sporadic summer rains, making the ancient Saharan crocodiles more active and visible
Traditional Moorish festivals occur in oasis towns - the post-harvest celebrations in places like Chinguetti feature authentic music, poetry, and date ceremonies rarely seen by tourists

Considerations

Daytime desert temperatures reach 45-50°C (113-122°F) making midday travel dangerous - all outdoor activities must be scheduled before 9am or after 5pm
Harmattan dust storms can occur with 2-3 hours notice, grounding flights and making photography impossible while creating respiratory challenges
Limited accommodation availability in desert camps - many operators reduce capacity by 60% due to extreme heat, requiring bookings 8-10 weeks in advance

Best Activities in August

Early Morning Sahara Desert Expeditions

August offers the most dramatic temperature contrasts - start at 5:30am when desert temps are 25°C (77°F) to witness sunrise over the Adrar Plateau. The extreme heat creates incredible thermal mirages by 10am that photographers prize. Desert camps use traditional Berber techniques to stay cool, offering authentic cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Book 6-8 weeks ahead as capacity drops significantly in August. Tours typically cost 25,000-40,000 MRU ($65-105) for 2-3 day expeditions. Look for operators with climate-controlled rest areas and dawn departure schedules. Reference booking widget for current heat-adapted tour options.

Banc d'Arguin Birdwatching Expeditions

August is prime migration season with over 2 million birds staging for Atlantic crossings. Flamingo colonies peak at 40,000+ individuals. Early morning boat trips (6-9am) avoid heat while capturing peak bird activity. Water temperatures of 24°C (75°F) keep birds concentrated in specific lagoons.

Booking Tip: Book through certified park guides only - permits required 2-3 weeks advance. Expeditions cost 15,000-25,000 MRU ($40-65) including boat transport. Dawn departures mandatory due to heat. See current certified operators in booking section below.

Ancient Chinguetti Manuscript Libraries

August's dry conditions are ideal for manuscript preservation - humidity stays below 40%, allowing access to 7th-century Koranic texts usually protected from moisture. Traditional Moorish architecture provides natural cooling, making library visits comfortable during midday heat.

Booking Tip: Private library tours cost 3,000-5,000 MRU ($8-13) per person. Book through local cultural associations 1-2 weeks ahead. Air-conditioned transport essential - budget extra 8,000-12,000 MRU ($20-30) for climate-controlled vehicles from Nouakchott.

Traditional Oasis Agriculture Tours

Date harvest season begins in late August - experience 1,000-year-old irrigation systems in action. Oasis microclimates stay 8-10°C (14-18°F) cooler than surrounding desert. Learn traditional preservation techniques as families prepare dates for year-long storage.

Booking Tip: Community-based tours through oasis cooperatives cost 2,000-4,000 MRU ($5-10) per person. Best accessed via early morning camel rides starting at 5am to avoid midday heat. Book directly with oasis communities 1-2 weeks ahead.

Nouakchott Fish Market Cultural Immersion

August brings peak Atlantic fishing season - daily catches include rare deep-water species driven to surface by thermal layers. Market activity peaks 5-8am before heat intensifies. Experience traditional fish preservation methods developed for desert climate.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits free, guided cultural tours cost 1,500-3,000 MRU ($4-8). Visit between 5-8am for peak activity and cooler temperatures. Arrange through local cultural centers, no advance booking needed.

Coastal Wind Sports

August trade winds consistently reach 25-30 km/h (15-19 mph), creating ideal kitesurfing and windsurfing conditions. Atlantic water temps of 23°C (73°F) provide cooling relief from desert heat. Coastal areas stay 5-7°C (9-13°F) cooler than inland.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental costs 8,000-15,000 MRU ($20-40) per day. Book with coastal operators offering early morning and late afternoon sessions. Avoid midday due to extreme onshore heat. Current operators available in booking widget below.

August Events & Festivals

Mid to Late August

Festival of Saharan Poetry in Chinguetti

Traditional Moorish poetry competition featuring ancient oral traditions passed down through generations. Held in restored medieval courtyards during cooler evening hours, featuring traditional tea ceremonies and date offerings.

Late August

Date Harvest Celebrations

Community festivals in major oases celebrating the beginning of date harvest season. Features traditional music, communal date pressing, and demonstrations of ancient preservation techniques. Each oasis holds celebrations on different dates based on local harvest timing.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

UV-blocking long-sleeve shirts and pants - UV index reaches 11+ requiring full coverage even with SPF 50+ sunscreen

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential protection from 11+ UV index and frequent dust storms with winds up to 40 km/h (25 mph)

High-quality sunglasses with side protection - desert glare combined with fine sand particles can cause serious eye damage

Lightweight scarf or shemagh - protects neck from UV and provides instant dust storm protection when winds shift suddenly

Insulated water bottles (2+ liters capacity) - need to drink 4-5 liters (1.0-1.3 gallons) daily in 42°C (108°F) temperatures

Electrolyte supplements - extreme sweating depletes salts faster than water replacement in 45% humidity desert conditions

Cooling towels or bandanas - when soaked, provide neck cooling during unavoidable midday heat exposure

Closed-toe hiking boots - sand temperatures reach 60-70°C (140-158°F) midday, making sandals dangerous for walking

Portable shade (umbrella or small tarp) - essential for any outdoor waiting or rest stops during daylight hours

Dust masks or bandanas - harmattan dust storms can reduce visibility to under 50 m (164 ft) with 2-3 hours notice

Insider Knowledge

Local Mauritanians take a midday rest called 'qailulah' from 12pm-4pm - shops close and streets empty. Plan indoor activities or rest during these hours to follow local rhythms and avoid peak heat.

Buy dates directly from oasis farmers in August during harvest - prices drop 60-70% compared to market rates, and you get first pick of premium Majhool varieties before export.

Desert camps use traditional buried clay pot cooling systems - ask to see these ancient air conditioning methods still used by nomadic families to cool tents naturally.

Harmattan dust storm warnings come through local radio stations in Arabic and French - download offline translation apps and ask locals to teach you key weather phrases for safety.

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 10am-5pm - temperatures exceed safe limits for most travelers, causing heat exhaustion within 30 minutes of sun exposure

Underestimating water needs - most tourists pack 2 liters but need 4-5 liters (1.0-1.3 gallons) daily, leading to dangerous dehydration in remote desert areas

Wearing cotton clothing - cotton traps sweat and stays wet in high humidity, causing heat rash and discomfort. Synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics perform better in 45% desert humidity