Things to Do in Mauritania in November

November Weather in Mauritania

32°C (90°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

8 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

25% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather window - November marks the end of the extreme summer heat with daytime temperatures dropping to 32°C (90°F) while nights cool to comfortable 18°C (64°F), ideal for desert camping and long drives
Zero rainfall and crystal-clear skies make this the absolute best month for desert photography, star gazing, and accessing remote archaeological sites that become impassable during other seasons
Guetna date harvest season - witness traditional date palm cultivation in the oases of Chinguetti and Ouadane, with fresh dates at peak sweetness and local festivals celebrating the harvest
Optimal conditions for the Adrar region exploration - comfortable temperatures for climbing the Richat Structure (Eye of the Sahara) and exploring ancient libraries without the punishing heat of other months

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing - accommodation costs increase by 40-60% compared to summer months, and popular desert camps require booking 6-8 weeks in advance
Harmattan winds can create dust storms lasting 2-3 days, reducing visibility to 200 m (656 ft) and making desert navigation challenging even for experienced guides
Extreme temperature swings require carrying both summer and winter clothing - you'll need shorts for 32°C (90°F) days and warm layers for 18°C (64°F) nights

Best Activities in November

Richat Structure Desert Expeditions

November's clear skies and moderate daytime temperatures make this the prime month for visiting the Eye of the Sahara. The 50 km (31 mile) diameter geological formation is best explored via 4WD expeditions with overnight camping. Cool evenings allow comfortable star-gazing while avoiding the summer's extreme heat that makes midday exploration dangerous.

Booking Tip: Book 6-8 weeks ahead through certified desert guides. Expeditions typically cost 150-250 EUR per person for 2-3 day trips including meals and camping equipment. Look for operators with satellite communication devices and desert rescue training. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Ancient Cities Cultural Tours

November's comfortable walking weather is perfect for exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites Chinguetti and Ouadane. The cooler temperatures allow full-day exploration of ancient libraries, traditional architecture, and caravan routes without the exhaustion of summer heat. Local guides are most active during this season.

Booking Tip: Multi-day cultural tours range from 200-400 EUR per person including accommodation in traditional guesthouses. Book through certified heritage guides who provide access to private manuscript collections. Reserve 4-6 weeks ahead as quality guides fill up quickly during peak season.

Banc d'Arguin Wildlife Watching

November is peak bird migration season at Banc d'Arguin National Park, with over 2 million birds including flamingos, pelicans, and terns. The moderate temperatures and calm winds create ideal conditions for boat excursions and photography. Water levels are optimal for accessing remote islands.

Booking Tip: Full-day wildlife tours cost 80-150 EUR per person including boat transport and guide. Book through park-authorized operators only. Best tours depart at 6 AM to catch morning feeding activity. Early booking essential as visitor numbers are strictly limited to protect wildlife.

Traditional Camel Trekking

November's temperature range makes multi-day camel treks comfortable - warm enough during the day to enjoy the desert sun, cool enough at night for pleasant camping. This is when nomadic Moorish families move their herds, offering authentic cultural encounters. Desert winds are calmer than other months.

Booking Tip: 2-5 day camel treks range from 100-200 EUR per day including meals, camping equipment, and guides. Choose operators who work directly with nomadic families for authentic experiences. Book 8-10 weeks ahead as experienced camel guides are limited during peak season.

Nouakchott Fish Market and Cultural Immersion

November marks the beginning of the Atlantic fishing season with cooler waters bringing diverse catches. The famous fish market comes alive before dawn with traditional pirogues returning with the night's catch. Moderate temperatures make the intense sensory experience more manageable for visitors.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours including fish market, traditional crafts, and local neighborhoods cost 50-100 EUR per person for full-day experiences. Early morning market visits (5-7 AM) are essential. Book with local cultural guides who can navigate the busy market safely and provide cultural context.

Terjit Oasis and Date Palm Experiences

November is harvest season in Mauritania's oases, with date palms heavy with ripe fruit. Terjit Oasis offers natural hot springs, traditional agriculture demonstrations, and palm grove walks in comfortable weather. The contrast between cool morning air and warm spring water is particularly pleasant in November.

Booking Tip: Day trips to oases cost 60-120 EUR per person including transport from Atar. Look for tours that include traditional date harvesting experiences and meetings with local farmers. Book 3-4 weeks ahead as small group sizes are preferred to minimize impact on local communities.

November Events & Festivals

Early to Mid November

Guetna Date Harvest Festival

Traditional celebration of the date palm harvest featuring music, poetry, and communal date picking. Families gather in oases around Chinguetti and Atar for week-long celebrations including camel races and traditional Moorish competitions.

Mid November

Festival of Ancient Cities

Cultural celebration in Chinguetti featuring manuscript exhibitions, traditional crafts demonstrations, and Moorish poetry recitals. Local scholars open private libraries to visitors and demonstrate ancient bookbinding techniques.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - lightweight cotton for 32°C (90°F) days and warm fleece for 18°C (64°F) nights, temperature swings are dramatic

SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm with SPF - UV index of 9 combined with desert reflection creates extreme sun exposure

High-quality dust mask or bandana - Harmattan winds create fine sand particles that penetrate regular face coverings

Insulated water bottles (2+ liters capacity) - desert conditions require constant hydration, cold drinks help with heat management

Closed-toe shoes with ankle protection - desert terrain has thorns and rocks, sandals are inadequate for most activities

Headlamp with red filter - essential for early morning activities and preserves night vision for star-gazing

Moisturizing cream and eye drops - 25% humidity causes rapid moisture loss from skin and eyes

Cash in small denominations (EUR or USD) - ATMs are unreliable outside Nouakchott, most transactions are cash-only

Power bank and charging cables - electricity is intermittent in remote areas, satellite phones need constant charging

Wet wipes and hand sanitizer - running water is scarce in desert regions, essential for basic hygiene

Insider Knowledge

The 6 AM call to prayer in November coincides with optimal photography light and wildlife activity - local guides always start excursions at this time to maximize the experience before midday heat

November is when traditional salt caravans return from the Taghaza mines - you can witness centuries-old trading practices if you position yourself along the Chinguetti route between November 15-30

Local mechanics in desert towns stock up on 4WD parts in November knowing tourist vehicles will need repairs - carry spare belts and radiator fluid as markup on emergency repairs can be 300-400%

Mauritanian families host elaborate tea ceremonies during the cool November evenings - accepting invitations and learning the three-glass ritual opens doors to authentic cultural experiences not available to rushed tourists

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the night cold - tourists pack for desert heat but don't bring adequate warm clothing for 18°C (64°F) nights, leading to miserable camping experiences

Booking accommodation only in Nouakchott - the real Mauritania experience requires staying in desert camps and oasis guesthouses, but these fill up 6-8 weeks in advance during November

Trying to rush between destinations - November's perfect weather makes tourists over-ambitious with itineraries, but desert roads require slow travel and mechanical delays are common