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Mauritania
If you’re itching for a trip that’s truly off the beaten path, Mauritania is calling your name. I’ve spent some serious time exploring this massive stretch of the Sahara—sleeping under star-packed skies, haggling in dusty markets, sipping endless glasses of sweet mint tea, and getting lost in ancient towns that feel frozen in time. Mauritania isn’t your typical postcard destination; it’s raw, vast, and unfiltered, with endless dunes, rich Moorish culture, and a sense of adventure that hits different. Whether you’re into history, desert thrashing, wildlife, or just craving something real and uncrowded, this place delivers big time. Let me walk you through my top picks for the best cities and spots to visit, with honest tips from my own trips to help you plan smart and travel better.
Mauritania is all about contrasts—the brutal beauty of the desert against the Atlantic coast, ancient caravan routes meeting modern(ish) city life, and that deep nomadic hospitality that makes you feel welcome even when you’re miles from anywhere. I’ve boiled it down to five standout destinations that capture the country’s essence: Nouakchott, Chinguetti, Ouadane, Atar, and Banc d’Arguin National Park. Each one’s unique, and I’ll hook you up with links to in-depth guides so you can dive deeper. Plus, I’ll break down the practical stuff like costs, hacks, and what to really expect on the ground.
Top Cities to Visit in Mauritania
- Nouakchott: The chaotic, lively capital where desert meets ocean—think massive fish markets, camel markets, and that raw West African energy.
- Chinguetti: A UNESCO-listed ancient caravan town with priceless manuscript libraries and golden dunes slowly swallowing the old stone streets.
- Ouadane: Remote and atmospheric medieval ksar with crumbling ruins, dramatic plateau views, and a real sense of stepping back centuries.
- Atar: The adventurous gateway to the Adrar region, surrounded by oases, rock formations, and epic spots for desert treks.
- Banc d’Arguin National Park: A wild coastal paradise with mudflats teeming with birds, traditional fishing villages, and untouched beaches.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN MAURITANIA
Port de Pêche, Nouakchott
Ancient Libraries of Chinguetti
Terjit Oasis near Atar
Old Ksar of Ouadane
Camel Market, Nouakchott
Imraguen fishing villages, Banc d’Arguin National Park
Saudi Mosque, Nouakchott
Birdwatching in Banc d’Arguin
Adrar Plateau near Atar and Ouadane
TYPICAL COSTS WHEN TRAVELLING
Accommodation – Options are basic but authentic. In Nouakchott, decent mid-range hotels with AC and private bathrooms run $50–100 USD per night for a double. Simpler auberges or guesthouses go for $20–40 USD. Out in the desert towns like Atar or Chinguetti, expect traditional campements or basic inns at $15–35 USD, often including meals. Camping under the stars (with a guide) is the cheapest and most magical—sometimes as low as $10–20 USD if you bring your own gear. Luxury isn’t really a thing here, but boutique eco-lodges in the Adrar region can hit $80–150 USD. Book ahead in peak season (November–February) or go shoulder season for better deals.
Food – Mauritania keeps it simple and affordable if you eat local. Street stalls or small restaurants serve rice with fish, goat, or camel for $3–8 USD. A big plate of thiéboudienne (fish and rice) or grilled meat with dates won’t break $10 USD. Mint tea is basically free everywhere, and breakfast (bread, coffee, beans) is $2–4 USD. In Nouakchott’s markets, fresh seafood is a steal. If you’re on a guided tour, meals are often included—huge bonus. Fine dining doesn’t exist, but home-cooked meals at auberges feel special and rarely top $12 USD.
Transportation – Getting around is the biggest expense. Shared bush taxis or minibuses between cities like Nouakchott to Atar cost $15–40 USD, but they’re slow and packed. Private 4×4 hire (essential for desert) runs $100–200 USD per day including driver and fuel—split with a group to save. Domestic flights (Nouakchott to Atar or Nouadhibou) are $50–100 USD one-way when available. In cities, taxis are $2–5 USD per ride. Camel treks or dune bashing add $30–60 USD per person. The famous iron ore train is dirt cheap ($5–10 USD) but brutal—only for the hardcore.
Activities – Most highlights are free to wander, but access to remote spots requires guides or tours. A multi-day desert trip (Chinguetti/Ouadane loop) costs $150–300 USD per person in a small group. Banc d’Arguin boat trips run $40–80 USD. Manuscript library visits in Chinguetti are usually $5–10 USD donation. Camel rides or oasis hikes: $20–40 USD. Joining a reputable local tour is worth it for safety and logistics.
Suggested daily budget – 60–100 USD per person. This covers a basic guesthouse, local meals, shared transport, and a couple activities. If you’re doing private 4×4 desert trips or mid-range hotels, bump it to 120–180 USD. Backpacker style (shared taxis, street food, dorm-style auberges) can dip to 40–60 USD if you’re tough.
MONEY SAVING TIPS
1
Eat local and join the tea ritual
Stick to small fondas or market stalls—huge portions for pennies. I lived on grilled fish and couscous in Nouakchott for under $6 a day. Accepting endless rounds of tea often leads to free meals or insider tips from locals.
2
Travel in the cooler months and negotiate
November–February means lower demand and easier haggling. Always politely negotiate transport and tours; starting 20–30% lower is normal and respected.
3
Share transport and join groups
Bush taxis and 4x4s fill up cheaper when full. Hang around auberges in Atar or Nouakchott to find other travelers and split costs—I saved hundreds by teaming up for the Adrar loop.
4
Skip the extras and embrace basic
Bring your own snacks, water filter, and sleeping bag for desert nights. Many sights are free once you’re there—no need for fancy add-ons.
MY MUST HAVE ACTIVITIES TO DO IN MAURITANIA
These are the experiences I consider absolute non-negotiables.
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WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MAURITANIA?
Mauritania hits you with that pure, unfiltered desert magic. It’s a place where the Sahara dominates everything—endless golden dunes, dramatic plateaus, and nights so clear you’ll see the Milky Way like never before. The culture is deeply Moorish and Islamic, with nomadic roots that shine through in the hospitality, traditional robes flowing in the wind, and that rhythmic Hassaniya Arabic everywhere. People are genuinely warm and curious; I had strangers invite me for tea and stories more times than I can count.
Expect adventure over comfort. Infrastructure is basic—roads can be rough, power outages happen, and internet is spotty outside Nouakchott. Dress modestly (long pants, covered shoulders, especially for women) out of respect; it’ll open more doors. No alcohol is available publicly, and pork isn’t a thing. Weather is extreme: scorching summers (100°F+), but winters are perfect (60–80°F days). Best time is November to March—cooler and less windy.
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Best Places to Visit in Nouakchott
Nouakchott is one of those places that defies every travel cliché you’ve ever heard. It’s a city where the Sahara Desert literally shakes hands with the Atlantic Ocean. It’s not your typical "postcard-perfect" destination with manicured parks and high-rise skylines;
The vibe shifts by region. Nouakchott is chaotic and lively, with markets buzzing from dawn. Chinguetti and Ouadane feel like time capsules—quiet, ancient, and hauntingly beautiful. Atar is the launchpad for real desert immersion, while Banc d’Arguin is serene and wild, with that coastal twist. English isn’t common, but French helps, and smiles go far. Food is hearty—think rice, grilled meat, dates, and fish along the coast.
Safety-wise, tourist routes are generally calm these days, with police checkpoints everywhere. I traveled solo stretches without issues, but sticking to guides in remote areas is smart. Check current advisories, avoid eastern borders, and register with your embassy. It’s not a beginner destination, but that’s part of the appeal—real exploration with real rewards.
So, fire up our interactive maps and detailed guides for Nouakchott, Chinguetti, Ouadane, Atar, and Banc d’Arguin National Park, and start mapping your Mauritanian adventure. Explore cities, plan smart, travel better!
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September 7, 2018
