Africa > Mauritania: Weather, Map, Costs and Travel Guide

There are few places that are less touristic than Mauritania; wild, desert, poor... It is truly a country for adventure where you can discover another world, a certain grandeur in its vast and extreme landscape.

Nouakchott, the capital, surrounded by the desert, has animated markets and a pretty beach, an interesting National Museum, a lively fishing port and a National Rugs Office where you can see the women weaving.

Nouadhibou, more to the north and next to the sea, is a fishing port and so ideal for fishing enthusiasts as well as those who enjoy water sports.

The Banc d’Arguin National Park is a paradise for birds, many of them assembled along the sand banks for a stopover on their way to their mating grounds. You can visit the park by boat with a guide.

Those who appreciate archaeology will enjoy a visit to Koumbi Saleh where part of a large mosque can be seen protruding from the desert sands awaiting the day that the ruins of what appears to be a huge city will once again see daylight.

Atar is another place definitely worth a visit with its labyrinth of tiny streets and its market. It is also the departure point for many excursions such as the old town of Chinguetti, the monoliths of Ben Amira and the Ouadane Museum amongst others.

The easiest way to get there is by airplane, regular flights are available from Paris to Nouakchott.

A visa, valid for up to three months, is required.

The currency in circulation is the Ouguiya.

The budget required is fairly high. A double room will cost around €30 and a restaurant meal a little less than €10. You can also stay in tents or shacks by the side of the road or track and negotiate the price of your meals.

Concerning health precautions; take suitable precautions concerning the heat and drink a lot (not tap water!). Take a well stocked first aid kit and ensure your normal vaccinations are up to date and add those for yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A and B. Do not drink tap water, peel fruit and vegetables, wash your hands well before handling food and avoid stray animals.

For moving around the country collective taxis and lorries are slow but affordable methods of transport. In town there are numerous, although generally shabby, taxis.