Mauritania travel guide

Getting there

Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport is the main gateway, with flights from North and West Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Land borders with Morocco (via Western Sahara) and Senegal are used by overland travellers.

Best time to visit: Nov–Mar – cooler desert days and cold nights.

Flights: see the cheapest month to fly to Nouakchott, with live one-way and return fares from your nearest airport.

Tougher months: May-September – extreme heat inland, with sandstorms.

Weather by month in Nouakchott

• 29°J
• 31°F
• 32°M
• 32°A
• 33°M
• 33°J
• 32°J●
• 33°A●
• 34°S●
• 34°O
• 32°N
• 29°D

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Africa/Nouakchott. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 9 of 198 other passports can enter Mauritania without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 188 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 1 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of Mauritania (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 3: Reconsider Travel (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-08-18). Read the advisory.

Stay

Most trips to Mauritania are based around Chinguetti, Ouadane or Richat Structure. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$35–55 for a backpacker and US$80–150 mid-range, per person.

Connect

Plug types: C. Voltage: 220 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +222.

Mobile data: set up a travel eSIM or check your roaming plan before you fly, so data works as soon as you land.

Do

• Chinguetti (Adrar · historic town): A UNESCO-listed caravan town and centre of Islamic scholarship.
• Ouadane (Adrar · ancient ksar): Ruins of a historic trading town on a hillside.
• Richat Structure (Adrar · geological wonder): A vast circular rock formation visible from space.
• Atar (Adrar · desert gateway): The main base for Adrar tours and oasis trips.
• Banc d'Arguin National Park (Atlantic coast · birds): A UNESCO site of mudflats and islands with millions of migratory birds.
• Nouakchott (Capital · coast): A young capital with markets, a lively fish beach and the national museum.
• Terjit (Adrar · oasis): A hidden palm canyon with natural springs.

Things to do

• Ride the iron ore train. Brave a legendary overnight journey across the Sahara aboard one of the world's longest trains.
• Explore Chinguetti's libraries. See centuries-old Islamic manuscripts preserved by local families.
• See the Richat Structure. Visit the giant circular geological formation known as the 'Eye of the Sahara'.
• Trek the Adrar dunes. Join a camel caravan through golden dunes and palm oases.
• Birdwatch at Banc d'Arguin. Watch huge flocks of migratory birds in a UNESCO-listed coastal park.
• Watch fishing boats return in Nouakchott. See colourful pirogues unload their catch at the bustling fish market.
• Explore Ouadane. Wander the stone ruins of an ancient caravan town.
• Share Mauritanian tea. Enjoy the three-glass tea ritual, each one sweeter than the last.

Eat and drink

• Thieboudienne – fish with rice and vegetables
• Méchoui – slow-roasted whole lamb
• Couscous – often served with camel or goat
• Mint tea – strong, sweet tea served in three rounds

Money and safety

Currency: Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: Not expected but appreciated, especially for drivers and guides.

Emergency numbers: 17 police · 18 fire.

• The currency is the ouguiya.
• Bring euros to exchange; cards and ATMs are limited outside Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
• Some regions, especially borders with Mali and remote desert areas, are considered dangerous – check your government's latest travel advice before planning.
• Travel with reputable local guides in the desert and carry plenty of water.