Plan your Trip to Mauritania: Frequently Asked Questions

The western regions (Nouakchott and Nouadhibou) and the Adrar Region are relatively safe for tourism. However, we always recommend visiting Mauritania with a reliable tour company, as they are better aware of the current situation and know which areas you can visit safely. That said, always check for any current advisories online. Mauritania is open to tourists and, in my opinion, is safer than people expect. The regions not recommended to visit, such as the Far North and Far East, are not included in tours offered by agencies and are too far for most foreign travelers. The number of tourists is still very low, but this is a good opportunity to visit a country that does not have massive tourist crowds, although every day there are more agencies offering trips to this destination. Although there has been an active fight against the terrorist phenomenon in recent years, and cases of kidnapping have been minimized, it is still important to remain vigilant.

The easiest way to reach Mauritania is by flight through Nouakchott airport, the main international airport in Mauritania. Direct flights are available from:
· Paris (France) with Air France.
· Casablanca (Morocco) with Royal Air Maroc.
· Las Palmas – Canary Islands (Spain) with Binter.
· Dakar (Senegal) with Air Senegal and Mauritania Airlines.
· Tunis (Tunisia) with Tunisair.
· Istanbul (Turkey) with Turkish Airlines.

Pro tip: Do not book a flight to/from Nouadhibou, as the airport is not operational. Although you may find online tickets indicating flights from this city to Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, for example, these should be verified for accuracy.

The duration of your visit to Mauritania depends on your interests and the places you wish to explore. Generally, a well-rounded trip should last at least 7 days. This allows time to visit key attractions such as Nouakchott, Chinguetti, Oudane, the Eye of the Sahara, and venture into the Sahara Desert. For the adventurous, include the iron ore train. Shorter or longer trips are also possible based on individual preferences. You can read our own travel to Mauritania during seven days here on the blog.

Mauritania offers Visa on arrival for all nationalities at Nouakchott International Airport. Holders of passports issued by any country can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival. Visas issued at Nouakchott airport are for single entry. The visa fee is €55 Euros or 60 US Dollars and payment must be made in cash (no change given). To enter Mauritania, your passport must have an expiration date at least 6 months after the date you arrive. If you are planning to enter Mauritania crossing a land border please check with an embassy if you need a Visa in advance.

The best time to visit Mauritania is from End of October to March, during autumn and winter. This period offers mild temperatures, avoiding the extremes of desert heat. I do not recommend travelling to mauritania during the summer due to high temperatures.

Mauritania experiences a dry, hot, and windy climate, with little rainfall throughout the year. The ideal time to visit is winter, from December to mid-February, with hot temperatures in the south and mild conditions in the north. Nights in the Sahara can be cold and windy, so pack accordingly. Swimming is possible in winter, though the sea may be cool.

In Mauritania, specifically, the yellow fever vaccination certificate is only required for travelers aged 1 year or older arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Always check a reliable health source for vaccines that you may need when visiting a region and other at-risk countries.
In my opinion, if you are planning to travel in Africa, I would recommend having the Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate as it may be required in some countries. However, always verify with a reliable source or doctor.

Mauritania is a dry country. The sale and consumption of alcohol are against the law, although some restaurants do serve it. Tourists may still find beer available in the capital’s restaurants, and it will be very expensive. During my travel to Mauritania, I found one Spanish restaurant in Nouadhibou that sells Beer for 15 Euros a pint.

Arabic is the official language of Mauritania, while French is also widely spoken, especially in business and government sectors. Additionally, various local languages such as Hassaniya Arabic, Pulaar, Soninke, and Wolof are spoken by different ethnic groups across the country.

Mauritania offers a unique and diverse range of attractions for tourists, including ancient cities, stunning desert landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences. However, it’s essential to note that tourism infrastructure in Mauritania is still developing, and travel to certain areas may require careful planning and consideration of safety factors. Overall, for adventurous travelers interested in exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, Mauritania can be a rewarding and memorable experience. If you need further information about Tours in Mauritania, please feel free to contact us.