Mauritania
Mauritania is a country in Africa. Geographically part of the Maghreb, Mauritania borders Algeria, Senegal and Mali, along with the disputed territory of Western Sahara.
Regions
Cities
- Nouakchott
Understand
Mauritania is about desert and ocean, and sometimes both at the same time. Although twice the size of France, it has only 3 millions inhabitants. You can imagine how remote some places can be.
Mauritania is an Islamic Republic. Don't be afraid of this political status; Mauritanians are not extremists and are, as most desert people, incredibly friendly. The poorest nomad family will always welcome you as a friend with some tea and biscuits.
The main attractions are the desert in Adrar and Tagant areas (around Atar), and the ocean in Banc d'Arguin (a natural reserve with dunes ending in the sea, full of millions of birds and protected by UNESCO).
Adrar is exactly how you've always imagined the Sahara: endless ergs (dunes) and regs (rocky desert) with tabular small mountains. No need to go to the Moon or to Mars if you know the Mauritanian desert!
Travelling is becoming easier, with charter flights from France to Atar through the winter, and guides and tourist agencies are quite easy to find.
Places other than Banc d'Arguin and Adrar are slightly more adventurous.
Get in
By plane
There are charter flights from France to Atar and regular flights from Europe to Nouakchott. A charter flight costs around 400 euros.
By train
By car
One can go to Mauritania by land from Morocco and from Senegal.
By bus
From Morocco : Buses are at present not running although CTM (the Moroccan national bus company) is planning to run services from Dakhla to Nouakchott by the end of the year. Access is currently available by hitching with overlanders from Dakhla (most can be picked up from Camping Moussafir just north of Dakhla) or by paying for passage with Mauritanian traders. These can be found opposite the first police checkpoint north of Dakhla, the going rate is currently 250-300Dhs (negotiable) the ride should be started rather early and takes most of the day. From Senegal : Bush taxis can be taken from Dakar and St Louis (amongst others) to Rosso, where a ferry makes the trip across the Senegal river, and further bush taxis can be taken to Nouakchott. Other crossing points from Senegal include the Diama dam just north of St Louis, public transport also operates on this route. From Mali : Apparently transport is available from Kayes to Selibabi, and across the southern border at several points.
By boat
Get around
Public transport exist between main cities. However if you really want to enjoy Mauritania, renting a 4x4 is almost mandatory and not so expensive if you share the cost.
Bush taxis run between most cities. Regular cars are most expensive followed by peugeot 504s and pick up trucks/minibuses are cheapest.
The desert train can be taken between Nouadhibou, Choum (for Atar), Fderik and Zouerat, and many smaller stops in between. Riding in the iron ore wagons is free, and the passenger wagon (only one train a day) has a small cost.
Talk
Hassaniya Arabic is the language of the Moor majority, which numerous languages are spoken by Southern blacks including Pulaar, the most widely spoken. French is spoken by many.
Drink
Despite being an Islamic country there are a number of fun bars in the capital. However there are only two nightclubs, one of which is located inside the French Embassy compound.
Sleep
All ranges of accommodation are available, highest class hotels are only available in Nouakchott and Atar however. "auberges" and Campsites can rent beds/mattresses for as little as 1000 ouguiya.
Stay safe
Homosexuality is punishable by death.
External links
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