Mauritania: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Mauritania is home to the world’s longest train? Stretching over 2.5 kilometers with more than 200 wagons, the legendary Iron Ore Train travels 700 kilometers across the Sahara Desert daily. This extraordinary journey is just one of many unique experiences awaiting adventurous travelers in this little-visited West African nation. Straddling the boundary between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, Mauritania offers a fascinating blend of Arab-Berber and Black African cultures set against a backdrop of endless desert landscapes, ancient trading towns, and a surprisingly diverse coastline.

Getting to Mauritania

Most international visitors arrive in Mauritania through Nouakchott International Airport (NKC), which offers connections to several European and African cities. Turkish Airlines, Air France, and Royal Air Maroc operate regular flights to the capital. For those traveling overland, border crossings are possible from Morocco/Western Sahara in the north and Senegal in the south, though border procedures can be complicated.

Best Time to Visit Mauritania

The ideal time to visit Mauritania is during the cooler months from November to February when daytime temperatures are pleasant (around 77-86°F/25-30°C) and nights are cool. From March to June, temperatures can soar above 104°F (40°C), making travel uncomfortable. The brief rainy season from July to September brings occasional downpours and high humidity along the coast, while the desert interior remains dry year-round.

Getting Around Mauritania

Shared taxis are a common form of transportation between towns in Mauritania

Navigating Mauritania requires patience and flexibility. Public transportation exists but schedules are unpredictable. For independent travelers, these are your main options:

Top Things to Do in Mauritania

1. Ride the Iron Ore Train

The legendary Iron Ore Train offers one of the world’s most unique rail journeys

Perhaps the most iconic experience in Mauritania is riding the Iron Ore Train, often called “the longest train in the world.” This 2.5-kilometer-long train transports iron ore from the mines in Zouérat to the port of Nouadhibou. Adventurous travelers can ride atop the open wagons filled with iron ore for an unforgettable 18-hour journey across the Sahara. The experience is challenging (you’ll be covered in black dust) but rewards with incredible desert vistas and stargazing opportunities.

2. Explore Ancient Desert Libraries in Chinguetti

Chinguetti’s ancient libraries house precious manuscripts dating back centuries

Founded in the 13th century, Chinguetti was once a vital center of Islamic scholarship and a gathering point for pilgrims heading to Mecca. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to several family-owned libraries containing thousands of ancient manuscripts on subjects ranging from religion and astronomy to mathematics and medicine. Some texts date back 700 years. Wander the sandy streets of the old town, visit the 13th-century Friday Mosque with its distinctive square minaret, and arrange visits to the libraries through your accommodation.

3. Visit the Oasis of Terjit

The lush Terjit Oasis offers a refreshing contrast to the surrounding desert

Nestled between dramatic rock formations, Terjit is a picturesque desert spring where cool, fresh water flows year-round, supporting a dense grove of date palms. For centuries, caravans crossing the Sahara stopped here for respite from the harsh desert. Today, it’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals to relax in the shade and even swim in the small pools. Stay overnight in one of the simple tented camps to fully appreciate the tranquility and starry desert skies.

4. Discover the Medieval Town of Ouadane

The ruins of Ouadane tell stories of ancient trans-Saharan trade routes

Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Ouadane was founded in 1147 and prospered as a trading post on the trans-Saharan gold route. The partially restored ruins of the old town dramatically overlook the Sahara plains. Explore the narrow alleys, visit the old mosque, and climb to viewpoints offering spectacular desert panoramas. Ouadane is also the base for excursions to the Eye of the Sahara (Richat Structure), a mysterious geological formation visible from space.

5. Experience Nouakchott’s Fish Market

The vibrant fish market at Port de Pêche showcases Mauritania’s important fishing industry

The capital city’s Port de Pêche (fishing harbor) offers one of West Africa’s most vibrant maritime scenes. Every afternoon, hundreds of colorful wooden pirogues return to shore with their catches, creating a spectacular display of activity as fish are sorted, cleaned, and sold. The market is chaotic, aromatic, and utterly authentic. Visit around 4-5 PM to see the boats returning and the market at its busiest. Hire a local guide to navigate the scene and explain the process.

6. Visit the Banc d’Arguin National Park

Banc d’Arguin National Park is a crucial habitat for millions of migratory birds

This UNESCO World Heritage site covers over 12,000 square kilometers where the Sahara meets the Atlantic. The park is one of the world’s most important bird sanctuaries, hosting millions of migratory birds each year. The unique ecosystem where desert meets ocean creates diverse habitats including sand dunes, coastal swamps, small islands, and shallow coastal waters. Visit with a guide to spot flamingos, pelicans, and countless wading birds, and meet the Imraguen people who practice traditional fishing methods in cooperation with wild dolphins.

7. Explore the Remote Town of Tidjikja

For travelers seeking authentic Saharan experiences off the typical route, Tidjikja offers a glimpse into traditional desert life. This remote oasis town serves as a trading center for nomadic desert communities. Wander the local market where desert people come to trade goods, explore the old quarter with its traditional mud-brick architecture, and enjoy the hospitality of locals who rarely see foreign visitors. The journey to Tidjikja itself is an adventure, crossing vast stretches of desert landscape.

8. Marvel at the Camel Market in Nouakchott

Nouakchott’s camel market showcases the continuing importance of these desert animals

On the outskirts of Nouakchott lies one of Africa’s largest camel markets, where hundreds of camels are bought and sold. The market offers fascinating insights into the continuing importance of these animals in Mauritanian culture and economy. Visit in the early morning to see the market at its most active, as traders negotiate prices and showcase their animals. Photography is generally permitted, but it’s polite to ask first and consider offering a small tip.

Where to Stay in Mauritania

Desert camps offer an authentic way to experience Mauritania’s Saharan landscapes

Accommodation in Mauritania ranges from basic to mid-range, with few luxury options outside the capital. In Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, you’ll find modern hotels catering to business travelers and the occasional tourist. In smaller towns and desert areas, expect simple guesthouses (auberges) and tented camps with basic facilities.

Practical Information for Visiting Mauritania

Visa Requirements

Most visitors require a visa to enter Mauritania. Visas are available on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport for most nationalities and cost approximately €55 for a 30-day single-entry visa. The process includes taking photos and fingerprints. For land borders, it’s advisable to obtain a visa in advance from a Mauritanian embassy.

Currency and Money

The local currency is the Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU). ATMs are available in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou but can be unreliable, so bring enough cash. Euro and US dollars are widely accepted for exchange. The black market exchange rate is often better than official rates, but exercise caution when changing money informally.

Communication

Mobile coverage is available in towns but limited in remote desert areas

Mobile coverage is good in major towns but nonexistent in remote desert areas. Local SIM cards are affordable and available from providers like Mauritel Moov. A SIM card costs around 150 MRU with data packages starting at 100 MRU for 2.5GB. Internet speeds are generally slow, and connection can be intermittent.

Safety Considerations

Despite travel advisories that mark parts of Mauritania as high-risk, most travelers report feeling safe. The country has significantly improved security in recent years. Military checkpoints are common throughout the country, especially on major roads. Always carry photocopies of your passport and visa, as officials may request them. Avoid the far northern regions and areas along the Mali border, which have higher security concerns.

Cultural Etiquette in Mauritania

The elaborate Mauritanian tea ceremony is an important social ritual

Mauritania is a conservative Islamic country where traditional customs are deeply respected. Understanding and respecting local cultural norms will greatly enhance your experience:

Mauritanian Cuisine

Mauritanian meals are often eaten communally from a shared plate

Mauritanian cuisine reflects the country’s position between North and West Africa, with influences from both Arab and sub-Saharan culinary traditions. Meals are typically eaten communally from a large shared plate, using the right hand only.

Restaurants are limited outside major towns. In remote areas, meals are typically available at your accommodation. In Nouakchott, you’ll find a wider range of options, including some international cuisine.

Is Mauritania Worth Visiting?

Mauritania offers unforgettable experiences for adventurous travelers

Mauritania remains one of Africa’s least-visited countries, making it perfect for travelers seeking authentic experiences away from tourist crowds. The challenges of travel here – unpredictable transportation, basic facilities, language barriers – are balanced by extraordinary rewards: riding a train across the Sahara under star-filled skies, exploring ancient libraries in sand-swept towns, connecting with nomadic cultures that have thrived in harsh environments for centuries.

This is not a destination for those seeking luxury or convenience, but rather for adventurous spirits willing to embrace the unexpected. For those ready to step off the well-trodden path, Mauritania offers a rare glimpse into a world where ancient traditions meet the modern age against the backdrop of one of Earth’s most dramatic landscapes.