Mauritania might not be the first country that pops into your head when thinking about African travel, but that’s part of its charm. Located on the west coast of Africa, this country captures a unique blend of ancient traditions and vast desert landscapes. It’s off the beaten path, making it perfect for curious travelers ready for adventure.
General Overview of Mauritania
This country is where the Sahara meets the Atlantic. It’s a place full of contrasts. You’ve got bustling markets, quiet nomadic life, sandy deserts, and a few coastal cities. Mauritania is home to a mix of ethnicities, including Arab-Berber and black African populations. Its diversity is something to admire as you get a blend of cultures, languages, and traditions.
The capital and largest city is Nouakchott. It’s a coastal city, modern in some areas but still retains that smaller-town vibe in many ways. Most travelers will arrive through Nouakchott, making it their base before heading out to see the real Mauritania: the endless sands of the Sahara and the ancient trading cities in the east.
Major Cities
While Mauritania doesn’t have many major cities, here are the ones you’ll likely come across:
- Nouakchott: The capital and economic center.
- Nouadhibou: Known for its fishing industry and shipwrecks along the coast.
- Atar: A gateway to the Adrar region and the perfect place to start your desert adventures.
- Chinguetti: One of the ancient cities, famous for its libraries full of centuries-old Islamic texts.
- Ouadane: Another ancient city that feels like it’s lost in time.
What Makes Mauritania Special?
You’re probably wondering: What makes Mauritania stand out compared to other destinations in the region?
Well, if you’re a fan of epic landscapes, this is the place for you. Mauritania is mostly desert. You’ve got stretches of sand dunes that go on for as far as the eye can see. The Sahara Desert covers about 90% of the country. There are also ancient cities that have been around for centuries, once vital stops for traders crossing the vast desert.
It’s also one of the least touristy countries in Africa. You won’t find mass tours here. It’s much more untouched and raw. You’ll probably feel like you’re discovering something few have seen before, and that’s what makes travel in Mauritania so exciting.
The Rich Sahara Desert
The Sahara dominates most of Mauritania’s landscape. There’s nothing quite like seeing this vast, lonely desert. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere under a sky full of stars, this is where you need to go.
One of the best experiences you could have in Mauritania is hopping on a camel and trekking into the desert. Camel caravans were once how people used to get across this massive desert, and even today, many nomads continue this tradition. While you might not be trekking for days like the nomads, you can still get a feel for what it was like in the past by doing short treks around the ancient towns of Chinguetti or Ouadane.
Ancient Trading Cities: A Step Back in Time
Mauritania’s ancient trading cities are UNESCO World Heritage Sites that were once crucial centers of learning and commerce. Places like Chinguetti, Ouadane, Oualata, and Tichitt were key hubs during the Saharan trade routes. These cities still have remnants of their centuries-old grandeur.
Chinguetti, in particular, is known for its libraries, which house thousands of ancient Islamic manuscripts. Walking through the narrow streets feels like stepping into a history book. While these cities have lost much of their importance today, they’re still fascinating to explore.
The Iron Ore Train: One of the Longest Trains in the World
If you’re really looking for adventure, there’s nothing quite like riding the Iron Ore Train in Mauritania. It’s one of the longest trains in the world, stretching over 2 kilometers. This isn’t your typical luxe train ride, though. You can ride in open ore cars, perched on top of iron dust and rocks, as the train moves across the endless desert.
It runs from the mines of Zouerat to the coast at Nouadhibou. It’s not glamorous, but it’s an adventure you’re unlikely to forget, especially with the stark desert as your backdrop. Word of advice: Bring a scarf or something to cover your face—there’s a lot of iron dust flying around.
Culture and Languages
The culture in Mauritania is a mix of Arab and African influences. It’s a predominantly Muslim nation, Islam being central to the cultural fabric here. Don’t be surprised to see many traditional Islamic customs practiced in daily life, from call to prayer to hospitality. Mauritanians are known for being friendly and welcoming to visitors.
As for the languages, the official language is Arabic, but most people speak a local version called Hassaniya Arabic. French is also widely spoken, a reminder of the country’s colonial history under French rule. Mauritania only gained independence from France in 1960.
Other languages, like Pulaar, Soninke, and Wolof, are spoken by the black African population. If you know some French, you’ll get by just fine in the cities. In more remote areas, knowing a few basic Arabic phrases can be helpful.
Currency and Costs
The currency in Mauritania is the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRO). Exchange rates vary, but the cost of travel here is generally affordable compared to Western standards. However, as you move away from the capital, you’ll find fewer ATMs and fewer places that accept credit cards, so it’s always good to carry cash, especially smaller bills.
Hotels and restaurants are reasonably priced. In Nouakchott, you’ll find various options, from guesthouses to more mid-range hotels. Once you’re in more rural areas or in ancient towns, accommodation options become very basic. Don’t expect luxury, but that’s part of the adventure in a place like Mauritania.
Safety
Mauritania is generally safe for travelers, though it’s important to stay cautious. Keep up-to-date with travel recommendations and plan accordingly. Some regions like border areas can be less stable, so check the advisories before heading too far off the track. In the cities, petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen, but it’s nowhere near as common as in heavily touristed destinations.
It’s also worth noting that Mauritania has a very low tourist infrastructure compared to more developed destinations. This means you’ve got to plan ahead. Things like reliable transportation, clear signage, or tourist info centers are often hard to come by once you leave the capital.
How to Get There
Nouakchott’s international airport, Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport, is the main gateway into the country. There are not a ton of direct flights from Europe or North America, so most people fly in via Casablanca, Paris, or Dakar.
Once in the country, getting around is mostly by road. There are buses and shared taxis (called bush taxis) covering the routes between larger towns. If you’re heading deep into the desert, though, you’ll need to arrange for a 4×4 vehicle and a guide. Having a knowledgeable guide is particularly important when venturing into remote areas where there’s little to no infrastructure.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Visiting?
Mauritania isn’t your typical go-to tourist destination. But if you’re someone who loves going off the beaten track, discovering places not packed with tourists, and learning about history along on your travels, Mauritania offers a slice of that magical, untamed world. Whether it’s wandering through ancient cities or riding the Iron Ore Train, this is the spot for intrepid travelers.
Sure, you’ll face challenges like unreliable infrastructure or language barriers, but that’s where the real adventure lies, right?
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