{"id":26356,"date":"2025-01-23T06:19:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-23T04:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=26356"},"modified":"2026-04-13T13:56:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T11:56:26","slug":"travel-mauritania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-mauritania\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips and how to travel to Mauritania in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/travel-to-mauritania-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/travel-to-mauritania-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/travel-to-mauritania-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"travel to Mauritania\" class=\"wp-image-26377\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-white-color has-atc-primary-green-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Wanna travel to Mauritania with Against the Compass?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns px-5 mb-0 is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-normal-font-size\">Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Mauritania:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-atc-primary-green-color has-text-color has-link-color has-normal-font-size wp-elements-3a08225e05c6776215ab7347ef280c82\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>November 19th to 26th, 2026<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-atc-primary-green-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/mauritania-easter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">How to get a visa, budget &amp; costs, cultural facts, moving around, how to find accommodation, top experiences and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">This is the most comprehensive and <strong>epic guide for traveling to Mauritania<\/strong> available on the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/4-2-682x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/4-2-682x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/4-2-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Mauritania travel tips\" class=\"wp-image-26385\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:480px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this Mauritania travel guide you will find:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group table-of-contents is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><p class=\"table-of-contents__title\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Table of Contents<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#1\">Intro<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#2\">Visa<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#30\">Tours<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#3\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Get in<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#4\">Best time to visit<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#100\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Travel insurance<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#5\">Top experiences<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#6\">Useful books<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#7\">Cultural facts<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#8\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Food<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#9\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Is it safe<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#10\">Solo female travel<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#14\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Internet<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#11\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Money, budget &amp; costs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#12\">Accommodation<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#13\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">How to move around<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#15\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">More information<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fe9900\">our recommended travel insurance for Mauritania<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:20px\">With its Backpacker plan, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=mauritania_travelguide_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Mauritania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=mauritania_travelguide_en_text\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900;font-size:16px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">GET 5% DISCOUNT HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1\">\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddf7 Introduction to traveling to Mauritania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If I had to say one reason to visit <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/destinations\/mauritania\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mauritania<\/a><\/strong>, I would say that few countries in the world feel as raw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Until the middle of the 20th century, when the French were ruling the country, up to 90% of all Mauritanians were still carrying out a nomadic, pastoralist lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That wasn\u2019t a long time ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, many from that generation are still alive, so their tribal system and traditional life are completely visible, not only in remote Sahara towns such as Tidjikja, but even the most cosmopolitan people of <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visiting-nouakchott-worst-capital-world\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Nouakchott<\/strong><\/a> will wear traditional clothes and have a <em>haima<\/em> deep into the desert as their second residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/mauritania-itinerary\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Backpacking around Mauritania<\/strong><\/a>, traveling like the locals do, is the best way to witness the unspoiled Mauritanian lifestyle. If you are lucky, you will travel in a local pick-up loaded with camels, or goats in the worst-case scenario, and taking a break in a Bedouin camp where you will be offered some <em>zrig<\/em> (fermented yogurt) is almost guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Tidjikja, I once met a Mauritanian who had lived and worked in the USA for almost 10 years. He decided to return to his homeland and, with all the money he saved, he bought tens of camels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like in the old times, this is the best business &#8211; he said. He was one of the richest men in town now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And then there is the desert. Mauritania is nearly twice the size of France, yet less than 5 million people live spread across those extensive arid plains, mostly composed of breathtaking desert landscapes, yet to be explored by the average traveler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mauritania was on the way to becoming a mass tourism destination (relatively-speaking) but unfortunate events related to the conflict with the Sahel put an end to the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Mauritania is still there, awaiting to be discovered by the rawest adventurers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">Look for all the places to visit? Check my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/mauritania-itinerary\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>2-week itinerary for Mauritania<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\">\ud83e\udeaa How to get a tourist visa for Mauritania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28f0f2c39be6a6a8b30b9cb209c59c1a\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong><em>Update 202<\/em>6<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As of&nbsp;January 2025, it is necessary to apply for a visa online before entering Mauritania,&nbsp;which&nbsp;can be obtained <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/anrpts.gov.mr\/en\/visa\/requestvisa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">here<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The e-visa&nbsp;costs \u20ac55 or $60, but still&nbsp;has to be paid upon arrival in Mauritania. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We recommend bringing&nbsp;the exact change&nbsp;and a printed copy&nbsp;of the e-visa&nbsp;(otherwise, you may be charged \u20ac5 on arrival).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;e-visa&nbsp;takes&nbsp;around&nbsp;24 hours to process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the e-visa portal, it is essential to adapt the image to the exact pixel size requested&nbsp;for the application to be successful.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can apply for the e-visa up to one month before your entry into the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/visa-for-mauritania-1024x746.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/visa-for-mauritania-1024x746.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/visa-for-mauritania-1024x746.jpg\" alt=\"visa for Mauritania\" class=\"wp-image-26373\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">My visa for Mauritania<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"30\">\u270d\ufe0f How to sign up for a tour in Mauritania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Traveling with a group and an expert local guide will make things much easier, and more fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Against the Compass has the following scheduled expedition to Mauritania, which includes riding on top of the Iron Ore Train:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>November 19th to 26th, 2026 \u2013&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/mauritania-easter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APPLY NOW<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>November 29th to December 6th, 2026 \u2013&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/mauritania-round-18\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APPLY NOW<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>December 23rd to 30th, 2026 \u2013&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/mauritania-round-19\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APPLY NOW<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>January 9th to 16th, 2027 \u2013&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/mauritania-train-december\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APPLY NOW<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>January 19th to 26th, 2027 \u2013&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/mauritania-train-november-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APPLY NOW<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>March 20th to 27th, 2027 \u2013&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/mauritania-round-22\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APPLY NOW<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>March 29th to April 5th, 2027 \u2013&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/mauritania\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APPLY NOW<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-atc-primary-green-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/destinations\/mauritania\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:13px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">8-day expedition where besides driving through the desert and visiting remote caravan cities, we will ride on top of the Iron Ore Train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Learn more here about <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/destinations\/mauritania\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">our upcoming Mauritania Tours<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">\ud83d\udeeb How to travel to Mauritania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to Mauritania by plane<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nouakchott and Nouadhibou have the most transited international airports, and I chose Nouakchott because flights were cheaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I flew <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visiting-nouakchott-worst-capital-world\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>to Nouakchott<\/strong><\/a> via Dakar (Senegal) with Air Senegal, but you can find some direct flights from Europe, especially from France and the Canary Islands (Spain).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, the airport of Atar &#8211; capital of the Adrar region, where most touristic sites are &#8211; has direct flights from Paris and some other French cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to Mauritania overland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mauritania shares a border with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel to Mauritania from Morocco (Western Sahara)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An easy border to cross, the entry point being the closest Moroccan city to Nouadhibou. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s a <strong><a aria-label=\"border crossing report (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/whileinafrica.com\/crossing-borders-dakhla-to-mauritania\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">border crossing report<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel to Mauritania from <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-algeria\/\">Algeria<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Algeria-Mauritania border is currently closed to foreigners due to safety concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel to Mauritania from Mali<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After my trip to Mauritania, <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/mali-itinerary\/\"><strong>I went to Mali<\/strong><\/a> but I flew there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It should be open but do check the latest security update, since most embassies claim the border areas are not entirely safe, even though all travelers I met who crossed them said it was just fine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read my <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-mali\/\"><strong>Mali travel guide<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel to Mauritania from Senegal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A very transited border completely open to all travelers, Rosso being the most common entry point, also infamous for its numerous scams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, experienced travelers recommend <strong><a aria-label=\"going through Diama (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/the-nomaddicts.com\/2020\/01\/23\/crossing-the-border-into-senegal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">going through Diama<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\">\u26c5 Best time to visit Mauritania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Spread across some of the driest plains in the Sahara, Mauritania might easily be one of the hottest countries on Earth, along <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/sudan-travel-guide-backpacking\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>with Sudan<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-saudi-arabia\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Saudi Arabia<\/strong><\/a>, with overwhelmingly killing summers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Personally, I can\u2019t stand the heat, so my advice is to definitely avoid coming in the summer months, the best season for backpacking in Mauritania being <strong>from November to March<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/mauritania-itinerary\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>backpacking in Mauritania<\/strong><\/a> there in the month of February and, during the day, the sun was already pretty harsh, with temperatures averaging 30-35\u00baC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nights and early mornings were kind of chilly though (15\u00baC), so do bring some small clothes, especially if you are planning to <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iron-ore-train-mauritania\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>ride the Iron Ore train<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/why-visit-mauritania-1024x682.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/why-visit-mauritania-1024x682.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/why-visit-mauritania-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"why visit Mauritania\" class=\"wp-image-26420\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Overlooking the oasis of Terjit. This was early in the morning and as you can see, I was wearing a pretty warm sweater<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"100\">\ud83d\ude91 Travel insurance for Mauritania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Mauritania is an adventurous destination, so we recommend going there with proper travel insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I recommend <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=mauritania_travelguide_en_own\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Their backpacker plan covers all types of adventure activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Very competitive prices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Readers of this blog can get a <strong>5% exclusive discount<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=mauritania_travelguide_en_own\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong><strong>BUY IT HERE TO GET YOUR 5% DISCOUNT<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\">\ud83d\uded6 Top Experiences in Mauritania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Riding the Iron Ore train<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every single day of the year, a 2.5km long train departs from the remote Sahara town of Zouerat and travels 700km across the Sahara desert to the coastal city of Nouadhibou, transporting hundreds of tonnes of iron ore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As hardcore as it sounds, travelers can get on top of the train and travel along the 18-hour journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is one of the top reasons to visit Mauritania, and one of the best traveling experiences I have ever had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read here <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iron-ore-train-mauritania\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>about the full experience<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mauritania-travel-guide-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mauritania-travel-guide-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mauritania-travel-guide-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Mauritania travel guide\" class=\"wp-image-26414\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Riding the Iron Ore train was more than epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visiting the rawest Sahara villages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As I said in the introduction, Mauritania is a particularly raw country and visiting several villages deep in the Sahara feels like traveling back in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I strongly recommend Tidjikja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/tidjikja-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/tidjikja-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/tidjikja-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Tidjikja, Mauritania\" class=\"wp-image-26422\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Daily life in Tidjikja<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Seeing the largest concentrations of camels ever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-oman\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Oman<\/strong><\/a> to Sudan, hanging out with camels has become a vital part of my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/countries-middle-east-safe-travel\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>travels across the Middle East<\/strong><\/a>, but I think the camel market that takes place in the <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visiting-nouakchott-worst-capital-world\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>city of Nouakchott<\/strong><\/a> has the largest concentration of camels I have ever witnessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/camel-market-nouakchott-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/camel-market-nouakchott-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/camel-market-nouakchott-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"camel market Nouakchott\" class=\"wp-image-26426\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cameeeeels \ud83d\ude00<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exploring the vastest Sahara<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mauritania is a far-flung land home to jaw-dropping desert scenarios that only a small bunch of travelers have had the chance to discover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/travel-mauritania-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/travel-mauritania-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/travel-mauritania-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"travel Mauritania\" class=\"wp-image-26369\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The dunes near Chinguetti<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6\">\ud83d\udcda Useful books for planning your trip to in Mauritania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">West Africa travel guide by Lonely Planet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">A useful book for West Africa overlanders &#8211; with a chapter fully dedicated to Mauritania &#8211; but bear in mind that it contains travel guides to 18 different countries, so consider it a small introduction to the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1786570424\/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1786570424&amp;linkId=b1cd9807df19115742fdc06f8095f966\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/91YNTuntdXL1-666x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/91YNTuntdXL1-666x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/91YNTuntdXL1-666x1024.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-26360\" style=\"width:202px;height:310px\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The desert and the drum (Mbarfek Ould Beyrouk)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">This is the first Mauritanian novel to ever be translated into English and I think it\u2019s the only one so far, that\u2019s why I bought it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The story is about a Bedouin girl who falls in love with a stranger city guy and all the consequences after her tribe found out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">To be very honest, the book is a bit cheesy but what I liked that it gives you many insights into how tribal people live in Mauritania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1910213799\/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1910213799&amp;linkId=63284dc9f91492c17bd26a3b707df7ae\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/71IT8uh8P5L-635x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/71IT8uh8P5L-635x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/71IT8uh8P5L-635x1024.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-26362\" style=\"width:196px;height:316px\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7\">\ud83d\udd4c Facts about Mauritania, its culture, people and religion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mauritania is where Maghreb meets Africa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nestled between Morocco and Senegal, Mauritania is a chaotic mix of both Maghrebis and sub-Saharan Africans, visible not only in people\u2019s facial features but also in their food and the daily life of many Mauritanians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">You might also like: <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-libya\/\"><strong>Libya travel guide<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Generally speaking, Mauritanians classify their society into 3 main groups:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>White Moors (Beidane) &#8211; <\/strong>The dominant ethnic group, which refers to those Maghrebi-looking people who have lighter skin, and mostly have Arab or Berber descent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Black Moors (Haratin) &#8211;<\/strong> Descendants of black slaves who lived in the Maghreb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sub-Saharan ethnic groups &#8211; <\/strong>Mauritanians who belong to African ethnicities from different parts of West Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7;font-size:18px\">Something you need to know about Mauritania is that <strong>there is a pretty tangible structural racism<\/strong>, visible in all aspects of life. Mauritanians have a particularly traditional society, many of them either have a tribal mindset or live under a tribal system, which is why black ethnic groups are often treated as second-class citizens, have lower salaries and pursue low-qualified jobs, from house servants to fishermen. \u2018\u2019You will never see a White Moor cleaning houses\u2019\u2019 &#8211; some locals told me, as if they always felt the need to acknowledge to me they are the dominant group. I didn\u2019t like it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/people-mauritania-683x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/people-mauritania-683x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/people-mauritania-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"people Mauritania\" class=\"wp-image-26416\" style=\"object-fit:cover\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">White Moors, Ouadane<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hassaniya is the local language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hassaniya, which is a variety of Maghrebi Arabic, is the main language in Mauritania, and in the Western Sahara as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nevertheless, languages such Pulaar, Soninke and Wolof are also recognized as national languages, and they are spoken by black African Mauritanians, depending on their ethnicity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/port-du-peche-nouakchott-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/port-du-peche-nouakchott-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/port-du-peche-nouakchott-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"port du peche Nouakchott\" class=\"wp-image-26371\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fishermen are always from sub-Saharian Africa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">It used to be a French colony, so French is the way to go, but English is not that useful<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a former French Colony (from the late 19th century to 1960), French is widely used in Mauritania, especially <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visiting-nouakchott-worst-capital-world\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>in Nouakchott<\/strong><\/a> and Nouadhibou.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Outside of these two cities, however, only highly educated people or people working in hospitality speak fluent French.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>English, nevertheless, was hardly spoken by anyone &#8211; not even in touristic auberges &#8211; and that was a big downside for me, since my French is good enough to make myself understood but I can\u2019t have deep conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">It\u2019s a Muslim country<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>99.9% of the population in Mauritania are Sunni Muslims, most of them being highly devoted to Islam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You also need to know that there is no freedom of religion and that atheism is punished with the death sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/DSC_3998-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/DSC_3998-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/DSC_3998-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Mauritania tourism\" class=\"wp-image-26404\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chinguetti Mosque, the most important mosque in Mauritania (13th century), whose minaret is said to be the second oldest in continuous use anywhere in the Islamic world<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Most people wear traditional clothes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What I loved about Mauritania is that everybody wears traditional clothes, even young people from the capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, men wear a wide blue dress named <em>daraa <\/em>and cover their head with a turban named <em>shesh<\/em>, which basically means <em>scarf<\/em> in Arabic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I did buy the full set in a local market in <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visiting-nouakchott-worst-capital-world\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Nouakchott<\/strong><\/a> and didn\u2019t pay more than 6\u20ac, but I had to bargain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Women dress in a traditional colorful dress named <em>melhafa.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mauritania-travel-blog-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mauritania-travel-blog-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mauritania-travel-blog-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Mauritania travel blog\" class=\"wp-image-26367\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rocking my &#8221;daraa&#8221; somewhere in Ouadane, Mauritania<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Leblouh is still a big deal in Mauritania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Leblouh <\/em>refers to the tradition of force-feeding girls when they are very young, typically in those places where obesity is directly related to beauty, so they can get married earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This old practice has been used in many African countries but in Mauritania, it\u2019s still a very big thing. A few young local men talked to me about this particular topic, saying it\u2019s a widely used habit. You will quickly notice that most Mauritanian women are curvy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7;font-size:18px\"><strong>Slavery in Mauritania<\/strong><br>You probably heard of Mauritania being home to the last slavery stronghold in the world and, to some extent, it can be true. Slavery in Mauritania was only abolished in 1981, but it didn\u2019t become an actual criminal offense until 2007. According to international media, however, slavery still exists. Slaves in Mauritania were always black Africans serving their White Moor masters. When you travel in the north of Mauritania, you are likely to see Bedouin families with black servants. Those servants were born and raised among those Bedouins but are treated as second-class family members, whose main goal in life is being their servants. Foreign media will tell you that those are actual slaves, while local Mauritanians claim those people are free to leave but they don\u2019t because they are uneducated, that\u2019s the only life they know and, basically, they are OK with it. Make your own judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/market-nouakchott-684x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/market-nouakchott-684x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/market-nouakchott-684x1024.jpg\" alt=\"market Nouakchott\" class=\"wp-image-26375\" style=\"object-fit:cover\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Looking for a &#8221;daraa&#8221; in the local market of Nouakchott<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8\">\ud83c\udf72 Food in Mauritania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If I ever travel back to Mauritania, food won\u2019t probably be the reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mauritania is mostly composed of arid plains and it\u2019s a traditionally nomadic society, so they never had either the ingredients or the motivation to have an elaborate cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nonetheless, since Mauritania is sort of a cultural hub with people from Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa, you can find some food variety, but you need to look for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing that surprised me about backpacking in Mauritania is that it can be difficult to find food, cooked food I mean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In many towns and villages, there weren\u2019t any restaurants, and even in a relatively sized-town like Tidjikja, there was only one, and the day I went there, they said I had to order 3 to 4 hours in advance. On the next day, I did go there early in the morning, but it never opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t panic, however. Usually, most auberges have a daily dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Things you are likely to eat in your trip to Mauritania:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Macaroni &#8211; <\/strong>Regular, greasy pasta with vegetables and meat. That\u2019s what they fed me most days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mauritania-food-1024x763.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mauritania-food-1024x763.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mauritania-food-1024x763.jpg\" alt=\"Mauritania food\" class=\"wp-image-26381\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maccaroni<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thieboudienne &#8211; <\/strong>That was my favorite. It\u2019s a traditional Senegalese dish consisting of a brown, thin rice, fish and spices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mauritania-cuisine-1024x663.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mauritania-cuisine-1024x663.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mauritania-cuisine-1024x663.jpg\" alt=\"Mauritania cuisine\" class=\"wp-image-26379\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thieboudienne is a Senegalese dish but in Mauritania it&#8217;s as traditional<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Moroccan cous-cous &#8211;<\/strong> I say Moroccan because that\u2019s what they call it. Just regular cous-cous but nothing comparable to the ones you find <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/es\/viaje-tunez-consejos-itinerario\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>in Tunisia<\/strong><\/a> or Morocco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Camel meat &#8211;<\/strong> Many of the above dishes will often come with camel meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tea culture in Mauritania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tea is an essential part of Mauritanian life, and a symbol of hospitality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They have it in a similar way to neighbouring Morocco but the ritual takes longer and they serve it with a lot of foam, like in the Western Sahara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their tea is good, heavily concentrated but they take so much time preparing it, averaging 20-25 minutes, if doing it right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the first few days of your Mauritania trip, it\u2019s a pretty cool process to observe but then, when you bump into random people who want to invite you for tea, expect to waste 40 or 45 minutes of your time. Because of this, once I missed the sunset and got very upset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7\"><strong>Alcohol in Mauritania<\/strong><br>Mauritania is a dry country and alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/tea-mauritania-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/tea-mauritania-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/tea-mauritania-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"tea Mauritania\" class=\"wp-image-26428\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Preparing tea, somewhere in Nouakchott<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9\">\u26a0\ufe0f Is it safe to travel to Mauritania?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">For a more comprehensive analysis, read my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/mauritania-safe-travel\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Mauritania safety guide<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you look into the <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a aria-label=\"FCO advice (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/foreign-travel-advice\/mauritania\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">FCDO advice<\/a><\/span><\/strong>, you will see that all Mauritania is a big NO-GO zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/FCDO__TA__027_-_Mauritania_Travel_Advice_Ed1__WEB_.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/FCDO__TA__027_-_Mauritania_Travel_Advice_Ed1__WEB_.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/FCDO__TA__027_-_Mauritania_Travel_Advice_Ed1__WEB_.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-26391\" style=\"width:471px;height:513px\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mauritania travel advisory, <strong><a aria-label=\"according to the FCO (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/foreign-travel-advice\/mauritania\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">according to the FCDO<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mauritania belongs to the Sahel, a region that spreads across Mauritania, <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-mali\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Mali<\/strong><\/a>, Niger and Chad &#8211; among others &#8211; and one of the most turbulent regions on Earth, today home to rebel groups like <strong><a aria-label=\"Al Qaeda Maghreb (AQIM) (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Al-Qaeda_in_the_Islamic_Maghreb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Al Qaeda Maghreb (AQIM)<\/a><\/strong> and many other similar organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The truth is that Mauritania has actually suffered from unfortunate incidents that ended with the premature tourism industry, but it\u2019s also true that, thanks to an outstanding level of security, the situation in Mauritania has remained stable for many years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nowadays, <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/mauritania-safe-travel\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Mauritania is a safe destination to travel<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some areas near the border with <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/mali\/\"><strong>Mali<\/strong><\/a> and Algeria where security can be an issue but that\u2019s too remote to go anyways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7;font-size:18px\"><strong>Mauritania travel tip: Bring 20-30 copies of your visa &amp; passport <\/strong><br>When you are traveling around Mauritania, you will go through endless checkpoints in which all foreigners must register for their own security. In those checkpoints, the <strong>gendarmerie or military will ask you for a <em>fiche<\/em><\/strong>, a document containing a copy of your passport and visa. If you don\u2019t have one, they will make you get off the car and write down all your information, wasting you a lot of time. Therefore, do bring plenty of copies (30, at least). I recommend printing one single page with a copy of your visa and passport, along with your local phone number, if any.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/can-you-travel-to-mauritania-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/can-you-travel-to-mauritania-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/can-you-travel-to-mauritania-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"can you travel to Mauritania\" class=\"wp-image-26418\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chinguetti is limited by a sea of dunes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10\">\ud83d\udc83 Solo female travel in Mauritania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mauritania is a patriarchal, conservative, Muslim country, so a woman&#8217;s experience will differ greatly from a man\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, I haven&#8217;t met yet a female traveler who has been backpacking in Mauritania by herself, so I can&#8217;t give very specific information about it. If you have visited Mauritania as a solo woman and would like to tell us about your experience, kindly let me know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on female experiences in other countries, nonetheless, here are a few observations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do expect some occasional harassment, but no more than popular destinations, such as Egypt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you don&#8217;t have a lot of solo travel experience in Muslim countries, it is recommended to first travel to more touristic countries such as Jordan or Morocco<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traveling in Mauritania as a solo female should not be very different from <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/solo-female-travel-pakistan\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>traveling in Pakistan<\/strong><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-sudan-female-traveler\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Sudan<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14\">\ud83d\udcbb Internet and connectivity in Mauritania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, internet is pretty bad in Mauritania, both Wi-Fi and internet data, even in Nouakchott.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Outside of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou I never found Wi-Fi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Internet data worked OK in Atar, Tidjikja and Zouerat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Ouadane and Terjit, it was nonexistent. Chinguetti was fine to send emails and simple browsing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need to download anything, do it in your home country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">I bought a <strong>Mauritel SIM card<\/strong> and you can buy extra data and calls in any regular grocery store across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get a VPN for traveling in Mauritania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Your connection will be much safer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Mauritania.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">I recommend <strong>ExpressVPN<\/strong> &#8211; Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/go.expressvpn.com\/c\/2203603\/1481117\/16063?subId1=mauritania_travelguide_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#dd3333\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Get a<\/strong> vpn<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">If you want to learn more about VPN, check: <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/vpn-travel\/\"><strong>Why you need a VPN for traveling<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11\">\ud83d\udcb0 Money, budget and costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Mauritania, they use the <strong>Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)<\/strong> and, approximately:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-text-color is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"color:#ffbc2c\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>1 USD  = 40 MRU<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-vivid-red-color has-text-color\">ATTENTION!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2018, Mauritania replaced their currency by introducing a new Ouguiya with the same value divided by 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The problem is that the vast majority of people still think in the old currency, and it\u2019s so easy to get confused. Occasionally, it\u2019s difficult to guess in which currency they are talking about, especially because sometimes it looks either too cheap or too expensive, but Mauritania is a very cheap country, so always go for the cheaper option \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Credit cards and ATMs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You will hardly find a place where you can pay by card. Do always have cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 Generale<\/strong> is the most popular bank among foreigners for withdrawing money. I think it\u2019s the only one that accepts international credit cards. You can find quite a few branches in both Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Outside of these two main cities, ATMs are scarce, so remember to bring enough cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exchanging money<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several exchange offices in the city center (Capital area). Alternatively, I exchanged in many auberges at an acceptable rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does it cost to travel in Mauritania?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Prices of the most typical things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Full meal in a local place: 150MRU<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full meal in fancier places: from 250-350MRU<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meals in auberges: 200-300MRU<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fast food (sandwich): 70MRU<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coffee in a local place: 40MRU<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coffee in a fancy caf\u00e9: 80MRU<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bottle of water (75cl): 10MRU<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local shared taxi within Nouakchott: 10MRU<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bus from Nouakchott to Tidjikja: 700MRU<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local car from Tidjikja to Atar: 700MRU<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local car from Atar to Chinguetti: 200MRU<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Backpacking in Mauritania &#8211; Average daily budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>35\u20ac a day<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/20210129_104556-1024x489.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/20210129_104556-1024x489.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/20210129_104556-1024x489.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-26406\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mauritanian notes have camels in them <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12\">\ud83c\udfe8 How to find accommodation in Mauritania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">In Mauritania, there are many accommodation options but, outside of the main cities, they mostly consist of basic campsites and auberges. They also come with a large variety of nonsensical prices. Once I paid 20\u20ac for a creepy hut and the next day I paid 4\u20ac for a similar quality room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">In Nouakchott, if you are a budget traveler, I strongly recommend <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/mr\/le-village-amp-auberge-triskell.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=mauritania_travelguide_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Le Village &amp; Auberge Triskell<\/a><\/strong>, run by Sebastien, a French man who has been living in Mauritania for a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Moreover, in Nouakchott, you can find hotels suitable for any wallet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.en-gb.html?city=-1402901&amp;aid=1232728&amp;label=mauritania_travelguide_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO FIND THE BEST HOTELS IN NOUAKCHOTT<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><br>Outside of Nouakchott, you will rarely find anything on the internet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Below is a list of some of the places I stayed at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tidjikja &#8211;<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Auberge Caravane du Desert<\/span> &#8211; Very basic rooms with private bathroom. <em>1,000MRU for a double room<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Terjit &#8211;<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Chez Jamel<\/span> &#8211; A tended camp. It\u2019s pretty basic but it\u2019s well taken care of. <em>300MRU for a tent<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ouadane &#8211; <\/strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Auberge Vasque<\/span> &#8211; This is the best place I stayed in Mauritania. Clean, the only auberge with hot water and a comfortable mattress. <em>1,200MRU for a double room<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chinguetti &#8211; <\/strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Auberge Zarga<\/span> &#8211; Extremely basic and very dirty but the owner seems to be one of the few people in town who is used to dealing with travelers. <em>150MRU for a dorm-bed<\/em><br><strong>Zouerat &#8211; <\/strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Tiris Hotel<\/span> &#8211; Basic hotel and expensive but not many options in Zouerat. <em>1,500MRU for a double room<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nouadhibou &#8211;<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Hotel Esma<\/span> &#8211; A proper, modern hotel. Perfect for those who arrive in Nouadhibou after <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iron-ore-train-mauritania\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>riding the Iron Ore Train<\/strong><\/a>. <em>2,000MRU for a double room with breakfast<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">For a more detailed explanation of all these places, don&#8217;t forget to check <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/mauritania-itinerary\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>my Mauritania travel itinerary<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13\">\ud83d\udefa How to move around Mauritania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling around Mauritania with a rented vehicle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If I ever visit Mauritania again, I will rent a 4&#215;4. Actually, one of the things I regret about visiting Mauritania is that I didn\u2019t get deep into the desert. I mean, I did visit remote Sahara towns, but didn\u2019t get far away from civilization and main roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can easily rent a car in Nouakchott, or through your preferred guide\/tour operator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the way, only experienced drivers should attempt exploring the depths of the Mauritanian Sahara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling around Mauritania by public transportation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before traveling to Mauritania, I thought that moving between Sahara towns would be challenging but it turns out that all you need is a shit load of patience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>OMG, you can\u2019t imagine how many hours I wasted waiting for a bus\/car to leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, local 4&#215;4 pick-ups is the preferred way of transportation for moving between Sahara towns. They fit up to 8 people and leave once they are full, but when a town is too remote, it may take a few days to fill it up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/How-to-travel-around-Mauritania-1024x576.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/How-to-travel-around-Mauritania-1024x576.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/How-to-travel-around-Mauritania-1024x576.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-26389\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A local pick-up, or shared taxi, loaded with a camel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I actually wanted to go to Tichit from Tidjikja. Upon my arrival in Tidjikja, the first thing I did was try to arrange the local pick-up to take me there. The car wasn\u2019t full yet, so I waited for one more day but nothing, they still didn\u2019t have enough passengers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Maybe tomorrow, or maybe not <\/em>&#8211; they said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the hypothetical case I managed to get to Tichit, there could also be the possibility that I had to wait there for 3-4 extra days to come back to Tidjikja, which would imply spending more than a week in a very remote area with not much to do and where nobody spoke English, so I passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is how I moved between towns:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nouakchott to Tidjikja &#8211;<\/strong> Local buses leave early in the morning from Carrefour Madrid. It\u2019s a 12-hour journey.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tidjikja to Terjit &#8211;<\/strong> Local pick-ups leave almost daily, but you need to arrange it on the day before. It\u2019s an epic ride over sand dunes. 10-hour journey.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Terjit to Atar<\/strong> &#8211; A local pick-up leaves early in the morning but I managed to hitch a ride after waiting for more than 2 hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Atar to Chinguetti <\/strong>&#8211; A few pick-ups run daily. Easy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chinguetti to Ouadane <\/strong>&#8211; First, you need to take a private taxi to the Ouadane intersection and wait there for a car to pass by. The intersection is literally in the middle of the desert, with no internet service and 30km from the nearest civilization. I waited for like 3 hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ouadane to Zouerat <\/strong>&#8211; A very long ride. First, you must arrange a local pick-up that will take you to Atar, which typically leaves at 7am. Once in Atar, I had to wait for about 5 hours for a bus to depart to Zou\u00e9rat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/public-transportation-mauritania-1024x576.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/public-transportation-mauritania-1024x576.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/public-transportation-mauritania-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"roads in Mauritania\" class=\"wp-image-26387\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">More often than not, that sand has literally swallowed the road<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15\"><span class=\"efont\" id=\"copy-emoji\">\u2757<\/span> More information for traveling in Mauritania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All guides and articles for traveling in Mauritania destination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visiting-nouakchott-worst-capital-world\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Travel Guide to Nouakchott<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iron-ore-train-mauritania\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Iron Ore Train Guide in Mauritania<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/mauritania-safe-travel\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Is Mauritania Safe?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/mauritania-itinerary\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Mauritania Itinerary<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel guides to other countries in Africa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-ethiopia\/\">Ethiopia Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-eritrea\/\">Eritrea Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-somaliland\/\">Somaliland Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/sudan-travel-guide-backpacking\/\">Travel Guide to Sudan<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-egypt-itinerary\/\">Travel Guide to Egypt<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-libya\/\">Libya Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-mali\/\">Mali Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/tunisia-travel-tips-itinerary\/\">Tunisia Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/5-682x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/5-682x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/5-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"visit Mauritania\" class=\"wp-image-26432\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:476px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wanna travel to Mauritania with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Mauritania: November 19th to 26th, 2026 How to get a visa, budget &amp; costs, cultural facts, moving around, how to find accommodation, top experiences and more. This is the most comprehensive and epic guide for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":26377,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[164,296],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26356","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-guides","category-mauritania"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26356","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26356"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26356\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57525,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26356\/revisions\/57525"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26356"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26356"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26356"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}