MAURITANIA
The Islamic Republic of Mauritania is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Western Sahara to the north and northwest, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest. Approximately 90% of its land lies in the Sahara desert. The country got its name from the ancient Berber kingdom from the 3rd Century BCE to 7th century, when Morocco and Algeria were part of its land.
HIGHLIGHTS
NOUAKCHOTT
Home to a third of the country’s population, Nouakchott lies on the Atlantic coast. It is famous for its multi-cultural fish market offering beautiful sunsets. The grand market of Nouakchott offers many traditional local products, especially the famous boubou clothing.
TERGIT
This famous oasis in Mauritania is surrounded by palms and date trees and offers magnificent sunsets.
CHINGUETTY
Chinguetty was the center of several camel caravan trade routes and one of the oldest cities in Africa according to the locals. In the islamic culture, it is the 7th holiest place in the world. Some of the many places to visit are: the sacred Friday mosque dating back from the 7th century (listed as UNESCO World Heritage), old manuscript libraries, camel trips to enjoy the sunset and spend the night in the desert with a big chance of meeting camel caravans guided by fascinating nomads in their famous blue clothing.
OUADANE
The magnificent ancient city of Ouadane was founded in the 11th century, and today it is part of UNESCO World Heritage. The town is famous for its scholars and used to be an important trans-Saharan caravan trade point. The old city offers impressive stone architecture. One of its most famous streets, Street of 40 Scholars, is proof of the importance of the city in the intellectual circles of the past.
IRON ORE TRAIN JOURNEY
Get yourself sunglasses and a Toureag turban scarf to cover your eyes, mouth and nose. A bedsheet and a jacket for the cold and get ready to spend the night in the open sky, on the longest (up to 3km!) iron ore train in the world. A bucket list activity for every traveler one of the best experiences in the whole Africa!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Area: 1 030 700 sq. km
Capital: Nouakchott
Country Code: 00222
Language: French, Arabic
Population: 4.4 million
Documentation | You will need a visa for most countries in West Africa with a valid passport at least 6 months longer than your visit. Visa can be obtained at the airport.
Money | ATMs are available in the big cities. Euros and US dollars are the preference for foreign currency. The currency is Ouguiya.
Religion | Mauritania as an Islamic Republic, with almost all of the population being muslim.
When to travel | The best time for a visit over the whole country is from September to March,
Transportation | We ride in bush taxis or private 4WD vehicles, by charter plane, and take donkeys and camels on the sands of the Sahara. And of course, the iron ore train!