Wander Across Mauritania

Prepare for a unique 14-day journey across Mauritania! This fascinating country will offer us an incredible blend of untouched natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Our adventure will take us through cities such as Nouakchott, where we’ll explore markets, vibrant camel trading centers, and lively beaches. We’ll also journey deep into the Sahara Desert to witness the majestic Azouega Dunes, sleep under star-filled skies in a meteor crater, and visit ancient caravan towns like Chinguetti and Oudane—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites renowned for their historic libraries and architecture. We’ll also traverse the mysterious Richat Structure, known as the Eye of the Sahara, and have the rare opportunity to ride the legendary iron ore train.

Alongside these extraordinary experiences, we’ll engage with local communities, immerse ourselves in their traditions, savor exceptional cuisine, and capture the amazing landscapes and people, deepening our understanding of a nation full of surprises at every turn.

You may bring your camera bodies and lenses into Mauritania as a tourist.

Although highly regulated, you may also bring a drone into Mauritania. However, to do so you must obtain a special Permission from the Mauritanian Civil Aviation Authority before your arrival. This involves submitting an application that includes details about your drone (model, and specifications), your intended use (recreational or professional), and the areas where you plan to operate it.

Please note that bringing a drone without proper authorization can result in the confiscation of your equipment, alongside legal penalties.

Outlet Adapters

Although the most common plug in the country is the Euro plug (Type C), you may also find Type E plug outlets throughout the country. It is highly recommended to purchase at least a Type C adapter in advance.

As for electricity, check your chargers to see if they say 110 – 230 V. If they do, you will not have any problems charging your device while on the tour.

Mauritania is a welcoming country with a rich culture, and while it is generally safe for travelers, it’s important to remain mindful of your surroundings and exercise common sense during your visit. We recommend that you always keep an eye on your belongings—avoid placing wallets or phones in your back pockets, carry purses or shoulder bags securely in front of you, and ensure backpacks are zipped up. In crowded places, stay alert and be cautious with your valuables. Our accommodations are reliable and secure, so you can safely leave your belongings in your room when you’re out exploring. By following these simple precautions, you can fully enjoy your adventure in Mauritania with peace of mind.

Scams

Given the lack of tourism, scams are few and far between in Mauritania. Apart from overcharging travelers in markets and shops, there is not much to worry about. In such cases, we recommend negotiating politely to reach a fair deal or asking your guide or tour leader to do it for you. We will discuss such topics during our orientation meeting.

Weather

During this trip, we can expect relatively consistent weather. January is an ideal time to visit Mauritania, offering temperatures that allow us to comfortably explore during the day. While the days are warm, the heat is generally manageable, and evenings can be cool. Here are the average temperatures for each destination we will visit:

Nouakchott: 84°F/29°C high – 59°F/15°C low
Chinguetti: 73°F/23°C high – 48°F/9°C low
Atar: 82°F/28°C high – 59°F/15°C low
Nouadhibou: 77°F/25°C high – 59°F/15°C low

Clothing Requirements

Mauritania is a conservative country with strong Islamic traditions, so it’s important to dress modestly. For both men and women, wearing shorts in public is uncommon. Instead it’s recommended to wear pants or long skirts that go below the knees, along with shirts that cover the shoulders and have at least short sleeves.

For women, it’s a good idea to carry a shawl or scarf to cover your head or shoulders when needed, especially when visiting religious sites or more traditional communities.

Packing

We recommend packing the following items:

Pants (4-5 pairs – comfortable, lightweight)
Shirts (4-5 short-sleeve shirts, 4-5 long-sleeve shirts)
Shorts (1 pair for use in private areas like the hotel or campsite)
Swimsuit
Underwear and socks
Shoes (comfortable walking shoes or sneakers)
Sandals (for casual wear)
Warm clothing (2 sweaters and a light jacket for cooler nights, especially in the desert)
Toiletries
Medications (bring enough of any prescription medicines you take)
Small daypack (for daily excursions)
Gadgets and chargers (don’t forget a travel adapter)
Earplugs (helpful if you’re a light sleeper, especially during camping)
Sunglasses
Hat (for sun protection)
Shawl or scarf (useful for women to cover head or shoulders when needed)
Flashlight or headlamp (useful during camping nights)
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes (for hygiene when facilities are limited)

The most important thing is not to overpack. Traveling through Mauritania, especially in desert regions and when using 4×4 vehicles, can be more comfortable with less luggage. You’ll appreciate having a manageable amount of belongings once the tour begins.

If you have any questions about specific items you’re considering bringing, please send us an email, and we’ll be happy to advise you on whether they’re necessary for this trip.

WhatsApp Group

We will set up a WhatsApp chat 2 weeks prior to the start of the tour that will include all of the participants as well as your tour leader. This will allow everyone to get to know each other in advance, ask questions and communicate with your tour leader both before and during the tour. It will be very useful for you to have WhatsApp available to you during the tour as this will be the main method of communication.