We will start our Mauritania Travel Tips by talking about this country. Mauritania is a Northern African region in the Maghreb area. It has borders with the North Atlantic Ocean in the southwest. This Country has international borders with Algeria, Mali, Senegal, and Western Sahara.
The nation covers an approximate space of 1,025,500 km². The total population of this country is around 3.4 Millon which is a mix of Arab and Berber People. Nouakchott is the capital and largest city of this country. It is situated between the dunes and the ocean.
After 1600, Nouakchott has improved quite, with mosques, government offices, and street markets growing out of desert sand. The Islamic Republic of Mauritania is governed since 2007 by a military junta led.
Table of Contents
Things to do in Mauritania
- Richat Structure
- Arguin
- Banc d’Arguin National Park
- Terjit
- Ben Amera
- Aouelloul crater
- Chinguetti Mosque
- Bay of Arguin
- Rich Seriz
- Adrar Plateau
- El Djouf
- Amaṭlîch
- Atlantis
- Kediet ej Jill
- Tidra
Languages
Literary Arabic is the primary & official tongue in Mauritania. In the region, French is popular as an international language. The cultural groups residing in Mauritania also speak many indigenous languages: Wolof, Pulaar, Soninke, and Bambara.
Hassaniya Arabic is also a common Mauretanian-speaking language. English is used by tourism industry people or at tourist places only. According to Mauritania Travel Tips, Please hire a guide for your trip while traveling to this country.
Currency & Banking
The Mauritanian ouguiya is the main & official currency of Mauritania. The currency code is MRF. Bank issues notes in denomination of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 ouguiya. Whereas Coins come in the denomination of 1⁄5, 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 ouguiya. There are a few hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou that can take credit cards.
However, few hotels only accept Visa cards. ATMs are very less in number in this region and a few of the support international credit or Debit Cards. While Local currency imports and exports are illegal. Always keep some cash with you for an emergency.
Tourist Visa
Indian folks need a Visa to visit Mauritania.
Documents Required for Tourist Visa
- Valid Passport
- Mauritania Visa Application Form
- 2 passport type photographs
- Business Cover Letter
- Proof of Travel Arrangements
- Hotel Confirmation
- International certificate of vaccination against yellow fever
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mauritania is from November to March. It is the winter period in this region. It stays warm throughout this time but not scorching, though it may be colder at night. From May to June, the temperatures are at their peak, exceeding 40 ° C in certain regions.
It is also the period of the year when the winds speed up, often contributing to desert-wide sandstorms. If you are searching for a cultural encounter, from mid-June to August, Mauritanians travel to oases towns for the annual harvest season. Much of this country’s seasons are dry and warm, with a brief, yet at times intense, rainy season.
Time Zone
The Time zone in Mauritania is 0 GMT.
Emergency Numbers
- Police 117
- Fire 118
- Ambulance 101
Internet
Internet speed in Mauritania is Slowest and Prices are economical. You can buy SIM cards for your phone from the airport or one of many retailers all over Mauritania. However, All you need is the passport to get the sim card in this country.
Mauritel, Chinguitel, Mattel are the main internet service providers in Mauritania. According to Mauritania Travel Tips, Places with free Wi-Fi connection are airports, restaurants, hotels, coffeehouses.
Electricity
The default voltage is 220 V and the normal frequency is 50 Hz. The electric plugs and sockets are of form C in Mauritania. plug C is also famous as the normal “Euro” plug. This plug also works with type E and type F.
You can use your electric equipment in Mauritania if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 240 V. Although it is advisable to carry a travel adapter to stay connected with the world. Power cuts do happen in this region.
Climate
The atmosphere is hot and desert in the center-north of this region. While Despite of the summer monsoon it is semi-desert in the south. This carries considerable rainfall from June to early October. Along the coast, sea breezes balance the sun.
However, Just the northernmost portion of the atmosphere is mild and is often influenced by a cold sea current. While Wind will carry several sandstorms across the region. Whereas from December to March, temperatures are very good at about 28 ° C during the daytime and at 13 ° C at night.
However, Between June and August, it is getting hotter. Though hot winds blow from March through May that can often transform into sandstorms.
Reasons to Travel Mauritania
- Crossing from Western Sahara
- Take the Iron Ore Train to Choum
- Ride Camels in the Desert
- Explore Chinguetti’s Old City
- Hookah in Nouakchott
- Rich culinary culture
- Interesting traditions
- Desert life
- Atar
- Grand Market
- Arguin Island
- Mauritania National Museum
History
Mauritania has a past that begins from the 3rd century AD and stretches further beyond. The Berbers set up trading routes across Western Sahara including this region. The Muslim Almoravids centered in Marrakech moved south throughout the 11th century.
With the help of the Mauritanian Berber representatives, they defeated the Kingdom of Ghana. They were occupying a lot of today’s Mauritania. Throughout the 19th century, when colonization expanded across Africa.
France deployed troops in Mauritania, although that was not until 1904 when one Moorish party faced off against another. The French decided to eventually transform Mauritania into a colonial possession. While the country becomes Independent in 1960.
Packing Tips for Mauritania
- Passport & Travel map
- Day Bag or Backpack
- Sunglasses and Sun Hat
- Comfortable Clothes
- Breathable tees
- Power Charger
- Travel Adapter
- Insect Protection
- Toiletries
- Shoes
- Accessories
- Tickets and travel documents
- Swimsuit
- Medicine Kit
- Zip-lock plastic bags to protect your things from dust
- Light sleeping bag or sleeping sheet if camping in the desert
Is it safe to travel Mauritania?
No, Mauritania is not a safe country to travel. Both Petty & Violent Crimes are common in this country. In this region, banditry is quite popular. Please be cautious when you drive, or while you are on the road. Your windows should be closed and doors should be locked at the time of driving.
However, Pickpocketing is at an extreme level in this country. Tourists are quite often deprived of. When you’re on the streets, try not to look like you have money & Don’t take out your cell phone in the street. Please leaves all your valuables in your accommodation.
While Terrorism risk is also very high in this country. You should avoid traveling to the eastern and northern provinces of this country. Whereas, Natural disasters from locust invasions to severe drought and flooding are also some common risks in this country.
It is not at all a country for Solo Women Travelers. if you still Travel, be extremely careful, especially at night, and always try to stick with other individuals or groups. Muggings, robberies, kidnappings, and assaults are very common in this country.
Conclusion
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FAQs
Good Things about Mauritania?
1. Majestic scenery 2. Sahara Desert 3. Wildlife
Bad Things about Mauritania?
1. Poverty 2. Terrorist activities 3. Armed bandits
Weird Things about Mauritania?
1. 6 Type of scorpions are only found in Mauritania. 2. 70% of the country is Desert 3. Richat structure
Mauritania Travel Restrictions?
All Borders are closed & this nation is not open for Tourists as of now.
How many states in Mauritania?
There are 12 states(wilayahs) & one capital in Mauritania.
