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IN EVERYTHING YOU DO YOU MUST CONSIDER THE RESULT.
Mauritanian proverb; Mauritanian proverbs and maxims (2011)
General information
HOUSING - ACCOMODATION
Accommodation in general, outside the capital, is simple and modest. For backpackers, there are hostels and pensions (10-20 €). In the desert, there are many inns or campsites, where you can camp, sleep in a tent or a tikit (stone house, circular). These are charged per person and there are shared rooms (5€ per person). There are only mid-range hotels in the main tourist areas and cities (20-50 €) and many of them are “charming” hotels, in old houses restored by expatriates, generally French. . In Noaukchott and to a lesser extent in Nouadibou, there are high quality international hotels (75-120 € / room).
Plane : Mauritania Airways flies several times a week between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou and Zouérate.
Train : The train connecting Nouadhibou to Zouérat (stop at Choum) is a freight train with two dilapidated passenger cars. Taking it is an experience only suitable for adventurers, but it allows you to visit the Adrar without having to "go back". There is one per day in each direction.
Boat : there is none.
Bus / minibus : there are no large buses. Private companies are starting to emerge using quality 14-seat vans for journeys between cities. It is recommended to reserve the place the day before.
Shared taxis : it is the most used means of transport throughout the country. Peugeout 504 or Mercedes 190 for sections with good roads, Land Rover or Toyotas for track roads. However, the cars are really old and dangerous. They charge something for luggage (negotiable).
Taxi : there are taxis in the cities. The rate must be negotiated in advance.
Private car / rental : if you want comfort, the easiest way is to rent a car with driver from a travel and tourism agency. A 4x4 with driver costs € 60 / day, without petrol.
TRANSPORT
FOOD AND WATER
Usually the dishes are accompanied by rice and lamb, goat or camel meat. Couscous it is sometimes served, it is similar to the Moroccan, but with almost no vegetables. On the other hand, the barbecue, lamb roasted, is a delight. In the north we find Moroccan influences and in the south, Senegalese ones.
The fish, despite the huge coastline and the fishing industry, is not found in the interior of the country: you have to take the opportunity to eat it in Nouadhibou or Nouakchott.
Tap water can be potable in major cities across the country, but it is safer to buy bottled water. Purifying tablets can also be carried so that you can drink tap water safely. Alcohol is strictly prohibited, except in certain hotels in the capital, for foreigners.
Green tea is all the rage and is drunk at any time. Green, strong and sweet and you should drink the three cups available to the visitor. It is customary to pay between 100 and 200 ouguiya to the lady who prepares it, unless it is clearly an invitation.
CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE
In Mauritania, the ouguiya is used. The exchange rate is € 1 = 0'255 ouguiya (March 2020).
Exchange : it is not difficult to exchange euros in banks and exchange offices in the main cities.
Traveller's checks : it is not practical to bring them to this country.
Credit card : it is not practical to bring them to this country, although an expensive hotel accepts them. Only a Nouakchott ATM accepts VISA. Mastercard still does not work in the country. Always go out more, you never know when the next time you can.
Bargaining : It is common to bargain in markets and souvenir shops and request discounts in hotels but not in restaurants, transportation, grocery stores and other services. In tourist places, where you need to hire a guide or services from a tourism company, it is convenient to study various options and budgets, especially in the Adrar region.
SCHEDULES AND ELECTRICITY
Hours : Despite being an Islamic republic, government and business hours follow the week Monday through Friday, although lunch breaks are longer on Friday and some stores do not open the afternoon. Government ministries and departments, banks and the post office are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and until 1:00 p.m. Friday. Many stores open almost every day.
Time zone : GMT / UTC + 0. In other words, there is 1 hour difference between European time and Mauritania.
Electricity : The current is 220V and the plugs have two round holes, like the Spanish ones, so no need for an adapter or electrical transformer.
SECURITY
Mauritania is one of the countries with the highest security warnings in Africa. Please read carefully and consider your ministry's recommendations before leaving. During the trip, be alert to changes in the political and security situation in the country. Following these institutional recommendations to the letter, there are few regions in the country where travel is not advised.
If you go on a road trip, you will see that every few kilometers there are police checkpoints. They will ask you for the destination, your passport number, the vehicle license plate number and the contact of your guide - if you have one. This measure is implemented in order to have better control of tourists and other vehicles on the road and to ensure your safety.
Overall, crime and theft are not a concern in Mauritania, considered one of the safest countries in Africa. In any case, watch out for small pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets. With the exception of certain areas, it is generally not dangerous to get around cities by walking at night.