Understand

Welcome to Mauritania, a land of enchanting contrasts between vast deserts and majestic oceans! Prepare to be captivated by the mesmerizing beauty of the desert in Adrar and the Tagant areas. Picture yourself surrounded by endless ergs (dunes) and regs (rocky desert), with tabular small mountains dotting the landscape. If you're a nature lover, be sure to visit the Banc d'Arguin, a UNESCO-protected natural reserve where dunes meet the sea, enchanting millions of birds. While Mauritania is an Islamic Republic, there's no need to worry as most Mauritanians are not extremists. However, it's important to note that the North tends to lean towards conservatism. Sadly, issues like slavery, female genital mutilation, child labor, and human trafficking persist, and racism against people with darker skins is unfortunately still prevalent. On the other hand, the Southern part of the country is filled with warm and welcoming people, eager to embrace visitors, albeit unaccustomed to tourists. Traveling to Mauritania is now easier than ever, with charter flights available from France to Atar during the winter months. You'll find guides and tourist agencies readily available to assist you on your journey. Prepare to be awestruck by the hidden treasures of this remarkable land!

Get in

Citizens of Algeria, Cte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Libya, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Syria, and Tunisia can rejoice as they do not require a visa to travel to Mauritania. If you hold a passport issued by any country, you can obtain a visa upon arrival at Nouakchott International Airport. The fee for a 30-day Single Entry visa on arrival is 55 Euros or 60 USD (as of 2020). Travelers arriving by land can also acquire visas at the border. In 2020, the fee for a Single Entry visa on arrival at the Morocco-Mauritania border was 120 EUR. Please make sure to bring two passport-sized photos and a copy of the information pages of your passport. For a more efficient process, those traveling overland can also choose to obtain a visa at the Mauritanian embassy in Rabat, Morocco. Most nationalities can pick up their visa the next day, at a cost of 690 Moroccan Dirhams or $78 USD for a 30-day stay. If you're coming from Senegal, you can easily obtain a visa on arrival at Diama with exact change in Euros and an address in Mauritania. To save even more time, you have the option of arranging your visa at the Mauritanian embassy in Dakar, Senegal, or Banjul, Gambia. No need to worry about long queues as processing times typically take only one day, provided you have two photos and a photocopy of your passport's information pages. It's important to note that most travelers do not require any specific vaccinations when visiting Mauritania, unless they are coming from a yellow fever endemic zone, in which case a valid vaccination certificate is necessary. So get ready to embark on your exciting journey to Mauritania hassle-free!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

The first popular food in Mauritania is Couscous. It's a traditional dish made from semolina grains that are steamed and served with various accompaniments. The dish is often served with vegetables, meat, or fish, depending on regional preferences and personal tastes.

The second popular food is Maafele, also known as fish soup. This hearty soup is made with locally caught fish, typically combined with various seafood, vegetables, and spices. It's often served with a side of bread or rice to soak up the flavorful broth.

The third popular food in Mauritania is Skewered Meat. Made with lamb, beef, or camel meat, these skewers are marinated in a blend of local spices before being grilled to perfection over an open flame. They are often served with a side of salad or bread.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing