Coastal Mauritania Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Coastal Mauritania. Plan your trip today with this ultimate travel guide.


Introduction to Coastal Mauritania

Situated in the Sahel region of Africa, Coastal Mauritania is a hidden gem waiting to be explored by travelers. With its pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and unique culture, it’s a perfect destination for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Coastal Mauritania.

List of Places to Visit in Coastal Mauritania

When it comes to places to visit in Coastal Mauritania, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From historic buildings to national parks and pristine beaches, the list is endless. Here are some of the top attractions you shouldn’t miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The ancient city of Chinguetti
  • The National Museum of Mauritania
  • The Port de Peche (Fishing Port) in Nouakchott
  • The colonial-era Palais des Congrès conference center

Natural Attractions of Coastal Mauritania: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Banc d’Arguin National Park
  • The Azougi de Ouadane’s hot springs and salt flats
  • The Adrar Plateau
  • The beaches of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou
  • The Unesco world heritage site of the Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichit, and Oualata

Hiking/Biking Routes of Coastal Mauritania

For nature lovers, Coastal Mauritania has some of the best hiking and biking routes in Sahel. Here are some popular routes to consider:

  • Trekking through the Adrar Plateau for an authentic Saharan experience
  • Hike through the Banc d’Arguin National Park via the sandbars to admire the exceptional marine life
  • Cross the Sahara in the ballad of nomads route

Best Things to Do in Coastal Mauritania: Activities and Tours

From camel riding to quad biking and bird watching, there’s no shortage of activities to do when in Coastal Mauritania. Here are some must-try experiences:

  • Experience the traditional way of life in the Sahara Desert with a Bedouin family
  • Explore the rich marine life with a guided tour of Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, which has a 30,000 bird population including 2 million migratory birds
  • Visit the Artisanal Village of Kobeni to shop for souvenirs, jewelry, and other handicrafts made by the locals.
  • Take a breathtaking hot air Balloon over the Sahara to take in the stunning scenery from above

Week-Long Itinerary for Coastal Mauritania

Coastal Mauritania is a large area to explore, so a week trip would allow you to visit the main highlights. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Explore Nouakchott’s fishing port and local markets.

Day 2: Head north towards Parc National du Banc d’Arguin to experience the exceptional natural beauty and birdlife.

Day 3: Visit Chinguetti, a UNESCO World Heritage site and ancient city at the edge of the Sahara.

Day 4: Travel to Ouadane to plan for the tour of the ancient city of Ouadane, Tichit, and Oualata.

Day 5: Visit the Adrar Plateau and hike through the beautiful scenery.

Day 6: Enjoy the nearby beach at Nouakchott or try some outdoor activities like bird watching or quad biking

Day 7: Departure.

Food and Drink Scene of Coastal Mauritania

Mauritania’s food culture is a gem waiting to be discovered, with a mix of influences from West Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Arabian Peninsula. Here are some dishes and local drinks you should look out for:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Thieboudienne (Rice and fish)
  • Berkouksou (Traditional noodle dish with spicy meat or chicken)
  • Couscous mreisse (Chicken, fish or mutton couscous)
  • Boulette (Fish balls cooked in sauce)

Local Beverages

  • Attaya (Traditional green tea)
  • Berbere (Alcoholic beverage made from dates)
  • Mint tea

Where to Stay in Coastal Mauritania: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Coastal Mauritania offers a range of accommodation options for all types of travelers. Here are some suggestions:

  • Auberge Des Nomades in Chinguetti
  • Hotel Tasiast in Nouakchott
  • Dar Gnawa in Nouadhibou

What to Buy in Coastal Mauritania: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in Coastal Mauritania, be sure to pick up some of the products unique to the area. Here are some of the best souvenirs to consider:

  • Handmade silver jewelry
  • Leather goods such as bags and sandals
  • Traditional textiles such as the Tagelmust headscarf
  • African Artifacts

Local Culture and Customs of Coastal Mauritania

When visiting Coastal Mauritania, it’s important to respect the customs and traditions of the locals. These include:

  • Dress modestly and cover your head when in rural areas
  • Do not take photographs of people without their permission
  • Respect the local religious beliefs and religious customs

Best Time to Visit Coastal Mauritania

The best time to visit Coastal Mauritania is between December and February when the weather is mild, and the sun isn’t too harsh. During this time, the temperature ranges from 22°C to 30°C with rare rainfalls. It’s advisable to avoid the summer months between May and September when the temperature can reach up to 50°C.

Do’s and Don’ts of Coastal Mauritania

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when traveling to Coastal Mauritania:

Do:

  • Dress modestly and respect local customs
  • Carry enough water and sun protection during outdoor activities
  • Try the traditional Mauritanian cuisine

Don’t:

  • Photograph the locals without their permission
  • Consume tap water
  • Show public display of affection

Safety and Health

Mauritania is a safe country to visit, but travelers should remain vigilant at all times, especially when in public areas. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Coastal Mauritania

  • Avoid walking at night. Stick to busy areas and do not leave your hotel or accommodation without a guide.
  • Avoid carrying valuable items when visiting public places.

Health in Coastal Mauritania

  • Drink bottled water and avoid drinking tap water as it may contain bacteria
  • Visit a healthcare professional before your trip to get vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid fever, Yellow fever, and meningitis.

Getting to Coastal Mauritania: Transportation Options and Logistics

Coastal Mauritania is well connected by air and road transport with a good number of buses, taxis and shared minibusses. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Coastal Mauritania

  • Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International (NKC) in Nouakchott. It’s the main international airport and 23.7 km from the city center.
  • Atar International Airport - (ATR) in Atar. Located 15 km from the town center.

Bus Stations Near Coastal Mauritania

  • Nouakchott’s Ksar bus station is one of the main bus operating stations.
  • There are also other bus stations such as Rod, Nord, Tijirit, and others around the neighboring towns

Other Options

  • Hitchhiking is a great option, but always be cautious and avoid dark or lonely areas.
  • Renting a car with a driver is another option, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

How to Get Around in Coastal Mauritania

Coastal Mauritania has various transport modes that cater to every budget, among them:

  • Taxis and Shared Minibusses
  • Motorcycle Taxis
  • Car rental services

Where to Go Next from Coastal Mauritania: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you want to extend your trip and explore the surrounding areas, you can consider visiting:

  • Senegal, Tivaouane, and Saint Louis located to the south.
  • The Moroccan cities of Marrakech or Rabat located to the north.

Conclusion

Coastal Mauritania is a unique and exciting place to visit, with a rich cultural heritage, awe-inspiring natural beauty, and warm hospitality. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to plan a trip packed with unforgettable experiences, memories, and adventures. Bon Voyage!



    Banc d'Arguin National Park
    Nouakchott