Home β€Ί Countries β€Ί Mauritania

πŸ‡²πŸ‡· Mauritania

Endless Sahara dunes, the legendary 2km-long iron-ore train, the ancient desert libraries of Chinguetti and a wild Atlantic coast β€” Mauritania is raw desert adventure.

eVisa πŸ“… Best: Nov–Mar πŸ’΅ $100/day avg
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Capital
Nouakchott
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Currency
Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)
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Language
Arabic, French
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Best time
Nov–Mar
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Visa
Visa on arrival
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Avg daily budget
$45 – $320
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Safety
Check advisories
✈️
Main airport
Nouakchott (NKC)
Overview

Why travellers love Mauritania

Ride (or watch) one of the world's longest trains across the desert, explore the caravan towns and libraries of the Adrar, and visit the Banc d'Arguin bird coast.

It's remote and adventurous; check advisories and travel with local guidance.

Where to go

Top places in Mauritania

The destinations worth building your trip around.

Iron-ore train

Iron-ore train

πŸ—“ 1 day

Ride the world's longest train.

AdventureIconic
Adrar

Adrar

πŸ—“ 2 days

Ancient desert libraries and dunes.

CultureAdventure
Banc d’Arguin

Banc d’Arguin

πŸ—“ 1 day

World-class birdlife on the coast.

Nature
Nouakchott

Nouakchott

πŸ—“ 1 day

Capital and its lively fish market.

CityCulture
Plan day by day

Mauritania itineraries

Ready-made routes β€” tap a duration to see the plan.

Route
Iron-ore train β†’ Adrar β†’ Banc d’Arguin
Trip length
5 days
Est. budget
$225 – $1,600
1–2

Iron-ore train

Ride the world's longest train.

πŸ—“ 2 days✨ Adventure Β· Iconic
3–4

Adrar

Ancient desert libraries and dunes.

πŸ—“ 2 days✨ Culture Β· Adventure
5

Banc d’Arguin

World-class birdlife on the coast.

πŸ—“ 1 day✨ Nature
Route
Iron-ore train β†’ Adrar β†’ Banc d’Arguin β†’ Nouakchott
Trip length
7 days
Est. budget
$315 – $2,240
1–2

Iron-ore train

Ride the world's longest train.

πŸ—“ 2 days✨ Adventure Β· Iconic
3–4

Adrar

Ancient desert libraries and dunes.

πŸ—“ 2 days✨ Culture Β· Adventure
5–6

Banc d’Arguin

World-class birdlife on the coast.

πŸ—“ 2 days✨ Nature
7

Nouakchott

Capital and its lively fish market.

πŸ—“ 1 day✨ City Β· Culture
Route
Iron-ore train β†’ Adrar β†’ Banc d’Arguin β†’ Nouakchott
Trip length
10 days
Est. budget
$450 – $3,200
1–3

Iron-ore train

Ride the world's longest train.

πŸ—“ 3 days✨ Adventure Β· Iconic
4–6

Adrar

Ancient desert libraries and dunes.

πŸ—“ 3 days✨ Culture Β· Adventure
7–8

Banc d’Arguin

World-class birdlife on the coast.

πŸ—“ 2 days✨ Nature
9–10

Nouakchott

Capital and its lively fish market.

πŸ—“ 2 days✨ City Β· Culture
✨ Build a custom Mauritania itinerary β†’
Visa & entry

Mauritania visa requirements

Visa required?
Visa on arrival for most
Allowed stay
Up to 30 days
Visa on arrival
Yes at airport (USD/EUR cash)
eVisa
Limited
Passport validity
6 months
Visa type
eVisa
⚠️

Visa rules change frequently. Most visitors get a visa on arrival at the airport (bring cash). Check current advisories before travelling. Always verify with the official Mauritania immigration / e-visa website before travelling.

Full Mauritania visa guide β†’Use the visa checker β†’
Money

Mauritania budget guide

Budget

$45/day
  • Hostels & guesthouses
  • Local food & markets
  • Public transport
  • Free sights & nature

Luxury

$320+/day
  • 4–5β˜… hotels & resorts
  • Fine dining
  • Private transfers
  • Premium experiences
Full Mauritania budget guide β†’
Things to do

Top attractions in Mauritania

πŸš‚

Iron-ore train

A 2-3km train across the Sahara.

πŸ“œ

Chinguetti

Medieval Saharan libraries.

🏜️

Adrar dunes

Caravan towns and desert camps.

🐦

Banc d'Arguin

Millions of migratory birds.

🐟

Nouakchott fish market

Vivid daily catch on the beach.

Blog

Mauritania travel articles

All guides