Mauritania Flag
Why visit Mauritania?
Best known for beaches, bird watching, deep-sea fishing, and sand dunes.
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Brassware, camel-hair carpets, cushions, daggers, hand-dyed leather pieces, silver jewelry, daggers, and wood chests.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Avocado Pudding (dessert), Bonava (lamb stew). Camel Chubbagin (stew). Caravane Cheese. Cherchem (lamb couscous). Chubbagin Lélé et Raabie (fish stew). Harira (soup). Marolaym (stew). Maru We-llham (meat dish). (Méchoui (roasted lamb). Thieboudienne (fish dish). Yassa Poulet (chicken dish).
- Local Drink to Try: Mint Tea. Jus de Bouye (fruit juice). Zrig (camel milk).
Fun Facts
- A sovereign state in Northwest Africa.
- Africa's eleventh largest country.
- Since 2001, Africa's newest, small-scale oil producer.
- Obesity amongst native women is high by traditional standards of beauty. Thin women are reviewed as sickly.
- Documentaries include: Fort Saganne (1984), The Fifth Element (1997), Timbuktu (2014), and Winged Migration (2001).
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (May) African Liberation Day, (October) Tabaski, (November) Diwali and National Independence Day.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Islamic New Year, Mouloud, Qadr Night, Korité, and Tabaski.
Good to Know
- Travel is discouraged in the easternmost region due to terrorist threats.
- Being accompanied by an experienced convoy with sturdy vehicles and ample provisions is recommended outside of urban areas.
- Avoid nighttime driving.
- A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and satellite phone are essential when traveling in remote areas.
- Arabic is the official and national language; French is widely spoken.
- Sandy desert is found in the centre and in the north.
- Extreme restrictions on freedom of religion and beliefs exist. Islam is the sole religion amongst citizens and the state.
- Participation in Christian gatherings and activities is illegal. Subject to fines to the death penalty.
- Bringing alcoholic drinks or pork products is illegal and subject to confiscation, fines, and/or incarceration.
- Homosexuality is illegal. Consensual same-sex sexual activity between men is punishable by death, and between women is punishable by three months to two years in prison and a monetary fine.
- Moroccan flaired cuisine is common in the north.
- Senegalese flaired cuisine is common in the south.
- Child labor, human trafficking, racism, and sexism are known in practice.
- Despite being illegal, slavery is still practiced.
- Passports not valid six months past return will likely be denied entry regardless of the length stay.
- Landmines are a danger along the borders.
- Avoid rallies and street demonstrations.
- Emergency response and medical treatment is not available.
- Local currency, ouguiya may not be imported or exported.
- Credit cards are usually accepted at hotels.
- ATMs are not considered secure and only available in large cities.
- Local medicines are difficult to obtain or could be counterfeit.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA required.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination required .
- Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: Local Currency is pot permitted.
- Best Time to Visit: November - March
- Coldest Months: February - April
- Hottest Months: May - June
- Peak Season: December - January & August
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Banc d'Arguin National Park
Photo Credit: lolorun/Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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