Getting Around Mauritania
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use shared taxis for Nouakchott and coastal cities. Rural: Rent a 4x4 for desert exploration. North: Iron ore train or buses. For convenience, book airport transfers from Nouakchott to your destination.
Train Travel
Iron Ore Train
Iconic freight train from Zouerate to Nouadhibou, passengers ride on top or in empty wagons for remote desert travel.
Cost: Informal €5-10 for the 12-18 hour journey, no fixed schedule but departs 1-2 times weekly.
Tickets: No official tickets; pay onboard or at stations, bring water and supplies.
Safety Tips: Wear protective gear against sand, avoid during sandstorms.
Limited Passenger Services
SNIM operates basic passenger cars on the iron ore line, connecting northern mining areas to the coast.
Best For: Adventurous travelers heading to Banc d'Arguin or Adrar regions, combines transport with scenery.
Where to Board: Zouerate or Choum stations, coordinate with locals for timings.
Regional Connections
No high-speed rail; the line links to Senegal via ferry at Nouadhibou for further African travel.
Booking: Informal arrangements, join tour groups for guided experiences with insurance.
Main Stops: Key points include Bir Moghrein and Atar for desert excursions.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for off-road desert trips, 4x4 rentals from €50-100/day at Nouakchott Airport and cities.
Requirements: International license, credit card, minimum age 25, desert driving experience preferred.
Insurance: Full off-road coverage mandatory, includes recovery services for breakdowns.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 90 km/h paved roads, no limits on desert tracks.
Tolls: None on main routes, but checkpoints may require small fees.
Priority: Yield to camels and pedestrians, 4x4 vehicles common in rural areas.
Parking: Free in most areas, secure compounds in cities €5-10/night.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations sparse outside cities at €0.80-1.00/liter for petrol, carry extra jerry cans for desert.
Apps: Use offline Maps.me or GPS devices, satellite phones recommended for remote areas.
Traffic: Minimal, but watch for sand drifts and nomadic herders on tracks.
Urban Transport
Shared Taxis in Cities
Yellow taxis in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, shared rides €0.50-1 per trip within city limits.
Validation: Negotiate fares upfront, fixed routes common for efficiency.
Apps: Limited; use local hailing or hotel arrangements for reliability.
Bush Taxis & Minibuses
Inter-city bush taxis from €10-30 for long hauls, stations in major towns like Atar.
Routes: Connects coastal areas to interior, departs when full.
Tours: Organized desert convoys available for safer group travel.
Buses & Local Services
SRTA and private operators run buses between Nouakchott and key cities like Rosso.
Tickets: €5-15 per ride, buy at stations or onboard with cash.
Desert Routes: 4x4 bus services to remote sites, €20-50 for day trips.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in cities for easy access, central Nouakchott for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Oct-Apr) and major events like festivals.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-related desert plans.
- Amenities: Check for AC, water supply, and generator backup before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
3G/4G in cities like Nouakchott, spotty in deserts with satellite options needed.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €10 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works in urban zones.
Local SIM Cards
Mauritel, Mattel, and Chinguitel offer prepaid SIMs from €5-15 with urban coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 2GB for €10, 5GB for €20, top-ups via vouchers.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels and cafes in cities, limited elsewhere.
Public Hotspots: Main squares and tourist sites in Nouakchott have basic access.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in urban areas, use for emails and maps.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Nouakchott Airport 7km from city center, taxi €5-10 (20 min), or book private transfer for €20-30.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (€2-5/day) and hotels in major cities.
- Accessibility: Limited infrastructure, most transport not wheelchair-friendly due to rough terrain.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed in private vehicles, check tour operators for guided trips.
- Desert Gear: Mandatory water, GPS, and spare parts for off-road adventures.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Mauritania
Nouakchott Airport (NKC) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Nouakchott–Oumtounsy (NKC): Primary international gateway, 7km from city center with taxi connections.
Atar International (AEO): Regional hub 250km north, bus to Nouakchott €15 (4 hours).
Nouadhibou (NDB): Coastal airport with flights to Europe, convenient for northern Mauritania.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for dry season travel (Oct-Apr) to save 20-40% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Thursday) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Dakar or Casablanca and bus/ferry to Mauritania for savings.
Budget Airlines
Air Senegal, Royal Air Maroc, and Binter serve NKC with African and European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and ground transport when comparing costs.
Check-in: Online 24 hours before, airport procedures can be lengthy.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Limited to cities, withdrawal fee €3-5, use major banks to avoid issues.
- Credit Cards: Visa accepted in hotels, cash preferred elsewhere, no Amex widely.
- Contactless Payment: Rare, carry cash for most transactions.
- Cash: Essential for markets, taxis, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary, small amounts for exceptional service in tourist spots.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid informal exchangers.