Mauritania 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Mauritania

This itinerary focuses on exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Mauritania, starting from Nouakchott.

Important Note: This is a sample itinerary and can be adjusted based on your interests and travel style.

Day 1: Arrival & Ancient Treasures

  • Arrival: Arrive at Nouakchott-Nouadhibou Airport (NDB) in Nouakchauchott.

    • Things to know: You’ll need a visa to enter Mauritania, which can be obtained on arrival or online beforehand.

  • Activities:

    • Explore the Old City (Nouakchott): Wander through the labyrinthine streets and experience the vibrant culture of the old city, with its traditional architecture, bustling markets, and friendly locals.
    • Visit the National Museum of Mauritania: Learn about the country’s rich history and heritage at this museum which houses artifacts from ancient civilizations to modern times.

  • Transportation: Utilize public transportation (taxis, buses) or a taxi service for getting around Nouakchott today.

Day 2-3: Journey into the Desert

  • Travel to Chinguetti: Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert by embarking on a guided tour through its ancient towns and libraries.

    • Visa: Ensure you have your Mauritania visa ready for travel.

  • Explore the Adrar Region: Discover the breathtaking beauty of the desert landscape, including ancient rock carvings, abandoned villages, and towering sand dunes.

  • Consider:

    • Transportation: For a more authentic experience, spend a night in the desert at a nomadic camp.

Day 2-3: Experience traditional desert life and explore the fascinating structures. * Things to do: * Visit the ancient libraries of Chinguetti, such as the Mosque of Abu Abbas and the University Library. * Explore the historic city of Chinguetti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 4: Ancient Ruins & Cultural Immersion

  • Travel to Ouadane: Continue your journey into the desert.
    • Transportation: Consider hiring a private driver for flexibility and safety in navigating the remote region.
    • Things to consider:
      • Weather: The Sahara can be extremely hot, so pack light clothing that covers your skin, plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.

Day 4-5: Explore the ancient city and learn about its history and culture.

  • Activities:
    • Visit the ruins of Chinguetti:

Explore the remnants of this ancient trading post and marvel at the traditional architecture still preserved in the desert. * Learn about the nomadic lifestyle: Interact with local nomads, experience their hospitality, and gain insights into their culture.

Day 6: Back to Nouakchott & Modern Mauritanian Life

  • Travel: Return to the bustling capital of Nouakchott for a taste of modern life in Mauritania.

    • Transportation: Depending on your itinerary and budget, you can choose between continuing with public transportation or renting a car for more freedom.

  • Visit the markets:

Experience the vibrant culture of the desert by visiting the ancient marketplace in Chinguetti.

Day 6-7: Enjoy the modern amenities of the city

  • Things to do:
    • Explore the markets and experience the hustle and bustle of daily life
    • Visit a mosque and learn about Islamic traditions.
    • Experience the nightlife and vibrant culture of the city.

Day 7: Enjoy the vibrant

  • Experience the desert landscape: Take in the beauty and vastness of the Sahara Desert.

  • Visit the capital’s attractions: Explore the National Museum, the bustling markets, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants offering traditional Mauritanian cuisine.

    • Transportation: Taxis are readily available and affordable for exploring within the city.

Day 8: Departure

  • Depart from Nouakchott-Nouadhibou Airport (NDB).

Things to do:

  • Explore the capital: Visit the National Museum of Mauritania, the bustling markets in Chinguetti or Choum, and the modern city center with its bustling market, museums, and historical sites.

Transportation:

  • Travel: Travel is typically done by road in Mauritania. You can rent a car, hire a driver, or utilize public transportation (taxis, taxis-brousse).

Things to consider:

  • Visa requirements: Ensure you have the necessary visa for your travel.

  • Transportation safety: While driving in the desert is an exciting option, it’s important to be aware of the challenges and prioritize safety.

Important:

  • Safety:

Always be mindful of your personal safety when traveling in remote areas.

  • Cultural sensitivity: Mauritania is a predominantly Muslim country, so remember to respect local customs and traditions.
  • Health: Consult with a travel doctor about necessary vaccinations and precautions before visiting.

Other things to consider:

  • Transportation:

    • Public Transportation: Public transportation in Mauritania is generally affordable but can be unreliable and overcrowded.

  • Cultural experiences:

    • Things to do:
      • Travel: Travel with a trusted guide, especially if you’re venturing into the desert.
      • Learn: Research reputable tour operators and prioritize safety recommendations for your trip.

  • Language: While Arabic is the official language of Mauritania, French is also widely spoken.

  • Health precautions:

    • Transportation: Consider a travel insurance plan that includes coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation.

  • Cultural immersion:

  • Things to do: Spend time learning about Mauritanian culture.

  • Culture:

  • Transport: For travel, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved.

Things to remember:

  • Travel: Carry a copy of your passport and visa at all times.
  • Health precautions:
    • Transportation: Be sure to pack plenty of hand sanitizer and consider using bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.

Learn about local customs and traditions in advance, and be respectful of them.

Enjoy the experience:

  • Be open to experiencing new things, like:

    • Things to do:
      • Trying the local cuisine: Sample dishes like maafe (peanut stew) and thieboudienne (fish and rice).

  • Transportation: Explore the bustling markets and try to find a good guidebook on the local culture

  • Things to do: Learn about the history, culture, and customs of Mauritania. This is crucial for understanding the country’s context and making sure you don’t offend anyone.

  • Consider: Hiring a local guide who can provide insights into the culture and help you navigate safely and respectfully.

Things to do:

  • Cultural considerations: Be mindful of religious customs, especially in Islamic contexts.

For:

  • Travel:

    • Respecting the local culture: Dress modestly, particularly when visiting or interacting with locals.

  • Learn:

  • Transportation: Consider using a reputable tour operator for travel to remote areas.

  • Health: Be aware of potential health risks like malaria and travelers’ diarrhea.

  • Culture:

  • Learn: Respecting the local culture is essential in Mauritania, where it’s deeply rooted in Islamic traditions.

Respect: The country’s rich cultural heritage:

  • Visit a mosque with a guide to learn about proper etiquette.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid offending anyone by being disrespectful towards their religion or beliefs.

Other things to be aware of:

  • Cultural considerations:

  • Respecting local customs is crucial for responsible travel, especially in traditional communities.

  • Learn: Consider a “Things to do” tour.

This will ensure you have a safe and respectful trip.

  • Consider:

  • Things to do:

Remember these tips when planning your trip:

  • Travel:

  • Be respectful of local customs, such as dressing conservatively.**

  • Be aware of the local culture and customs:

Always be polite and ask for permission before taking photos.

  • Respect local dress codes (modest clothing).
  • Be prepared to haggle prices when shopping at markets.
  • Travel: Learn about the cultural context of your interactions with locals.

Remember that Mauritania is a Muslim country, so it’s important to be aware of and respectful towards their religious practices and beliefs.

  • Be aware of the local context** of photography:

  • Consider:

  • Dress modestly and ask permission before taking photos.

  • Respect the culture by learning about their customs and asking for permission before photographing people, especially women.**

  • For a good experience, consider the following:

    • Research:

Learn about the local customs and etiquette in Mauritania.

  • Dress appropriately: Opt for loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
  • Respect

for the local culture is important to keep in mind.**

Cultural Sensitivity Tips:

  • Dress: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like mosques. This means covering your shoulders and knees. It’s a sign of respect for the local culture.
  • Food: Be respectful of the local customs. In Mauritania, it is customary to eat with your right hand only.**
  • Learn a few basic Arabic phrases:

A simple “Salam” (hello) or “Shukran” (thank you) can go a long way in building relationships.

  • Consider: Respecting local customs is essential for a pleasant and culturally enriching experience.

Respect for the local culture:

  • Always be polite and respectful to others.
  • Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in traditional settings like mosques or markets.

Remember that this is a country with strong Islamic traditions.**

Transportation Safety Tips:

  • Research: Before traveling, research the safety record of the airline you’ll be flying on.

Travel insurance:

  • Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any unexpected events.

Respect local customs:

  • Remember that this is a Muslim country and dress modestly (covering your shoulders and knees) when visiting or interacting with locals.

Remember to also be mindful of the following:

  • Asking for permission before taking photos, especially in rural areas.

  • Visiting religious sites: Respecting local customs and traditions.

  • Be sure to check the specific rules for photography at each location.**

For a pleasant travel experience:

  • Travel: Research the local context.

Consider:

  • Travel:

Be aware of cultural norms and sensitivities.

  • Consider:

    • Cultural considerations: Remember that in Mauritania, eating with your right hand only is a sign of respect when eating at a local’s home.

For photography:

  • Be sure to:

  • Ask for permission before taking photos of people.

  • Respect local customs regarding dress and behavior.

  • Consider the following:

  • Travel:

  • Always remember to be respectful of people’s privacy.

  • Dress modestly in public, especially when visiting religious sites.

  • Consider the cultural context.

  • Be sure to also consider the following for photography:

  • Respecting local customs and traditions.

  • For example, it is not appropriate to photograph women without their permission.

Other Considerations:

  • Consider purchasing a travel guide that focuses on the culture of Mauritania.

  • Respect:

  • Local customs are important to respect in Mauritania.

  • A few examples:

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or religious sites. This typically means covering your shoulders and knees.

  • Local Traditions:

  • Consider the following**:

  • Photography:

  • Ask for permission before taking photos of people, particularly women.

  • Always respect the local customs and traditions.

  • Be aware of the cultural context to avoid potential offense.**

Other Considerations:

  • Respecting the local culture and dress code is important.

For:

  • Respectful Travel:

This means covering your shoulders and knees, as well as avoiding excessive noise and photography in sacred spaces.

Remember that Mauritanian culture is traditional and conservative.

Transportation:

  • Remember that you are a guest in their country.**

Be respectful of local customs when traveling to Mauritania:

  • Other Considerations:

  • Always be mindful of your surroundings and the people in them.

  • Be aware of the potential for cultural misunderstandings, especially in the context of photography.

  • Remember that the best experiences are often those that involve cultural exchange.

  • Ask for permission before taking photos:

It’s a good idea to arrive with your camera already out and ask people if they mind being photographed.

Other Considerations:

  • Be mindful of local customs:

You should always be respectful when asking.

Remember that photographing someone, especially women, in Mauritania may require extra sensitivity due to cultural norms.

Travel:

  • Respect a Culture:

Remember that your guide is there to help you understand and appreciate the local culture.

For:

  • Be polite and respectful.**

Consider what it means to take photos of someone:

  • Ask for permission: It’s important to respect the privacy of individuals.

Respect:

It’s best to use a

local guide:

  • who can help you navigate the cultural nuances of Mauritania, such as dress code expectations and appropriate etiquette when interacting with locals.

**

  • For:

  • Local Etiquette:

Remember to research local customs and traditions beforehand.

  • Consider:

  • Travel:

  • Respecting the local culture is crucial in Mauritania.**

Be mindful of your surroundings and

dress appropriately:

  • Remember that photography in public spaces, especially of people and religious sites, may require sensitivity and respect for local customs.
  • Be aware of cultural contexts.

Cultural Exchange:

  • who can help you navigate the local culture.

Consider what to be mindful of:

  • Respecting local culture is crucial:

  • This applies to your clothing and behavior when visiting or interacting with locals.

** *

Remember**:

  • Avoid wearing revealing clothing, such as shorts or sleeveless shirts.**

Culture:

  • Respect local customs and traditions by dressing appropriately and

being mindful of personal space.

Be:

mindful of cultural expectations.

  • Consider:

Avoid photographing people without their permission. *

Other Considerations:

  • Some people may be uncomfortable being photographed, especially women.

Always ask for permission before taking photos in or around a mosque.

**

Respect:

For the local culture, it’s important to be mindful of:

Cultural considerations:

  • Respecting local customs and traditions is essential for a successful trip.

  • Remember that photography is permitted at all times in Mauritania.

Respecting local customs: *

For:

  • Photography:

In Mauritania:

  • Always be respectful of the local culture:
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid photographing people without their permission.

Be aware of cultural sensitivities,

especially when it comes to women’s attire.

Consider:

  • Being mindful of your camera lens:

Remember that a telephoto lens can be seen as intrusive or disrespectful in some contexts.

The best way to ensure you

understand the appropriate etiquette for different situations is to:

  • Ask about local customs and traditions before arriving in Mauritania.

** *

Don’t forget to research the local culture and customs.

Understanding the local context:

  • Respect local customs are important,

and being aware of your surroundings when it comes to photography can help you

avoid awkward situations:

  • Always ask for permission before photographing someone, especially in a context like this, where people might feel uncomfortable with a camera lens pointed at them.

Be mindful:

  • Remember:

Ask for permission before taking photographs of people

or the local culture.

Respectful Behavior:

  • Be aware that photography is not always welcomed:

**

In Mauritania, it’s crucial to be respectful and understand the local context before photographing someone or something in a public space.

** Always ask for permission.**

If you are unsure whether or not it is appropriate to photograph something, err on the side of caution and don’t do it.

Remember that photography can be

considered intrusive:

  • Always dress modestly when traveling in Mauritania.

Consider:

  • People might be hesitant to

have their pictures taken, especially by strangers.

Respectful:

Use a telephoto lens:

For the purpose of capturing photos of local culture and architecture in a respectful way:

Practice:

Using a telephoto lens can help you capture images without being intrusive to locals.

  • Respecting local customs:

Take a picture of someone only if it’s appropriate for the context.

For example,

  • Consider:

  • Respecting local culture and traditions when photographing people.

Remember:

You are visiting their country.

Always be mindful of your surroundings:

And remember that photography is not always a good idea in public spaces. *

For example,

Consider:

  • Local customs are important to respect, especially when it comes to religious practices and beliefs.

It’s best to research the local culture and etiquette before your trip.

  • Use:

A respectful approach:

  • Ask for permission

before taking a picture of someone, especially in a respectful setting like a mosque.

  • Consider:

  • A good way to learn about the culture is to ask questions about things that are not clear to you.

**

Respect:

Be mindful of the local culture and customs when

photographing people. *

Remember, it’s important to be respectful of local sensitivities when taking pictures.

For example, it’s best to avoid:

  • Taking photos of women without their permission.

Photography in Mauritania: *

Ask for permission:

When traveling in a new culture,

it’s crucial to remember that not everyone is comfortable with being photographed.

For

**

Remember the context of your travel**.

**

Consider**:

  • Ask for permission before taking pictures:

It’s important to be aware of and respect local customs and norms.

Photographing religious practices:

Remember that it is often considered disrespectful to photograph individuals while they are praying