Mauritania 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Mauritania: Discovering the Land of Ancient Civilizations

Day 1: Explore Nouakchott (Capital City) 🏙️

  • Morning: Arrival at Nouakchott International Airport, get settled and acclimatize. Visit the Monument de l’Indépendance to understand Mauritania’s journey towards independence.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant local markets like Grand-Marche for a taste of Mauritanian culture and shopping for souvenirs. Don’t miss the Maison de la Culture Maurice Boitel which showcases traditional art and crafts.
  • Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at Le Chef, a popular restaurant offering both local and international cuisines.

Day 2: Admire the Natural Wonders of Parc National du Banc d’Arguin 🐳

  • Morning: Depart for Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is one of the best spots in Africa to see whales and dolphins, as well as migratory birds.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a boat tour to observe these magnificent creatures up close. Return to Nouakchott for the night.

Day 3: Discover the Rich History of Ouidah (Akjoujt) 🏯

  • Morning: Travel to Ouidah (also known as Akjoujt), an ancient city rich in history. Visit the Tombouctou Archaeological Museum to learn about the region’s past.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Ksour Ruins, a series of Berber fortified villages dating back to the 16th century.
  • Evening: Return to Nouakchott for rest and relaxation.

Day 4: Uncover the Mysteries of Chinguetti 📚

  • Morning: Depart for Chinguetti, one of the oldest Saharan cities in Mauritania. Visit the Great Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important Islamic pilgrimage site.
  • Afternoon: Explore the ancient library, where centuries-old manuscripts are preserved.
  • Evening: Return to Nouakchott for rest and reflection on the day’s discoveries.

Day 5: Experience the Nomadic Lifestyle in Atar 🏯

  • Morning: Travel to Atar, a bustling town at the heart of Mauritania’s nomadic region. Visit the Grande Mosquée and enjoy a camel ride through the desert.
  • Afternoon: Interact with local nomads, learn about their culture, and experience their unique way of life.
  • Evening: Return to Nouakchott for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of your Mauritanian journey.

Important Information:

  1. Visa Requirements: Most nationalities require a visa to enter Mauritania. Check with the Mauritanian embassy or consulate in your country for the latest information and application process.
  2. Transportation: While public transportation is limited, taxis and guided tours are readily available. It’s best to organize transport beforehand.
  3. Health Precautions: Ensure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and varicella. Yellow fever vaccination may also be required depending on your travel history.
  4. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Mauritania is from November to February when the weather is pleasant and less dusty.
  5. Currency: The currency used in Mauritania is the Ouguiya (UMT) and the West African CFA Franc (XOF).
  6. Language: Arabic and French are the official languages, but Pular (Fula) and Soninke are widely spoken.