Mauritania Travel Information

Read Full Travel Guide

Getting Around Mauritania

Buses

Linking Atar, Chinguetti and Ouadane with Nouakchott, local taxi-brousses depart when full.

Taxis

In main towns taxis can be waved down. They are not metered, fares can be expensive and should be agreed before starting the journey.

Car Hire

Car hire is available in the main towns of Nouakchott, Nouadhibou and Atar. Due to generally unsurfaced road conditions a 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended.

Driving

Drive on the right. Care should be taken as many roads are unpaved and 4WD is required. In the dry season drifting sand often covers roads. After rain roads may be washed away. For serious desert driving it is highly recommended to use the services of either a local driver or tour company.

Trains

There is one rail route in the country but this is mainly used by the State Mining Company and is not geared up for tourists, though sometimes sees adventurous travellers onboard. This daily iron-ore train departs Nouadhibou around 1500 hrs on a 12-hour journey to Choum.