Mauritania Travel
Written by erinnelson | Posted on August 28, 2008
Mauritania is a country within Africa and the full name is Islamic Republic of Mauritania. A rather large country about the size of Texas or New Mexico. Mauritania is located in West Africa and borders Algeria to the Northwest, the Western Sahara to the Northwest as well. Mali is on the East and South and Senegal is on the Southwest. While the Atlantic Ocean is to the West. The capital is Nouakchott and there are five other major cities to visit. These are Rosso, Kaedi, Zouerate, Kiffa, and Atar. Most of Mauritania is desert and it is a predominately hot and dry area. Mauritania actually gained their Independence in 1960 and they have a Republic government.
While traveling in Mauritania you will want to make sure that you do get your current exchanged for their Mauritanian Ouguiya. You can bring in as much foreign currency as you like, however it all does need to be claimed when you arrive. You can not leave with any of their currency, it is illegal and you could be prosecuted for it. Also, credit cards are typically not used or excepted in Mauritania, except possibly at a few of the major hotels. If you have travelers cheques they can be exchanged at the local banks and it is best to get US dollars for them.
If you are flying into West Africa you can fly into a number of airports within the area. Nouakchott, Atar, Nouadhibou, Ayoun el Atrous, Tidjikka, Kaedi, Nema, and Zouerat. Expect that there may be a departure charge for domestic flights. There is also a train that runs between Nouadhibou and Zouerat that operates for the ore mines, but many times there are passenger cars attached that you can take. Also, you will not find any bus service available, however there are trucks and land rovers that drive between Nouadhibou and Nouakchott and Atar and Chinguetti. These are very slow and uncomfortable. There are taxis everywhere, yet these can be much pricier, but they are faster and a much better ride.
Some great times of the year to visit is during there New Years which is January 1st, Labour Day May 1st, African Liberation Day May 25th, Prophet’s Birthday July 7th, All Saints Day November 1st, and National Day November 28th.
A few other things to keep in mind is that power there runs on 220V at 50Hz and they use a round pin attachment plug. Also, if you need medical care while traveling your insurance may not be accepted and you will have to pay in full and then file the claim with your insurance company. Make sure you have travel insurance as well to cover all your needs and so that you do not end up spending too much out of pocket money.
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