Getting Around Mauritania

Air

Mauritania Airlines International (www.mauritaniaairlines.mr) is the only airline in the country which does domestic flights. It's possible to charter light aircraft.

Road

Travellers should never attempt any desert journey without a full set of spare parts and essential safety equipment. Travelling in convoy is recommended, and make sure you have plenty of water and fuel.

Driving standards are poor.

Side of the road

Road Quality

There are adequate roads linking Nouakchott with Rosso in the south of the country, Néma in the southeast and Akjoujt in the north. La Route de l'Espoir, a paved highway, runs east from Nouakchott to Mali. All other routes are sand tracks requiring 4-wheel drive vehicles.

In some regions during and after the rainy season roads may become impassable. Similarly, in the dry season tracks can be obscured by drifting sand; a guide is highly recommended, if not essential.

Car Hire

Available in Nouakchott, Nouâdhibou and Atâr. 4-wheel drive vehicles with a driver can be hired and are recommended, but they are expensive.

Documentation

An International Driving Permit is recommended.

Urban travel

Taxis are plentiful but expensive in towns (Nouakchott and Nouadhibou). Fares are set, not metered, and a small tip is expected.

Rail

There is a line between Nouâdhibou and Zouérat provided by the national mining company, SNIM, to serve the ore mines. Passenger cars are sometimes attached to trains and some passengers ride in empty freight cars; journeys are long and arduous. You need to buy a ticket in advance for the passenger car.