Country Mauritania – Experience the Rugged Charm of the Sahara Desert

Located in North West Africa, Mauritania is a land of paradoxes where there are deserts and oceans and where conservative populace coexists with their friendly counterparts in the Southern part of the country. It is beautiful country with many spectacular sights including sand dunes, rocky deserts and the UNESCO listed bird sanctuary of Banc d'Arguin among hundreds of other exciting sights.

Accommodation Options
There is an exciting range of accommodation options in this country including star hotels, guesthouse, hostels, B& B and campsites to match your diverse needs and budget. Though these are sparsely furnished, the rooms are spacious and safe with attached bathrooms and breakfast options and are popular among frugal overlanders. Generally it is a safe place though there could be isolated incidents of arson and looting.  Select any accommodation option that is close to the main thoroughfares and the capital city of Nouakchott is a safe spot to stay.

History
After the infamous Mauritanian Thirty-Year War and the French colonization, the country gained independence in 1960, which was marred by many instances of coups and military rule till 2006 when Mauritania elected a democratic government. 

Popular Places
The old towns of Mauritania including Ouadane, Chenguetti, Oualata and Tichitt are great spots to explore the rich civilization and culture of this country in the form of exceptional carvings, wood work, and dance and music. Chenguetti is also famous for being the departure point of the caravan to the Mecca. The capital city of Nouakchott has many souvenir shops and boutiques where you could buy tie and dye fabric, wooden bowls, silver jewelry and other merchandise dying. There are dime a dozen museums, palaces and mosques for those who are interested in the past of this nation. 

Getting Around
The longest train in the world with 150 cars and being over 2 kilometers in length is one of the most popular modes of transport in Mauritania. Though it is an iron-ore train with no passenger terminals, it is being used as a passenger train due to dearth of other options. The travel guide of this country also features car rentals or bush taxis too as convenient methods to explore remote areas.

Places of Entertainment
Mauritania has many interesting places and entertainment options. From bars to night clubs, theatres and live cultural events, there is something special for everyone in this country and the best part is that the tourist offices in Mauritania bring out a monthly diary of events that will be on.

Currency
The Ouguiya is the currency of Mauritania. 1 Mauritania Ouguiya (MRO) = 100 khoums and it is offered as both bills and coins. Currency exchange can be done in banks and travel agencies and the internet and financial news papers are ideal sources to know the exchange value.

Group accommodation in Mauritania | cheap hostels & budget hotels