--- title: "Bicycle touring in Mauritania | Cycle Planet" description: "More desert than life, Mauritania can be a pity. But it’s also pleasing to see the transition from the Sahara in the North to a little bit of green in the…" canonical_url: "https://cycleplanet.org/countries/mauritania" meta: "og:description": "More desert than life, Mauritania can be a pity. But it’s also pleasing to see the transition from the Sahara in the North to a little bit of green in the…" "og:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BMauritania%2Cdescription_~TW9yZSBkZXNlcnQgdGhhbiBsaWZlLCBNYXVyaXRhbmlhIGNhbiBiZSBhIHBpdHkuIEJ1dCBpdOKAmXMgYWxzbyBwbGVhc2luZyB0byBzZWUgdGhlIHRyYW5zaXRpb24gZnJvbSB0aGUgU2FoYXJhIGluIHRoZSBOb3J0aCB0byBhIGxpdHRsZSBiaXQgb2YgZ3JlZW4gaeKApg%2Cheadline_Western%2BAfrica%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvbWF1cml0YW5pYSI%2Cs_XD-D6cPgoQKQ1ELn.png" "og:image:height": "600" "og:image:type": image/png "og:image:width": "1200" "og:title": "Bicycle touring in Mauritania" "twitter:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BMauritania%2Cdescription_~TW9yZSBkZXNlcnQgdGhhbiBsaWZlLCBNYXVyaXRhbmlhIGNhbiBiZSBhIHBpdHkuIEJ1dCBpdOKAmXMgYWxzbyBwbGVhc2luZyB0byBzZWUgdGhlIHRyYW5zaXRpb24gZnJvbSB0aGUgU2FoYXJhIGluIHRoZSBOb3J0aCB0byBhIGxpdHRsZSBiaXQgb2YgZ3JlZW4gaeKApg%2Cheadline_Western%2BAfrica%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvbWF1cml0YW5pYSI%2Cs_XD-D6cPgoQKQ1ELn.png" --- > Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://cycleplanet.org/llms.txt) Western Africa # Mauritania [**View on the map**](https://cycleplanet.org/map?at=21.00789,-10.940835,6.5) [** Download GPX (9) **](https://cycleplanet.org/api/gpx/MR) ## **About ** More desert than life, Mauritania can be a pity. But it’s also pleasing to see the transition from the Sahara in the North to a little bit of green in the South. The history of the North African country isn’t very flamboyant, with several recent coups. But for now, like other Western African countries, there is a time of peace and prosperity. Mauritania is an Islamic country, so adjust your clothes accordingly. Cycling in short cycling shorts is usually without problems, people think it is a sport where this is allowed. When you get off the bike, put on long or 3/4 pants. For women, I would recommend slightly more cover-up clothing than just cycling shorts. Last updated 28 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/mauritania/edit/about) ## **People ** The people are curious and friendly, but it can be difficult to get in touch with them. You can stay with locals quite often during the harsh ride. Sometimes they stop their car to have a chat with you or to make a picture with you. The official language is Arabic. In addition, people speak, among other things, Hassaniya, a variant of Arabic. With French you can go anywhere else, those who have been to school speak it. But you often don't need words to drink a cup of tea together. Last updated 28 May 2021 by [Bas Idsinga](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/mauritania/edit/people) ## **Routes ** - [North to South](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/cycle-planet-292f5.appspot.com/o/uploads_gpx%2Fcycleplanet-Mauritania-1599122320343.kml?alt=media&token=e029615c-f0b7-403e-8320-6f6987460001) ## **Visa ** Most nationailities need a visa for entering Mauritania. If you come from Morocco, you can get a visa at the border. Coming from Senegal it's likely that you can get a visa at the border as well, but we're not sure (please update if you know). Source: [**Wikipedia**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Mauritania). Last updated 13 Mar 2021 by [Bas Idsinga](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/mauritania/edit/visa) ## **Where to get a visa for Mauritania **(3) Sorted by most likes 1. [![Embassy](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Embassy.png)**1. Embassy for Mauritania in Morocco (Border)**Mauritania, BorderYou can get the visa at the border crossing. 1 month, single entry, €55 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/-MGI-H2eCHExp0_YnkOW) 2. [![Embassy](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Embassy.png)**2. Embassy for Mauritania in Morocco (Rabat)**Mauritania, RabatYou can get the visa here, but it's quicker and cheaper to do it at the border crossing. 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/-MGI0NIaYR0he7m-oWUH) 3. [![Embassy](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Embassy.png)**3. Embassy for Mauritania in Senegal (Border)**Mauritania, BorderYou can get the visa at the border. 1 month, single entry, €55 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/-MGI-pkWDEd4Uthkuppn) ## **Border crossings **(3) Sorted by most likes 1. [![Border crossing](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Border.png)**1. Guerguerat (Morocco) – Boulenoir (Mauritania)**To MoroccoWarning: Between Morocco and Mauritania is a no mans land, claimed by Polisario. Between the 2 borders, you shouldn’t go off the gravel road. The gravel road… 2](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/57bf2085-2624-4e75-baed-d38694207819) 2. [![Border crossing](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Border.png)**2. KeurMassene (Mauritania) – Diama (Senegal)**To SenegalThe road on Mauritanian side sucks, but the crossing is easy. Don't take the crossing at Rosso, as it is corrupt! 2](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/cd63ae08-3f26-4151-a516-f480d73c871c) 3. [![Border crossing](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Border.png)**3. Rosso (Mauritania) – Rosso (Senegal)**To SenegalThis border crossing is known as very corrupt, and it's highly recommended to avoid this crossing. Instead, consider taking the border crossing at Diama… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/b93a949b-19ea-4334-96be-29987fec1c31) ## **See and do **(2) Sorted by most likes 1. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**1. Train hitchhike**See & doExperience how it is to be an iron ore by hopping on one of the largest trains in the world. The train will bring you from Zouerat to Nouadhibou or otherwise… 3](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/-MGI3PjoMfMO1PHXMGJh) 2. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**2. Nouakchott**See & doBy far the largest city in the otherwise quite desolated country. It’s a nice pitstop after cycling in the Sahara, or a good place to charge before entering it. 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/-MGI3bdO8zH0CPkj9Z22) ## **Sleeping ** ### **Staying with locals** Spending the night with private individuals can be an option. There is a good chance that people will ask for money. ### **(Formal) camping** There are plenty of campsites in Nouadhibou. Camping Abba and Baie du Lévrier are the best according to Lonely Planet. ### **Ho(s)tels** There are hotels in the larger towns and of varying quality. . Think about 300-800 MRO for the cheapest price. ### **Wild camping** Wild camping is possible almost everywhere. Be aware of the weather, the desert can be surprisingly cold and windy at night. Make sure you have a good storm-proof and sand-proof tent and clean the zippers regularly: due to the sand and dust, they wear out very quickly. Last updated 28 May 2021 by [Bas Idsinga](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/mauritania/edit/sleeping) ## **Places to sleep **(1) Sorted by most likes 1. [![Campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Campsites.png)**1. Bab-Sahara**CampsiteCampsite run by the Dutchman Justus Buma. World cyclists receive a 20% discount on the overnight price here.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/b6cbc0b7-8688-4afa-8db2-722c8f38da69) ## **Safety ** Mauritania is a relatively safe but poor country. In Nouakchott you have to look after your belongings better than in the rest of the country. You regularly come across police posts. Sometimes they ask if you are moving on to the next post or where you are going to sleep. This will be called to the next police station and you will be expected there, so if you deviate from your plan, ask someone to call them. "After an unexpected night of desert camping, I was told that they had searched for me the night before but could not find me." The fact that the Paris - Dakar rally is no longer organized for security reasons has more to do with the rally as a target than with the security situation in general. ### **Traffic** Cars drive as in many African country, a little crazy, but somehow it all goes well in most cases. Trucks pass by with high speed, and in combination with the wind, this can be a little dangerous as you will lose your balance. ### **Criminality** Coups take place with some regularity. This usually has no influence on the security situation, you can cycle in Mauritania without any problems, even in the capital Nouakchott. 78-year-old French engineer Michel Germaneau was kidnapped in April 2010 by the Maghrebian branch of the Al Qaeda terror network (AQMI), he was later murdered. ### **Corruption** Bas (2019): "I haven't experienced any corruption. I heard stories that the border with Senegal at Rosso is very corrupt, so try to avoid this border crossing." ### **Nature and animals** The heat can be dangerous. During the day it can get 45 degrees celsius, and it's impossible to cycle. Try to find a shade and do as less as possible from 1pm to 4 or 5 pm. Before and after this time, it's possible to cycle. During the night would be possible as well, but the roads are not lighted and there are quite some potholes, which can be dangerous in combination with the cars and trucks still passing by. Sandstorms do occur, so make sure you can cover at least your face. Last updated 28 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/mauritania/edit/safety) ## **Food and drink ** In the shops, outside Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, there is little to be found in terms of fresh. Onions are the only thing you have almost everywhere and with a little luck also potatoes. Furthermore, macaroni and cans of fish, bread and packets of biscuits and that's about it. The Mauritanians themselves mainly eat camel and goat meat. There are some fruits and vegetables for sale on the market (always bananas). Fish in the interior is anything but fresh: it is usually transported unrefrigerated and often takes days on the road. The dates are delicious, different (darker in color and stronger in taste) than in Morocco, for example. Excellent bicycle food. Bas (2019): "On the road I mainly ate bread with jam, as there was little to be found on the road. Bread dries out pretty quick due to the temperatures. For dinner I had Thieboudienne a few times, which is a plate with rice, vegetables and meat. Really tasty! A lot of tea is drunken here, which seems to consist out of sugar mainly." **Drinkable water** Drinking water comes from wells outside the cities. The quality is often much better than in other parts of the world. There are not an awful lot of people living there, so the soil is not very polluted and it also comes from great depth, so that it was well filtered. Be careful when drinking the water near livestock. The droppings often contain diseases that you really don't want to get. A Katadyn filter can then be a solution. Bottled water is available everywhere in the larger towns and cities. Jeroen: "In the northern desert you will find huge PVC bags with drinking water here and there, usually at small (temporary) settlements, such as road workers. You can fill your bottles through a trunk, but make sure that you otherwise the whole bag will empty in the blink of an eye and you won't make many friends with it. Although the water looks good, I would still treat it with disinfectants. " Last updated 28 May 2021 by [Bas Idsinga](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/mauritania/edit/foodDrink) ## **Vaccinations & health ** In the south, Malaria occurs all year round. Yellow fever, DTP and hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended. Sometimes a Cholera statement is needed. Healthcare is at a low level. Many westerners therefore prefer to visit clinics in Dakar (Senegal) in case of emergency. Last updated 28 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/mauritania/edit/health) ## **Blogs ** - [Hellish Mauritania](https://www.basidsinga.com/09-hellish-mauritania/) ## **Videos ** - [A windy Sahara and tropical smiles](https://youtu.be/JxjGSSNeY6A) ## **Other ** **Best time to cycle** Most precipitation falls in the south, here there is a short rainy season every year. In the desert, years can pass without rain. If this does happen, there could be a major flood in one go. It is extremely hot from April to October and especially from June to August. 45 degrees in the shade is very normal and, in combination with the bone-dry wind, killer. The best time to cycle is from December to March. The temperature is then about 20-30 degrees. At night it cools down considerably, especially in the interior. **Spare parts** In Mauritania you can hardly get parts for the modern western bicycle. Western rental companies in tourist areas (eg Atar) may be able to help in emergencies. In the event of a breakdown, you can always get a (paid) lift. marcomeijerink: we have seen little or no bicycle repair shop in Mauritania. Certainly not bicycle repairers for western bicycles Last updated 28 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/mauritania/edit/other) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Cycle Planet is the bicycle touring platform: visas, border crossings, places to sleep and points of interest per country, and a community of cyclists who host each other.","name":"Cycle Planet","url":"https://cycleplanet.org/","publisher":{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#identity"}},{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/mauritania#webpage","@type":"WebPage","description":"More desert than life, Mauritania can be a pity. 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