Last updated: 21 Oct 2025
Mauritania
About
| Mauritania is a mysterious, little-known Saharan country, where temperatures in the dry desert heat can reach 57ªC The coast is an 800km (500 mile) sandy beach, devoid of most vegetation but supporting an astonishingly large and varied population of birds. Discover the port and centre of the fishing industry, Nouâdhibou, situated on a peninsula at the northern end of the Bay of Levrier. As the waters are rich in fish, some coastal stretches are inhabited by people, despite the shortage of fresh water. Visit Atâr, capital of the Adrar Region. An oasis lying on the route of salt caravans, it is the market centre for the nomads of northern Mauritania and has an old quarter, the Ksar, with flat Take an excursion over the breathtaking mountain pass of Homogjar to Chinguetti, a holy city of Islam founded in the 13th century, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.-roofed houses and a fine palm grove Tour the Affolé and Assaba regions, south and southeast of the Tagant, via Kiffa, Tamchakett and Ayoun el Atrous, to the wild plateaux of El Agher. Interesting archaeological sites include Koumbi Saleh, once capital of the Ghana Empire, 70km (45 miles) from Timbedra. |
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| Capital: | Nouakchott (NKC) |
| Currency: | Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRO) |
| Language: | Arabic (official). Pulaar, Soninke, French and Wolof are also spoken |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 222 |
| Time Zones: | No UTC/GMT offset |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to go: | December to March |
| Best for: | Parc National du Banc d'Arguin – National Park with several archeological sites and various species of bird. |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are usual. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Customs: | As a predominately Islamic country, dress should always be conservative: men should wear long pants, and women should keep their arms and leg covered. Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. Morocco is a dry country, although some restaurants do serve alcohol to foreigners. Public displays of affection should be avoided. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Identification should be carried at all times. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | There are very few ATM’s. Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans. |
| Duty Free: | The following items can be imported into Mauritania by travellers of 18 years of age and over without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 450g of tobacco. • 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette |
| Prohibited Imports: | Alcohol, pork and pork products. Sporting guns require an import and gun licence from the Home Ministry. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of Mauritania
Lord Charles Office Park, Block B, Ground Floor. 337 Brooklyn Road
Tel: 012 362 3578/2573
E-mail: pretoria@mauritaniaembassy.co.za
Web: mauritaniaembassy.co.za
Office hours:
Mon-Thur 09:00-16:30
Fri 09:00-14:00
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Mar 31; May 1, 25; Jun 7, 27; Sep 5; Nov 28
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Mar 20; May 1, 25, 27; Jun 17; Aug 26; Nov 28
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders, and are issued on arrival at Nouakchott Airport.
The visa fee of EUR 55 must be paid on arrival.
SA Representative
SA Embassy
LOT 135-137 Tevagh Zeina, Nouakchott, Mauritania
Tel: + 222 45 24 55 90
E-mail: nouakchott.dha@dirco.gov.za
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
