Mauritania offers an authentic Saharan adventure with ancient caravan cities, vast desert landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites like Chinguetti, explore Banc d'Arguin's pristine coastline, and experience traditional nomadic culture in one of Africa's most unspoiled destinations.
Local currency: Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU) — 1 USD ≈ 40 MRU (2025). The old Ouguiya (MRO) was replaced by the new Ouguiya at 10:1 in 2018. Ensure you receive the new MRU notes..
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Mauritania.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $22-30 (dormitory at Auberge Menata or Tiviski)
- Budget
- $30-50 (budget hotel private room)
- Midrange
- $65-100 (Hotel Wissal, Al Mouna)
- Luxury
- $180-300+ (Azalaï Marhaba, Monotel Dar El Barka)
Food
- Street
- $2-5 (shawarma, grilled mutton, thiéboudienne at local stalls)
- Local
- $8-15 (sit-down at TATA or SMASH FOOD)
- Midrange
- $15-30 (mid-range restaurant meal with juice)
- Fine
- $35-70+ (La Palmeraie, Azalaï hotel restaurant)
Transport
- Bus
- $0.75-1.25 (shared minibus within Nouakchott)
- Taxi
- $5-15 (private taxi city ride)
- Airport
- $30-50 (taxi from Nouakchott airport)
- Daytrip
- $80-150 (private 4x4 for desert day trip)
Activities
- Museum
- $3 (National Museum)
- Sites
- $3-10 (Chinguetti library, ancient city entrance fees)
- Tour
- $35-80 (half-day guided tour)
- Excursion
- $80-200 (full-day desert expedition)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Mauritania costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$250-385/week
Midrange traveller
$560-910/week
Luxury traveller
$1400-2450+/week
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Use shared bush taxis (sept-places) for intercity travel — 5-8x cheaper than private vehicle hire
Eat thiéboudienne and local dishes at neighborhood restaurants and market stalls rather than tourist-facing establishments
Negotiate all prices before engaging services — always agree on taxi fares, guide fees, and tour prices in advance
Book domestic flights well in advance — Mauritania Airlines prices increase significantly close to departure
Stay at auberges (guesthouses) in Atar and Chinguetti rather than tourist camps — significantly cheaper with similar experience
Visit Banc d'Arguin independently via public transport to Iwik rather than on organized tours from Nouakchott
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Nouakchott Grand Mosque (Exterior)
The largest mosque in Mauritania, a gift from Saudi Arabia, features impressive architecture viewable from outside at any time. Best at sunset when the minaret is beautifully illuminated.
Port de Pêche (Fishing Port)
Completely free to visit, the colorful fishing port is one of Mauritania's most photogenic and culturally rich experiences. Arrive 3-6PM when the pirogues return with their Atlantic catch.
Nouakchott Beach Walk
The long Atlantic beach on the western edge of Nouakchott is free and accessible. Best on Friday afternoons when local families gather with picnics.
Marché Capitale Exploration
Free to wander Nouakchott's largest traditional market. An immersive cultural experience with no entry fee — budget only for food tastings if desired.
Mheijrâte Dunes Walk (self-guided)
The dunes above Chinguetti are freely accessible on foot from town. A self-guided sunrise or sunset walk costs nothing beyond the guide tip if you choose to bring one.
Amogjar Pass Scenery
Stopping at viewpoints along the Amogjar Pass road between Atar and Chinguetti costs nothing and delivers some of the most spectacular geological scenery in Saharan Africa.