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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Tounka Silver Jewelry
Handcrafted silver bracelets, necklaces, and earrings made by Tounka artisan families. Featuring geometric Moorish patterns and traditional filigree work passed down through generations.
Price: $15-80
Where: Marché Capitale, Nouakchott silver artisan shops
Melahfa (Women's Robe)
Vibrant flowing robes worn by Mauritanian women in vivid colours — turquoise, purple, yellow and black. Lightweight cotton or polyester versions make ideal gifts.
Price: $10-40
Where: Marché Capitale, Tevragh Zeina fabric shops
Handmade Camel Leather Goods
Traditional Saharan leather sandals, bags, and pouches crafted from camel and goat hide. Tanned and coloured using natural desert techniques.
Price: $8-50
Where: Marché Capitale, Atar market
Wooden Camel Figurines
Carved wooden camels in various sizes, painted with decorative motifs. Popular keepsake representing the Mauritanian desert nomadic culture.
Price: $5-25
Where: Tourist shops near Port de Pêche and Marché Capitale
Amber Beads and Carnelian
Traditional amber necklaces and carnelian stones prized in Moorish culture as protective talismans and ornamental items. Sold loose or pre-strung.
Price: $10-60
Where: Marché Capitale, Atar jewelry traders
Bukhoor (Traditional Incense)
Scented wood and resin incense used in Mauritanian homes for fragrance and purification. Rich oud and musk varieties wrapped in decorative boxes.
Price: $5-20
Where: Marché Capitale spice section
Handwoven Goat-Hair Rugs
Geometric-patterned rugs and prayer mats hand-woven by nomadic Moorish women. Each piece reflects distinct tribal motifs in earth tones and natural dyes.
Price: $30-120
Where: Atar market, Chinguetti artisan shops
Chinguetti Manuscript Replicas
High-quality reproductions of pages from the ancient Islamic manuscripts held in Chinguetti's libraries, framed for display. Certificates of authenticity often included.
Price: $10-35
Where: Chinguetti library gift shops
Polished Iron Ore Stones
Smooth polished iron ore specimens from the Zouérat mines — unique to Mauritania and a distinctive geological souvenir.
Price: $3-15
Where: Nouadhibou shops, Nouakchott tourist stalls
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Marché Capitale
Nouakchott's largest and most vibrant traditional market selling fresh produce, spices, textiles, silver jewelry, and traditional clothing. The sensory heart of the capital with dozens of craft vendors.
Where: Central Nouakchott, near Avenue Kennedy
Hours: 8AM-7PM daily (reduced Friday)
Marché Dar Naim
Large neighborhood market serving Nouakchott's eastern suburbs with fresh vegetables, meats, and household goods. Less touristy and more authentic than Marché Capitale.
Where: Dar Naim District, eastern Nouakchott
Hours: 7AM-6PM daily
Atar Traditional Market
The main desert market of Atar selling dates, traditional crafts, leather goods, and Saharan souvenirs. A key stop before heading into the desert for supplies and keepsakes.
Where: Atar town center, Adrar Region
Hours: 7AM-6PM daily
Chinguetti Market
Small but atmospheric desert market in the ancient UNESCO city. Traders sell silver jewelry, manuscripts, traditional sandals, and indigo cloth beneath palm-frond shelters.
Where: Chinguetti town center, Adrar Region
Hours: 8AM-5PM, closed Friday afternoon
Port de Pêche Fish Market
Bustling fresh fish market at Nouakchott's fishing port where pirogues unload daily catches. Hundreds of colorful wooden boats and fishermen creating a lively atmosphere.
Where: Atlantic coast, northern Nouakchott
Hours: 3PM-7PM (best when boats return)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Tevragh Zeina Commercial Strip
Nouakchott's most modern shopping zone with boutiques, supermarkets, pharmacies, mobile phone shops, and import goods stores. Also hosts several art galleries and souvenir traders.
Best for: Electronics, imported goods, souvenirs, expat shopping
Avenue Kennedy
The main commercial artery of Nouakchott running through the city center. Lined with fabric shops, silver traders, mobile vendors, and street market stalls selling everyday goods.
Best for: Fabrics, daily goods, Mauritanian clothing, street food
Ksar District
Historic quarter of Nouakchott with smaller street markets, traditional merchants selling prayer items, Arabic books, and artisan crafts. The old commercial heart of the capital.
Best for: Prayer items, Arabic literature, traditional crafts
Atar Artisan Quarter
The area around Atar's main market concentrating silversmith workshops, leather craftsmen, and date traders. Best place outside Nouakchott for authentic Adrar crafts.
Best for: Silver jewelry, leather, Saharan crafts, dates
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Mauritel Shopping Center
Small modern shopping complex in Tevragh Zeina with clothing stores, a pharmacy, and household goods. Mauritania's modest answer to a shopping mall in a converted commercial building.
Hours: 9AM-9PM Saturday-Thursday
Galaxy Shopping Center
Commercial complex near Avenue Kennedy selling electronics, clothing, and household goods. Popular with local families for browsing imported items.
Hours: 9AM-8PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected in all traditional markets and with street vendors — starting at 50-60% of the asking price is normal
Maintain a friendly, respectful tone during negotiations — aggressive bargaining is considered rude in Mauritanian culture
Walking away is often the most effective tactic; sellers will often call you back with a lower price
Fixed prices apply in modern shops, supermarkets, and pharmacies — don't try to bargain there
Learn a few phrases in Hassaniya Arabic (bikadd = how much) to build rapport and often receive better prices
Always agree on a price before getting into a taxi or hiring a guide — prices are rarely posted
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Exporting ancient manuscripts, archaeological artifacts, and prehistoric rock art is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties. Declare electronics and valuables on entry.
Tax Refund: No VAT refund system in place for tourists. All prices include any applicable taxes.
Duty Free: Import allowances: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars. No alcohol permitted (Islamic republic). One camera and personal electronics for personal use.
Shipping: International shipping available at the central post office (La Poste) in Nouakchott. DHL and FedEx offices in Tevragh Zeina for courier services to Europe and beyond.