Mauritania is an amazing destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have and amazing trip without spending too much. This guide is also a Mauritania trip budget calculator which includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Mauritania?
A typical traveler spends $0.00 (MRO20,566) per day on a trip to Mauritania. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Mauritania based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $0.00 (MRO3,728) on meals
- $0.00 (MRO21,934) on local transportation
- $0.00 (MRO10,469) on hotels
A one-week trip to Mauritania for two people costs, on average, $0.00 (MRO287,924). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Mauritania expensive to visit?
Mauritania is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability. Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.
Within Africa, Mauritania is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Africa for its affordability. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Mauritania.
In Mauritania, budget travelers spend $ (MRO15,266) per person per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $ (MRO20,566) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $ (MRO30,510) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Mauritania.
Whether you're watching your wallet or ready to splurge, Mauritania provides a range of accommodation options and things to do. For travelers on a budget, there are affordable hotels, while those seeking luxury can enjoy high-end stays, with mid-range hotels also available for couples and families.
While Mauritania can be costly, following advice like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities can make your trip more affordable.
For more details, see Is Mauritania Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Mauritania?
The average Mauritania trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Mauritania travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Mauritania cost?
Mauritania on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$0.00
(MRO2,344)
|
$0.00
(MRO5,234)
|
$0.00
(MRO9,219)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$0.00
(MRO21,934)
|
$0.00
(MRO21,934)
|
$0.00
(MRO21,934)
|
|
Food2
|
$0.00
(MRO1,474)
|
$0.00
(MRO3,728)
|
$0.00
(MRO9,409)
|
Accommodation Budget in Mauritania
In Mauritania, you'll find a wide range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Peak season brings higher costs, but if you travel in the off-season, prices drop. Booking ahead is another great way to save some money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Mauritania for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $0.00 (MRO10,469). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $0.00 (MRO5,234) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Mauritania? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Mauritania
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $0.00 (MRO21,934) per person, per day, on local transportation in Mauritania. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Mauritania is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$0.00
MRO21,934
If you're in Mauritania, you'll find that public transportation is quite limited. It's probably a good idea to rent a car or organize some form of transportation ahead of time, like a tour or taxi service. However, this could reduce your overall trip budget.
Food Budget in Mauritania
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Mauritania can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Mauritania is $0.00 (MRO3,728) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$0.00
MRO3,728
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Mauritania is around $ (MRO3728) per person, with previous travelers spending from $ to $. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Mauritania are as follows:
- Breakfast: $0 to $0
- Lunch: $0 to $0
- Dinner: $0 to $0
- Coffee: $0
- Fast Food or Street Food: $0
Nouakchott has the best selection of restaurants. You'll find most of the western restaurants on a stretch of road between the Stade Olympique and the French Embassy. Outside of the capital city there are mainly local restaurants that serve fish and rice based dishes. You'll also find local venders where you can pick up bread, cakes, and some fruite.
Mechoui: This is a roasted lamb dish that is popular throughout the country. The entire animal is grilled or roasted over a fire until it is crispy. It's one of the more expensive meal options, but it is usually worth the added cost.
Zrig: This is the name of the popular camel milk drink which is found throughout the country. It's common to offer this drink to your guests on arrival.
Abragat: This is a porridge that is made from millet flour and watermelon. It's most common in the southwest regions of the country and is often a seasonal dish.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
While numerous hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, some might add it as an additional fee. The quality and pricing of breakfast can fluctuate based on the hotel. Knowing this information in advance can guide your decision on whether to indulge in a hotel buffet or opt for a cheaper bakery or café nearby.
Carrying a water bottle instead of buying drinks can help you save money while also being good for the environment.
If a tour is on your agenda, be sure to confirm which meals are covered beforehand. Paying for some food out of pocket can really add to your travel expenses.
Travel Costs Last Updated: Apr 26, 2026
Traveling in Mauritania
Mauritania is a fascinating country in West Africa. It is bordered to the north by Western Sahara and to the south by Senegal and Mali. It also touches Algeria. It's a country that is influenced by both the ocean and the desert. It is often overlooked by travelers because of it's challenging infrastructure which makes it difficult to navigate. The most frequently visited areas include the desert areas in Adrar and Tagant, as well as the area around Atar, and the ocean in Banc d'Arguin. Banc d'Arquin is a natural reserve with impressive dunes that go up to the ocean. Mauritania is an Islamic Republic, and the people are quite reserved and conservative, but are also incredibly friendly and welcoming.
More and more travelers are making their way to Mauritania, and you can now get charter flights from France into Atar. Guides are common and relatively easy to find within the country.
The climate of the area is heavily influenced by the desert. There are extreme temperatures and limited rainfall. The harmattan is a period which is characterized by hot and dry weather. The winds can be strong and the air is filled with dust making visibility difficult at times. There is also a short rainy season which runs between July and September.
Traveling around Mauritania is notoriously challenging. There is one train line which runs between Nouadhibou, Choum and Zouerat and the train is thought to be the longest in the world, measuring over two kilometers long with about 150 different cars. Bush taxis are another option for traveling around the country, but be very prepared for poor roads and frequent breakdowns.
There are some decent restaurants in Nouakchott that offer pizza, hamburgers, and sandwiches, but outside of the city your options might be more limited. You can possibly find a place to get sandwiches, but quality is often poor and prices are high. Local food options include fish and rice dishes, meat and rice dishes, and couscous served with meat or vegetables. Some restaurants are better than others. You will also find tea throughout the country and bottled water is available in most places. Bread can be found in most markets and is a good alternative if your restaurant selection is limited.
At A Glance
- Finding a working ATM in Mauritania, even in Nouakchott, can be tricky. The country is not well connected with the international banking system and your Visa card won't work at the ATMs. You will find international ATMs at BNP and Societe Generale in both Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Paying with a credit card is almost never an option. It is easy to exchange money in the capital city however.
- There are several international flights which connect to Nouakchott International Airport. You can find flights from Paris, Dakar, Abidjan and Nouadhibou. The options continue to grow and change so look into the airlines that make the trip before you start booking tickets. Charter flights are always an option as well. Expect a charter flight to cost you about 400 euros.
- Many people choose to drive from Morocco or Western Sahara into Mauritania. The road to the border with Mauritania is paved. From there it's about seven kilometers to the entry point in Mauritania. The road is twisty, but well marked. Once you cross over the paved road begins again. Do take caution not to venture off the marked route as there are still active land mines nearby.
- There are any number of souvenirs that you can pick up throughout the country. Fabric, pipes, bowls, teapots, and jewelry are all options. The quality is highly variable and you should negotiate for the price, wherever you are. Keep the negotiating friendly, but don't be surprised if the original asking price is three times what you should actual be paying.
- Although Mauritania is an Islamic country, you will still find alcohol, particularly in the capital city. Importing alcohol is illegal however. There are several bars and nightclubs near the French Embassy in Nouakchott, but beers will set you back about US$6. Drinking is generally not a cheap option in this country.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Ouadane: Ouadane is a town in the Sahara Desert that is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's popular with travelers because of its historical significance and the area's interesting old town which, although in ruins, is still worth visiting. It's also the closest town to the Richat Structure, which is a massive circular landmark that is visible from space.
Parc National du Banc d'Arguin: This lovely national park is a great area for bird watching. It's positioned on the west coast of the country and is a popular habitat with migratory birds. It is also a nature reserve and a World Heritage Site, making it a popular destination for tourists to the area.
Chinguetti: This city is an oasis in the Sahara Desert that is the seventh holy city in Islam. It was once an important trading center in the area but today it is popular with visitors because of its impressive ancient buildings and fascinating setting.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on a shoestring, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Many people hear that you can visit Mauritania for $ per day, but unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a significant amount more.
Backpackers can often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples or families on vacation will probably choose mid-range hotels, popular dining spots, and visits to major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most visitors to Mauritania will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Since most activities have a cost, you should realisticly plan for your budget to be closer to $ per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're planning a vacation with all the finer things in life, prepare for a budget that can reach $ per day. If you want upscale hotels, world-class dining, premium excursions, and private drivers, this will put you firmly in the "luxury" category. Some of the more high-priced destinations include the major cities and resort areas. Or you could plan an multi-day adventure by booking a higher end tour such as Discover Mauritania - offered by Tour in Mauritania mauritrip.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
