Best time to travel to Mauritania
Choosing the right period for your trip to Mauritania can make all the difference. It's important to consider climatic elements, seasonal events and peak tourist periods to maximize your travel experience.
Location
Climate
High and low season in Mauritania
Generally speaking, the ideal time to visit Mauritania is between November and February, when temperatures are cooler and climatic conditions more clement. However, as the country is vast and geographically diverse, it's important to take regional differences into account.High season (November to February)
It's during this period that temperatures are at their most pleasant for exploring the desert and wide-open spaces of Mauritania. Days are cool and sunny, with average temperatures between 20 and 25°C. Nights can be cool, even cold in some desert regions, but this makes evenings around a campfire particularly pleasant. The high season also coincides with the major cultural eventsThese include the Nouakchott International Film Festival in January and the Festival of Ancient Cities in February. Prices for accommodation and tourist activities may be slightly higher during this period, but it's well worth it to enjoy the best possible conditions.Low season (March to October)
The low season corresponds to the hottest months of the year, with temperatures that can exceed 40°C in some regions, particularly in the desert. It's also the rainy season, generally concentrated between June and September. These rains can make some roads impassable and complicate travel. However, the low season also offers a number of advantages: accommodation prices are often lower and tourist sites less crowded. If you can stand the heat and are prepared for a few showers, you can discover Mauritania at a more leisurely pace.Weather and climate in Mauritania
Mauritania's climate varies greatly from region to region and from season to season. There are two main climatic zones:- The desert climate in the north, where rainfall is scarce and temperatures extreme.
- The Sahelian climate in the south, with a more marked rainy season and slightly milder temperatures.
Major cultural events in Mauritania
Mauritania boasts a remarkable cultural wealth, which is particularly evident in its many artistic and traditional events. Here are some of the most important festivals and events to discover during your trip:- Nouakchott International Film Festival (January): this festival celebrates African cinema, with film screenings, workshops and meetings with directors.
- Old Town Festival (February): this event highlights the cultural and architectural heritage of Mauritania's historic towns, such as Ouadane, Chinguetti and Oualata. On the program: guided tours, lectures, exhibitions and music and dance performances.
- Livestock Festival (date variable): this traveling festival celebrates Mauritania's pastoral tradition and showcases the skills of breeders and camel drivers. Animal beauty contests, camel races and folk shows are all part of the program.
- Moorish New Year (September or October): this traditional festival, also known as "Achoura", marks the beginning of the year in the Muslim calendar. Families gather to enjoy a festive meal, parades, dance and music.
Public holidays in Mauritania
In addition to cultural events, it's useful to know the public holidays in Mauritania, which can affect transport, shops and public services. Here are the main dates to remember:- January 1: New Year's Day
- November 28: Independence Day
- December 25: Christmas (Christian communities only)
- Muslim religious holidays, such as Eid el-Fitr (end of Ramadan) and Eid el-Kebir (Feast of Sacrifice), whose dates vary according to the lunar calendar.
Insurance
Your credit card does not cover you in all situations, that is whyIt is essential to take out insurance before you leave to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you need to see a doctor or be hospitalized, in some countries, medical costs are very high and you will then find yourself having to pay several thousand euros.
Our partner Chapka Insurance proposes the contract CAP ASSISTANCE 24/24 with many essential guarantees.
Flights
Your flight has been cancelled or delayed ?
You may be eligible for a compensation of up to €600 ! For this, lawyers are responsible for handling your claim with the airline and are only paid when the reimbursement is effective.
In conclusion, no financial risk for you, only advantages!
Statistics on immigration to Mauritania
According to the migration profile In Mauritania, there are several types of migration. There are internal migrants from rural areas to urban centers, as well as refugees and asylum seekers from neighboring countries such as Mauritania. Mali and the Central African Republic. There are also economic migrants seeking to improve their financial situation by working in the mining, fishing or construction sectors. There are also returnees who have lived and worked in other countries, notably Europe and the Gulf States. In terms of numbers, according to data from the International Office for Migration (IOM), there were an estimated 75,000 international migrants residing in Mauritania in 2019, representing around 1.9 % of the total population. Of these migrants, nearly 65 % were men and 35 % were women.Most popular visas in Mauritania
Visas are an essential means of entering Mauritania, whether for tourism, business or family reasons. Here is a list of the types of visa most commonly requested by foreigners wishing to visit Mauritania:- Tourist visa : This visa is issued for a maximum of three months and is intended for people wishing to visit the country for tourism purposes.
- Business visa: It is aimed at professionals who need to travel to Mauritania for work-related reasons, such as attending conferences, meetings or training courses.
- Work visa: This type of visa is required for foreigners wishing to work in Mauritania, particularly in the mining, fishing or construction sectors.
- Family visa : It is issued to people wishing to visit family members living in Mauritania.
- Student visa: International students planning to study in Mauritania need this visa to enroll in a university or vocational training institute.
International tourism figures for Mauritania
Tourism in Mauritania has had its ups and downs in recent years, mainly due to the security situation in the region and the country's internal political problems. However, thanks to the Mauritanian government's efforts to improve security and promote the tourism sector, there has been an increase in the number of international visitors. According to World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)Tourism contributed 5.4 % to Mauritania's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018, or around US$282 million. In the same year, the tourism sector employed around 34,500 people, or 5.1 % of total employment. Mauritania's main tourist attractions include the historic UNESCO World Heritage cities of Chinguetti and Ouadane, as well as the Banc d'Arguin National Park and the beaches of the Atlantic coast. Popular activities include sport fishing, desert hiking and discovering local crafts.Tourism trends and challenges in Mauritania
Despite the growth seen in recent years, tourism in Mauritania faces a number of challenges. These include- The persistence of security problems linked to terrorism and regional conflicts, which affect the perception of the country by international tourists.
- Lack of adequate tourist infrastructure, such as hotels, restaurants and modern, reliable means of transport.
- Difficult access to visas for certain nationalities, and the complexity of administrative procedures for obtaining a visa.
- The need to diversify the tourism offer, in particular by developing cultural, ecological and sports tourism, in order to attract a wider public and generate more income for the country.