Africa

Mauritania

Location

Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Morocco.

Levels of crime are very low, although petty theft is on the increase. Avoid large gatherings of people and demonstrations, which can turn hostile. Respect is required for the Islamic traditions. Vehicle security, personal security, bandits / corruption, gunfire, armed robberies, general travel, navigation, off road driving, building / office security, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation/sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, helicopter safety, cultures / customs, communications, emergency shelters.

Use bottled water only.

Mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills.

Desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty.

Hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April; periodic droughts.

Bacterial and protozoal diarrhoea, bilharzia, hepatitis A, malaria, meningococcal meningitis, polio, rabies, rift valley fever, typhoid fever, yellow fever. Medical facilities are extremely limited.
Hospital: Centre Hospitalier National, Nouakchott. Tel: 2-52135

Overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated by drought are contributing to desertification; very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Senegal, which is the only perennial river; locust infestation.

A good tarmac / asphalt single carriageway between Nouakshott and Nouadhibou. The driver takes 4-5 hours, with no petrol or service stations, so take water, food and petrol. Beware small sand dunes blown onto the road. Of the other paved roads, conditions are generally poor, and overland travel is difficult.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.