The tourist infrastructure in Mauritania is still developing. It is easy to find a place in the capital, Nouakchott, but due to low supply, the cost can be on the higher side if you are travelling on a budget. And in villages, most of them aren’t even listed on Google or don’t have enough reviews.
This blog lists accommodations around Mauritania and how to reserve them if they aren’t listed on Google. I am not providing the contact details to avoid the web scrapers.
Nouakchott
Transit
This accommodation is the best combination of cheap price and comfort, while it lets you dive into Mauritanian culture.
The owner built rooms for tourists as an expansion of his own house. So, you get to live in a local Mauritanian house. His kids like interacting with the guests. The neighbourhood is very local and raw. It is also possible to have lunch and dinner at his house, which is as authentic as it gets, as he would serve you what his family eats.
Cost & Services: The air-conditioned room costs 15-20 Euros. The accommodation has 24-hour hot water.
The owner, Samba, will basically provide you with everything you would need. He will assist you in purchasing a SIM card. He took me to the Camel Market for 10 Euros and the fish market for 5 Euros in his car. He does airport transfers and can also drop you off at the bus stop for your bus. Nouakchott will probably be your point of entry, and he will book a local bus for you for your next destination. The bus timetables aren’t available online.
How to reach: Samba will pick you up. Contact him on WhatsApp.
How to reserve: Reserve your room on Booking.com. You can easily find his phone number; he is responsive on WhatsApp.
Auberge Triskell is another place where backpackers go. This is an Auberge, not a Mauritanian home, which is why on the last day of my trip, when I returned to Nouakchott, I decided to stay at Transit again.
Terjit
Chez Jemal Terjit
This accommodation has tents with mattresses in the remote Terjit. Don’t go by pictures on Google. Those pictures are of the surroundings. The accommodation is clean, and they have Western-style toilets. Do not expect electricity in your tent, but you can charge your devices in the kitchen. The entrance of the oasis is 10 10-minute walk. The village is close by, and there is a tiny hill that you can climb to enjoy the view of Terjit.
Cost & Services: I paid around 20 Euros for my tent and 2 meals.
How to reach: Contact him on WhatsApp. The contact number on Google doesn’t work. Ask your accommodation in Nouakchott for the details. Samba, who runs Transit, has his contact details. Share the details of the bus with him, and he will meet you at one of the checkpoints and drive you to his place.
How to reserve: Reserve your tent on WhatsApp.
Chinguetti
Auberge La Gueïla
Lots of tourists travel to Chinguetti. It is full of good accommodations. Auberge La Gueïla has large rooms, western-style toilets and hot water. It is a great change of environment after roughing it up in Mauritania.
How to reach: Take the bus to Chinguetti and walk.
Cost & Services: 45 Euros for a room.
How to reserve: A local contacted them for me and reserved my place. I do not have their contact details. But their website has a contact page: Auberge La Gueïla Contact
Choum
Auberge de Choum Guesthouse
If you are taking the iron ore train or getting off there. This auberge is the place to go. It is 10 10-minute walk from the place where the train stops. They also provide updates on train timings, so you aren’t waiting for hours for the train. They provide everything you may need for your train ride: sleeping bags, goggles, etc.
How to reach: Take the bus and walk. They are responsive on WhatsApp and Instagram.
Cost & Services: I did not stay here, but I was in constant contact with them when I was in Mauritania, as they had the latest updates on the iron ore train.
How to reserve: WhatsApp.
Nouadhibou
Villa Maguela
This villa is on the beach, run by a Dutch guy and his partner. If you are entering Mauritania from Nouadhibou, this villa is a good way to ease into the country, or if you are exiting Mauritania and have roughed it up a lot, stop by and hang out with other tourists. It will be a nice change of pace chilling in a beach villa while you plan the next leg of your trip, if you are travelling long-term.
Cost & Services: 15 Euros. Extra for meals. The owner will help you buy a SIM card, will drop you off at the bus station or reserve a place in the bus for you.
How to reach:
Coming from Dakar, Nouakchott or from the Iron Ore train ride, the owner can pick you up. If not, it is easy to find a cab. To be on the safe side, contact the owner and ask how you can reach the villa.
How to reserve: WhatsApp.
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