Camping in Mauritania?
 

Planning on going to Mauritania this Aug/Sept. without a vehicle. Was considering bringing camping equipment (tent, stove) but was wondering if anybody had any advice one way or the other. As a vegetarian I mainly wanted to have some control over my food intake and I have read that camping is widely allowed almost all places away from Nouk. and Noad., but is it worth the effort to drag the equipment around or are there places available (outside of the two major cities) to stay for reasonable rates. Anybody who has had any experience camping in Maur or traveling around independantly, I would love to hear from you. Any and all advice appreciated. Thanks.

--jacob

I normally travel with a vehicle, so I don't mind lugging my camping gear.

If I was going in backpacking mode, I'd probably leave the camping gear behind. In the towns there are many auberges where you can stay cheaply and they provide matresses, pillows and food. You can camp at many of these places too - but why bother?

IMHO I think for you to camp away from towns will be more bother than it's worth. One, you'll have to get there, either hitching or on foot, with all your gear and they you have to get back. Although I don't know your experience level, it'll be hot there and the distances between the points of interest can be large - but if you enjoy that sort of thing, well, best of luck!

Cheers,
Nick.

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www.nickt.com
96 BMW F650
96 Defender 90 300TDi
97 NAS D90
98 Camel Trophy 110

Have to say I agree with Nick T on all counts.

Chris S

Thanks nickt for the advice, I think I will take it. By the by, any suggestions on places you particularly enjoyed visiting in Maur?? I like desert scapes with massive ergs/dunes and am also into seeing somethin of the medieval desert cities. Chris' book is extremely helpful, but other suggestions would be welcome as well. Again, any and all advice is appreciated.

--rama

For independant travellers in Mauri., I highly recommend Chinguetti -it is as you have 'ordered' -a medieval town, surrounded on three sides by oceans of sand !!. Public transport from Atar is not too difficult. (I did hitch with a couple making their way to Ouadane, after Chinguetti, with a Frech couple. It is an eerie but interesting place place. Unfortunately when I was there in 1999, public transport was only once a week.)

I also agree with the other posters -leave the camping gear behind.

Chingetti is great as is the oasis of Terjit. Didnt think much of Oudane.

Best place to stay in Chingetti is Maure Bleu ( Chez Silvi ) a new place on the old town side of the oued.

Atar is a hole but you will probably have to spend time there. Bab Sahara is overpriced but probably the best place to stay at.

If you do camp you will need hardly any kit, just sleeping bags and cook pots. I travelled around Mauritania for three months by camel and we camped every night. When we reached towns we camped a mile or so out and were never bothered by anyone. You won't need a tent - we were out there January - March and with just sleeping bags we were never cold. You don't need a stove either. There is plenty of fire wood which is adequate to cook with.