Mauritania Complete Guide 2026: Nouakchott, Chinguetti, Banc d'Arguin, Iron Ore Train
Browse more guides: Mauritania travel | Africa destinations Mauritania Complete Guide 2026: Nouakchott, Chinguetti, Banc d'Arguin, Iron Ore Train TL;DR I spent three weeks crossing Mauritania in early 2026, riding the 704 km iron ore train atop coal cars, sleeping in Almoravid-era ksour, and counting flamingos at Banc d'Arguin. Visa on arrival costs USD 70 for 60 days, the country is 75% Sahara, and tourism is slowly returning. Best window is November to March. Expect rough roads and three glasses of sweet mint tea per stop. Why Visit Mauritania in 2026 Mauritania spent the last fifteen years off the standard travel circuit. After the 2008 coup and a period of AQIM activity near the borders, Western foreign offices kept advisories firm. By August 2026, several offices softened guidance for the Adrar region, Nouakchott, and Nouadhibou, while still flagging eastern border zones along Mali and Algeria. Tour operators in Atar reopened, and the iron ore train picked up a smal...