Full Description
Brand new from Bradt, and written by Africa expert Sean Connolly, is the first English-language guide dedicated to Mauritania, one of an ever more exclusive list of countries where the Sahara Desert can be securely and freely explored. Straddling the west coast of Africa for 700km between Western Sahara and Senegal, Mauritania occupies the threshold between North and sub-Saharan Africa, but remains a world apart from either - neither Moroccan nor Senegalese, but with strong influences from both.
The country is now on a well-travelled route for overlanders heading south from Europe to start African trips. But most burn through to the southern border, rather than sticking around. Those who do stay may marvel at stone-built oasis towns tucked into dune fields the size of small countries, admire wild geological oddities like the Richat Structure (reputedly home to the lost city of Atlantis), explore a nearly uninhabited, wind-battered coast where you can sail between end-of-the-earth fishing villages in the Banc d'Arguin National Park or spend the night camping and sipping strong green tea on a cliffside in a traditional khaima tent.
Mauritania is huge, hot, dusty - and a blank spot on the map of all but the most diehard Africa travellers. If you're willing to accept the truly scorching midday sun and the occasional mouthful of sand, your rewards will be the profound silence of nights under the desert stars and the warm hospitality and curiosity of everyday Mauritanians. Here you can overnight on the world's longest train (up to 3km long), camel-trek between the shifting dunes and lush oases of the Adrar, unfurl your sleeping mat under the stars, marvel at Chinguetti's priceless manuscripts, soak up ancient rhythms along the Senegal River (where seasonal floods set the tempo), watch the Imraguen people fish co-operatively with dolphins, or get measured up for a billowing blue or white boubou or a melahfa outfit.
Rich in background context, packed with practical information from getting around to cultural etiquette, and exploring the whole country from the capital Nouakchott to remote regions, Bradt's pioneering guidebook to Mauritania is the essential travel companion for an unforgettable journey.
Contents
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion and beliefs, Education, Culture, Sports and games
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information and tour operators, Red tape, Embassies, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, Travelling with a disability, LGBTQIA+ travellers, Travelling with kids, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Opening times, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 Nouakchott and Surrounds
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information and tour operators, Orientation, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Sports and activities, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around Nouakchott
Chapter 4 Nouadhibou and the Northwest
Nouadhibou and surrounds, Cansado and the Réserve Satellite du Cap Blanc, Banc d'Arguin National Park, Chami, Crossing to/from Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara (southern provinces), Bou Lanouar
Chapter 5 Adrar and the Northeast
Akjoujt and the Route to Atar, Entering the Adrar region, Atar, Azougui, South of Atar, Choum, Monolithe de Ben Amira, East of Atar, Tiris Zemmour region, The Iron Ore Train
Chapter 6 Diawling and the Southwest
Rosso, Diama, Diawling National Park, Keur Macene, N'Diago, Tiguent, Mederdra and R'Kiz
Chapter 7 Senegal River and the South
The river route to Kaédi, Kaédi and Gorgol region, Sélibaby and Guidimakha region
Chapter 8 The Route de l'Espoir, Tagant and the East
The western Route de l'Espoir: Boutilimit to Kiff a, Tagant region, The eastern Route de l'Espoir: Kiff ato Néma and Oualata, The back way between Tichitt and Oualata
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Further Reading
Index
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