Africa > 🇲🇷 Mauritania
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Mauritania can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Mauritania; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Mauritania?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Mauritania?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Mauritania
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Mbabane | QMN | |
| Nouadhibou | NDB | |
| Nouakchott | NKC |
Mauritania — Car or No Car?
Mauritania is a vast, windswept nation where the Sahara meets the Atlantic — a place of shifting dunes, camel caravans, and haunting desert silence. Its landscapes are raw, remote, and beautiful, but getting around can be challenging. So, should you rent a car in Mauritania? The short answer is: probably not, unless you’re an experienced desert driver or travelling as part of a guided expedition.
🚙 Why Renting a Car Is Rare in Mauritania
Although car rental technically exists in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, it’s not a mainstream option. International firms have little or no presence, and local agencies often require large deposits, limited insurance, and drivers with local knowledge. Most tourists instead hire a 4×4 with a driver-guide, which is far safer and more practical for desert routes.
Driving in Mauritania means facing long distances, minimal signage, and almost no roadside services. Many routes are unsurfaced, and GPS coverage is incomplete. Without solid preparation — spare tyres, extra fuel, and good maps — independent travel can quickly become risky.
🏜️ Exploring the Desert Safely
The main tourist highlights, including Chinguetti, Ouadane, and the Adrar plateau, are reached via multi-day 4×4 expeditions. These are typically arranged in Nouakchott or Atar, where specialist desert guides provide vehicles, camping gear, and local support. Travelling this way allows you to experience:
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The Ancient Ksour (stone towns) of the Adrar
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The Erg Ouarane dunes near Chinguetti
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The Guelb er Richât (the Eye of the Sahara), visible even from space 👁️
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Camel treks and star-filled desert nights 🌌
Independent rental rarely works for these routes — most tourists join guided trips for both safety and navigation reasons.
🚆 The Legendary Iron Ore Train
If you’re seeking a true adventure, the Mauritania Railway is one of Africa’s most extreme travel experiences. It’s not a passenger service in the traditional sense, but locals and a few hardy travellers often ride in or beside the wagons carrying iron ore from Zouerate to Nouadhibou.
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The train can stretch over 2 kilometres long, one of the world’s longest.
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The full journey takes 12–18 hours, depending on conditions.
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There’s no comfort, no ticketing system, and plenty of dust.
It’s a rite of passage for overland adventurers, but it’s definitely not for everyone — protective clothing, water, and goggles are essential.
🚫 Public Transport and Alternatives
Public transport in Mauritania is basic but functional between cities. Shared taxis and minibuses (known as bush taxis) run routes such as:
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Nouakchott – Atar (gateway to the desert)
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Nouakchott – Nouadhibou (coastal route)
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Atar – Chinguetti (local 4x4s only)
They are affordable and sociable but can be cramped and unpredictable.
Flying is often the most comfortable option. Mauritania Airlines links Nouakchott with Atar, Nouadhibou, and Zouerate.
🌴 Coastal and City Travel
In Nouakchott, taxis are the main form of transport. There are no ride-hailing apps, so fares are negotiated in advance. Walking is possible in the city centre, but long distances and heat make short taxi hops more practical.
Nouadhibou, the second city, is smaller and easier to navigate on foot, with windswept beaches and fishing harbours offering a glimpse into daily life.
🧭 Verdict
So — should you rent a car in Mauritania?
🚫 No, unless you’re travelling with extensive desert experience and are fully self-sufficient.
✅ Yes, with a driver, if you want to explore the Adrar or visit remote desert regions safely.
Mauritania rewards the bold with its sheer scale and solitude. Whether you’re riding the Iron Ore train, crossing vast dunes in a 4×4, or sipping mint tea beneath the stars, this is a country where adventure takes precedence over convenience.
