How to get safe through Mauritania
I'm considering road trip from Morocco to Gambia/Senegal.
The main problem is Mauritania since it is being told not to be safe country. So my main question is whether there are some very safe or at least just safe options how to get through Mauritania by land? I've read that couple years ago (15/20), when Western Sahara wasn't as safe as today, there were regular convoys (2 times a week) which anybody could join after some necessary papering. So I've gotten an idea that something similar could be happening in Mauritania but didn't find anything.
If not, is there some option to get safe through Mauritania except expensive flights?
Best Answer
Since I feel the 1st answer does not suit the current situation, I want to add my own recent experience. I traveled North to South from Tanger, Morocco to Dakar, Senegal on public transport in December '19/January '20. Following the coast and going inland to the Atar region. At no moment I felt unsafe, neither indicated any other traveler or local civilian/officer to me that it would be unsafe. There were dozens of other foreign solo backpackers, cyclists, motor bikers, cars, motor homes, etc ... I have not heard anyone mentioning a convoy.
To always have very up to date information I would recommend joining facebook groups like https://www.facebook.com/groups/WATravellers/ or https://www.facebook.com/groups/overlandingwestafrica/ or looking into big overlander forums like horizonsunlimited.com and advrider.com.
Saying this road is extremely dangerous is an complete overstatement. It is more peaceful and quiet than e.g. any other part of Morocco.
Here is a comment of an expat living in Mauritania dated roughly 06/2019, taken from https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/western-africa/mauritania/mauritania-travel-safety-guide#comment-387673:
We are european expats living in Mauritania for 3 years now. Whilst it is not a very touristic country due to lack of infrastructure Mauritania is a safe place to visit and live
- kidnappings : unheard of since 2009 and only near the border with Mali which is up north.
Terrorism: no more risk than in Brussels or London. We normally live in Brussels and we feel safer here. Mali terrorists are avoided by the numerous road checkpoints which prevented the 2011 attempt.
Crime: not higher than any european country. Not one incident in our expat community in these last three years. Rape unheard of.
getting around : we all travel around often with our children to visit the stunning oasis and wonderful natural parks on the coasts. Again no incidents. Landmines????
Malaria: no cases in the capital, allegedly present near the senegalese border but definitely not on the desert areas ( most of the country). Mauritania is poor enough and does not need deterrents for the few tourists needing to come. All our european visitors go back home absolutely thrilled with the experience
The latest security map (07.01.2020) of the French ministry at https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/:
For reference Bali, Indonesia is also "yellow".
Pictures about "How to get safe through Mauritania"
How do people stay safe in Mauritania?
Terrorism The threat to Westerners of kidnapping remains very high. To avoid becoming a victim of kidnapping, avoid open terraces and cafes and change your daily routines and travel schedules. The border areas with Mali, Algeria and Western Sahara are not safe.Is it safe to drive through Mauritania?
Reconsider travel to Mauritania due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.Is Mauritania a good place to visit?
It is a place that attracts and draws travellers, and yet the vast and harsh terrain is also sometimes feared. Here in this region the country of Mauritania is located. It is filled with history and delights to satisfy all the senses.Can you drink alcohol in Mauritania?
The U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott would like to remind all U.S. citizens in Mauritania that alcohol is illegal in Mauritania and there are no restaurants in the city of Nouakchott that serve alcoholic beverages legally.Is Mauritania Safe?
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Images: Ketut Subiyanto, Tim Samuel, Pixabay, Photography Maghradze PH