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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Mauritania

Climate-Appropriate Clothing

Lightweight, breathable fabrics are suitable year-round. Cotton and linen are great. Long sleeves and pants shield from sun and dust.

Season Advice

  • Hot Season (April-Oct): Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Natural fibers are .
  • Cooler Season (Nov-Mar): Days mild, evenings cool. Pack a light jacket or sweater.
  • A Light scarf helps with cooler desert nights.

Cultural Dress Code

Mauritania is a conservative Islamic country. Modesty in dress is highly advised for men and women. Showing respect is valued.

Specifics

  • Women: Loose clothing covering shoulders, knees, cleavage. Headscarf optional but respectful.
  • Men: Long pants or trousers. Shirts cover shoulders. No sleeveless tops.
  • Religious Sites: Women cover head, arms, legs. Men dress modestly. Remove shoes.

Footwear Recommendations

General Walking

Comfortable, breathable walking shoes or sturdy sandals for city's uneven surfaces.

Closed-toe shoes shield from sand and debris.

Markets/City

Durable sandals or walking shoes navigate crowded market areas well.

Protection from dust and potential hazards.

Desert/Off-road

Sturdy hiking boots or closed-toe shoes if planning excursions outside the city.

Environments have sharp stones or thorny plants.

Essential Documents

Travel Documents

Organize your documents carefully before your trip. Having all necessary paperwork accessible prevents delays.

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond stay).
  • Visa printout or cash for VOA.
  • Photocopies (digital & physical) of passport and visa.
  • Travel insurance policy information with emergency contacts.
  • International Driving Permit (if applicable).
  • Yellow Fever vaccination certificate and other health records.
  • Printed/digital copies of flight, hotel, and tour reservations.
  • Emergency contact list (family, embassy, credit cards).

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Mauritania uses 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and F plugs. A Universal adapter is suitable. Most modern smartphones are compatible with GSM networks.

Items

Photography & Apps

A versatile camera captures varied scenes. Bring extra batteries/memory cards. A dust-resistant camera bag is advised due to sandy conditions.

App & Backup Advice

  • Navigation: Google Maps (offline), Maps.me (offline).
  • Translation: Google Translate (offline Arabic pack).
  • Backup: Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos/documents.

Data Security

Digital Copies

Keep digital copies of documents (passport, visa) on your phone or in cloud storage. Separate them from originals.

Physical Backups

Carry physical photocopies of important documents in a separate bag from originals.

Secure Storage

Use a Money belt or RFID blocking wallet for passport and cards.

Health & Wellness Essentials

Personal First Aid

A well-stocked personal Medical kit is important given limited healthcare facilities.

Contents

  • Standard items: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers.
  • Anti-diarrhea medication (e.g., Imodium), oral rehydration salts (ORS).
  • Prescription medications (with doctor's note) and over-the-counter meds.

Protection & Hygiene

Insect repellent and sun protection are important for your well-being and comfort. Water purification options provide added security.

Essentials

Specific Health Needs

Motion Sickness

  • Nouakchott is at sea level; altitude sickness is not a concern.
  • Motion sickness could arise on long bus or car journeys.
  • Pack appropriate remedies if you are prone to it.

Personal Hygiene

  • Bring personal toiletries, especially preferred brands.
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is invaluable.
  • Carry small rolls of toilet paper; public restrooms may lack it.

Activity-Specific Gear

General Sightseeing

Comfortable walking shoes are a must for city exploration.

  • A Lightweight daypack for water, snacks, sunscreen.
  • Camera with extra batteries.
  • Dust-resistant camera bag.
  • Culturally sensitive photo taking.

Desert Day Trips

If venturing into the desert, sturdy closed-toe shoes or Light hiking boots.

  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved clothing).
  • Sufficient supply of water.
  • A Headlamp or flashlight for evenings.
  • Not suitable for snorkeling/diving.

Rent vs. Bring

Bring your own essential gear (water filters, first-aid, electronics) for quality.

  • Vehicles for excursions (4x4s for desert) are best rented with a local driver.
  • This provides a safer and more practical approach than self-driving.
  • Arrange vehicle and driver through your hotel or a reputable tour operator.
  • No specific unique items beyond general desert travel preparedness.

Rental Considerations

Advantages of Bringing

  • Assured quality and personal fit for gear.
  • Familiarity with your own equipment.
  • Cost-effective for items you already own and frequently use.
  • Immediate availability upon arrival.

Challenges of Renting

  • Limited availability of specialized items.
  • Quality or maintenance of rented gear might vary.
  • Higher cost for short-term use of certain equipment.
  • Time spent arranging rentals upon arrival.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

These items enhance your travel comfort and security throughout your journey.

Essentials

Reusable & Region-Specific

Opt for reusable items to reduce waste. Certain region-specific items provide added protection and convenience.

Recommendations

Items to Bring from Home

Sun Protection

High-quality sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, UV sunglasses.

Medications

Specific prescription medications you require.

Insect Repellent

High-grade insect repellent with DEET or picaridin.

Electronics

Specialized electronics or camera accessories.

Packing Summary

Clothing & Footwear

  • Loose, light, modest clothing (long sleeves, pants).
  • Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes or sturdy sandals.
  • Light jacket/sweater for cooler evenings (Nov-Mar).

Health & Documents

  • Personal first-aid kit with anti-diarrhea meds, ORS.
  • Passport, visa, Yellow Fever certificate, copies.
  • Travel insurance details, emergency contacts.

Packing Pro Tip

Roll your clothes to maximize space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes for better organization.

For sensitive items, consider vacuum seal bags to protect against dust.