Must-see hotels in Mauritania

  • Villa Maguela

    Mauritania

    Easily the nicest place around Nouâdhibou, nay, the nicest place on the entire Mauritanian coast. This simple mud-walled compound is set directly on a…

  • Auberge La Gueïla

    Mauritania

    A fabulous French-run place, with six charming rooms, excellent food (to be taken in the courtyard garden), a library and even a massage room for real…

  • Auberge Bab Sahara

    Mauritania

    Bab Sahara has been a little slice of overlanders' heaven since 1999. There's a selection of tikits (stone huts) with air-con, caravans and tents, plus a…

  • Maison d'Hôtes Jeloua

    Nouakchott

    This is a lovely and deservedly popular maison d'hôtes (B&B), with a leafy garden, highly recommended restaurant and a homey and friendly vibe. The…

  • Complexe Touristique de Tenadi

    Rte de l'Espoir

    A peaceful and quiet spot with close to twenty air-conditioned bungalows a few kilometres inland from the main road between Nouakchott and Kiffa. The…

  • Al Khaima City Center

    Nouakchott

    A downtown high-rise of solid value, the Al Khaima has small rooms that are surprisingly stylish, with boutique design elements and comfortable bedding…

  • Hôtel Monotel Dar el Barka

    Nouakchott

    A large, low-slung complex with tight security near the French embassy, Dar el Barka is one of the more popular business-class hotels in the city. Sundays…

  • Semiramis Hotel

    Nouakchott

    For such a thoroughly contemporary and stylish hotel, its location, tucked away on a dusty, if central, corner street seems odd. Lacking a pool or outdoor…

  • Bungalow Dauphins

    Mauritania

    Located on an otherwise lonely stretch of road north of the city, this collection of well-designed solar-powered bungalows overlooks the Baie de l'Etoile…

  • L'Eden de Chinguetti

    Mauritania

    This tastefully designed auberge is a great place to stay. It's neat, well tended and embellished with well-chosen knick-knacks, magically illuminated…

  • Azalaï Hôtel Marhaba

    Nouakchott

    The newest luxury business-class hotel to open in downtown Nouakchott, the Azlaï is part of a chain of hotels throughout West Africa. More than US$8…

  • Auberge du Bonheur

    Mauritania

    Those wanting a reliable base could do worse than this welcoming outfit, a five-minute stroll from the centre. It's nicely turned out, with simple but…

  • Hôtel Tfeila

    Nouakchott

    Despite its imposing facade and security, service at the Tfeila is friendly. Value here is iffy considering the fairly dated room furnishings, however its…

  • Auberge Agoueidir – Chez Isselmou

    Mauritania

    Auberge Agoueidir – Chez Isselmou is the grandest outfit in town, something of a backhanded compliment. Room size and quality varies so worth checking out…

  • Auberge Vasque – Chez Zaida

    Mauritania

    Mellow Auberge Vasque – Chez Zaida is run by Zaida, a congenial lady who goes out of her way to make your stay a happy one. There are five tikits, a…

  • Les Sultanes

    Nouakchott

    With a powdery sand beach uninterrupted as far as the eye can see, this small compound with a shady restaurant (mains UM3000) and handful of semi…

  • Auberge des Caravanes

    Mauritania

    With its eye-catching, traditional architecture, it's hard to miss this place right in the centre of town. Rooms are pretty simple, and it can feel a bit…

  • Auberge Andaloss

    Mauritania

    Simple, bright green guesthouse with lots of rooms and plenty of lounging space (the more expensive have air-con). Meals on request, and are even prepared…

  • Auberge Diaguili

    Nouakchott

    Owners Nadia and Pascal have created a friendly and warm environment, especially good for long-term stays. Rooms are simply furnished; there's a shared…

  • Hôtel Halima

    Nouakchott

    Other than its architecturally interesting exterior and tough-to-beat location, the Halima is a slightly dowdy option compared to newer more upmarket…

  • Hotel Waha

    Mauritania

    Atâr's fanciest option, with two-dozen concrete tikit-style rooms, all with air-con and fridge. Good facilities mainly aimed at tour groups.

  • Camping Inimi

    Mauritania

    Cheap but welcoming overlanders' option on the main road south from Atâr. Meals can be provided – breakfast UM500 and lunch or dinner UM1500.

  • Hotel Sahel

    Mauritania

    Top of the hotel spectrum as far as Nouâdhibou goes, the Sahel is a solidly comfortable business-class option.

  • Hôtel Ayoûn

    Rte de l'Espoir

    This unpretentious place is in the centre of Ayoûn el-Atroûs.

  • Auberge du Sahara

    Nouakchott

    Well-signed on the road to Nouâdhibou. Dorms and rooms are functional, however upkeep and maintenance is spotty and shared bathrooms are oft neglected…

  • Auberge Menata

    Nouakchott

    A centrally located haunt for overlanders, the laid back Menata is a basic option. Security is good, surely better than the quality of the bathrooms…

  • Hôtel Al Jezira

    Mauritania

    Not far from the airport – and that's the main selling point for this midrange option that has seen better days. A long driveway from the main road leads…

  • Oasis Tanouchert

    Mauritania

    Unsophisticated (mattresses under palm-frond shelters) but welcoming. If there’s a group, the host can organise a méchoui (nomads') feast. Meals are…

  • Camping Baie du Lévrier

    Mauritania

    Also known as Chez Ali, this auberge-style place has a good location. Rooms are a bit cell-like, and bathroom facilities are shared, but there is a tent…

  • Auberge Oasis de Terjît

    Mauritania

    The main spring has been taken over by Auberge Oasis de Terjît, where a mattress in a tent by the trickling stream is on offer. A meal costs about UM1500.

  • Auberge des Caravanes

    Mauritania

    A traveller-friendly place at the entrance of the village. Breakfast (UM1000) and dinner (UM1500) are available.

  • Auberge Warane

    Mauritania

    Rooms at Auberge Warane are a bit bunker-like but the place is friendly enough.

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