Why go en Mauritanie?
The good reasons to go en Mauritanie
Take a tour of the lanche
With the Imraguens, a community of fishermen from the Arguin Bank, best friends of the dolphins.
Going back in time
By browsing the thousand-year-old libraries of the caravan cities, and their manuscripts.
Sleeping under the stars
A land where the immensity and purity of the sky reveal distant constellations.
Taste the nomadic life
In the middle of the Adrar, on foot or by camel, accompanied by dromedaries.
Playing the archaeologist
Or to the geologist, by going hunting for meteorites, bifaces, rock paintings, etc.
Taste a fresh fish
Caught by day in fishy waters, and often grilled right before your eyes.
For total disconnection
Or a true reconnection with yourself, in the heart of the desert, losing track of time.
To believe in mirages
Arriving at the lush oasis of Terjit, where fresh water abounds, between desert and canyon.
Take the mineral train
Also known as the desert train. An opportunity to sample its rustic authenticity.
Tracking Migratory Species
These birds which by millions find refuge in the country.
Good to know when visiting la Mauritanie
Timetable
Administrations, banks and some shops apply the principle of the continuous day, and are open from 7am to 4pm. Please note, however, that Friday ends earlier or starts later due to prayer.
Main events
Apart from the religious festivals that are part of the Muslim calendar, festivities and other cultural events are rare in Mauritania. With the exception of the date festival, Guetna, which no self-respecting Mauritanian would miss for the world! This event is celebrated in every region of the country. In July or August, depending on rainfall and weather conditions, the date palms are in the spotlight, delivering their first dates in a grand ceremony that is celebrated in every town and village in the bush that has a palm grove. It's an opportunity to get together with family and dance to the rhythms and songs of the griots, in the cool of the night, gathered around the fire. Traditionally, the stone of the first date of the year is kept for good luck.
Public holidays
Friday, the day of the great collective prayer, and Saturday are non-working days. The week officially begins on Sunday.
Civil holidays
New Year's Day: January1.
Labor Day: May1.
Organization of African Unity Day: May 25.
Independence Day: November 28.
Religious holidays
In the Muslim religion, the Hegira calendar refers to the day when Muhammad fled from Mecca to Medina. The first year of the Hegira begins on July 16, 622. The year is divided into 12 months, but these are aligned with the movement of the Moon rather than the Sun. Thus, the months last 29 or 30 days, and a lunar year lasts 354.5 days on average, compared with 365.25 days on average in the solar calendar, a difference of 10.75 days. To determine which Hegira year we're in, all we need to do is solve the following equation: Hegira year = (Christian year - 622)/0.97. Thus: (2026 - 622)/0.97 = 1447-1448. This means that until June 2026, we are in the year 1447 according to the Hegira calendar, then in 1448 from the end of June 2026. Similarly, the Muslim New Year falls 10.75 days before the previous year's Christian New Year.
Aïd el-Kebir commemorates the sacrifice of Isaac by his father Abraham in obedience to a divine command, when God, pleased with his submission, sent him a ram to sacrifice in place of his son. It's also known as the "Feast of the Sheep", since on this day every family sacrifices a sheep. May 27, 2026.
1st Moharram. Muslim New Year. June 16, 2026. Celebrates the beginning of the year 1448.
Achoura. The tenth day of the year. Originally the anniversary of the death of Hussein, the Prophet's grandson, in 680.
Mouloud. This festival commemorates the birth of Mohammed. It will take place on August 25, 2026 (plus or minus one day).
Aïd el-Seghir or Aïd el-Fitr. This is the "little feast" at the end of Ramadan. Takes place on March 20, 2026.
Ramadan took place from March1 to 30, 2025. In 2026, it should begin on February 17, with the fast breaking a month later.
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Discover la Mauritanie
Are you leaving soon for Mauritania? A great adventure is about to begin. If you've packed your bags, now's the time to soak up all that this unique country has to offer. In the following pages, you'll find answers to the many questions raised by such a destination: from its culinary traditions to local sporting practices, not forgetting the major cultural events, the climatic particularities according to region, or the contemporary artists to follow. You'll also discover the major economic challenges facing the country today, the key events in its history, and the wealth of its flora and fauna. These are the keys to a better understanding and appreciation of Mauritania, in all its diversity and depth. Beyond the clichés often conveyed about the desert, Mauritania reveals itself to be a land of contrasts.
