Mauritania
Travel Destination – Mauritania
Stretching between North Africa and West Africa, Mauritania is a country where the Sahara encompasses almost every aspect of the landscape. Vast desert plains, towering sand dunes, and remote oases define much of the nation, while the Atlantic coastline supports important fishing communities and migratory bird habitats.
The ancient trading settlements of Chinguetti, Ouadane, Tichitt, and Oualata, once key stops along trans-Saharan caravan routes, provide a fascinating glimpse into centuries of Islamic scholarship and desert commerce.
For adventurous travellers, Mauritania offers the Richat Structure, often referred to as the "Eye of the Sahara", the sweeping dunes around Atar, and the remarkable iron ore railway linking Zouérat to Nouadhibou.
Visitor numbers remain low, and travel often involves considerable distances through isolated regions where infrastructure and services are limited. Medical facilities are may be limited, particularly outside Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Preparation before departure is therefore an important part of travelling safely in Mauritania.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Mauritania is a destination where travellers can spend days crossing remote desert landscapes, visit communities far from major hospitals, and encounter long distances between services. Because access to healthcare can be limited, particularly outside Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, taking time to prepare before departure can make a significant difference if illness or injury occurs during the trip.
A consultation with a travel doctor six to eight weeks before travel is worthwhile to review routine vaccinations, discuss any destination-specific vaccines, assess the need for malaria prevention medication based on your itinerary, and obtain personalised health advice.
Travellers should carry enough prescription medication for their entire stay, together with copies of prescriptions and any relevant medical documentation. Comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation is strongly recommended as serious medical conditions may require transfer for appropriate treatment.
Insect avoidance
Mosquitoes remain an important health concern in Mauritania, particularly in the south of the country and during or immediately after the rainy season. Insect-borne diseases including malaria, dengue, yellow fever and Rift Valley fever can occur, making bite prevention a key part of staying healthy while travelling.
Applying insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and using accommodation with proper insect screening can significantly reduce exposure. Travellers staying in rural locations or camping should consider sleeping under a permethrin-treated mosquito net.
Because some disease-carrying mosquitoes bite during daylight hours while others are most active overnight, protective measures should be maintained throughout the day and evening.
Food and water hygiene
Food and water safety deserves careful attention throughout Mauritania. The hot climate, limited sanitation infrastructure in some areas, and challenges maintaining refrigeration in remote locations can increase the risk of gastroenteritis and other foodborne and waterborne illnesses.
Only bottled, boiled, or appropriately treated water should be consumed. The same precautions should apply to brushing teeth and preparing drinks. Ice should be avoided unless its source is known to be safe.
Meals that are freshly cooked and served piping hot are generally the safest choice. Raw salads, unpasteurised dairy products, and food that has been left standing at room temperature should be approached cautiously. Regular handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser before eating can substantially reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal illness.
Rabies prevention
Rabies is present in Mauritania and is transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals, most commonly following a bite or scratch. Once symptoms begin, the disease is almost always fatal, making prevention and prompt treatment following an exposure critically important.
Dogs are responsible for most human cases of rabies worldwide, although cats, bats, and other mammals can also carry the virus. Travellers should avoid handling animals, including apparently friendly pets and wildlife, as infected animals may not show obvious signs of illness.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination should be considered for travellers spending extended periods in Mauritania, particularly those visiting remote communities, working with animals, cycling, motorcycling, or undertaking outdoor activities where access to medical care may be delayed.
Any bite, scratch, or saliva exposure involving broken skin should be washed thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and assessed promptly by a medical professional, regardless of vaccination status.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Mauritania?
Yellow Fever
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Yellow fever is a viral infection spread by infected mosquitoes and can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to severe disease involving liver damage, bleeding, and organ failure.
In Mauritania, yellow fever risk is present in areas south of the Sahara Desert, while travel limited to Saharan regions generally carries little or no risk.
Vaccination requirements and recommendations may vary depending on your itinerary, so travellers should discuss their plans with a travel doctor before departure. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. The vaccine should be administered at an approved yellow fever vaccination centre at least 10 days before travel, and documentation should be carried throughout the journey.
Meningococcal disease
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Mauritania forms part of Africa's meningitis belt, a region that experiences seasonal outbreaks of meningococcal disease, particularly during the dry season. The disease is caused by bacteria that spread through respiratory droplets and close contact with infected individuals.
Infection can lead to meningitis, which affects the lining of the brain and spinal cord, or septicaemia, a serious bloodstream infection.
Symptoms may include fever, headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, confusion, and sensitivity to light. The illness can progress rapidly and may cause permanent disability or death despite treatment.
Vaccination with a MenACWY vaccine is recommended for many travellers to Mauritania, especially those spending extended periods in the country, travelling during the dry season, or having close contact with local communities.
Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and is spread through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person.
Exposure can occur in both urban and rural areas, even when travelling on well-planned itineraries. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice, although some infections cause few symptoms.
Vaccination is recommended for most unvaccinated travellers to Mauritania and provides reliable protection when combined with sensible food and water precautions.
Typhoid
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Typhoid fever can develop after consuming food or water contaminated by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. The infection remains a risk in Mauritania, particularly in areas where sanitation systems are limited. Symptoms commonly include sustained fever, headache, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
Vaccination is recommended for many travellers, especially those spending time outside major hotels or travelling extensively through smaller towns and rural regions. Good hygiene and safe eating habits remain important even after vaccination.
Rabies
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Rabies is present in Mauritania and is transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals, most commonly following a bite or scratch. Once symptoms begin, the disease is almost always fatal, making prevention and prompt treatment following an exposure critically important.
Dogs are responsible for most human cases of rabies worldwide, although cats, bats, and other mammals can also carry the virus. Travellers should avoid handling animals, including apparently friendly pets and wildlife, as infected animals may not show obvious signs of illness.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination should be considered for travellers spending extended periods in Mauritania, particularly those visiting remote communities, working with animals, cycling, motorcycling, or undertaking outdoor activities where access to medical care may be delayed.
Any bite, scratch, or saliva exposure involving broken skin should be washed thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and assessed promptly by a medical professional, regardless of vaccination status.
Measles
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Measles outbreaks continue to occur in many parts of the world, including regions where vaccination coverage has declined. The measles virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes, and transmission can occur in airports, public transport, accommodation, and other shared spaces.
Symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a widespread rash. Complications such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain can occur, particularly in young children and immunocompromised individuals. Australians born in or after 1966 should ensure they have received two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine before travelling internationally.
Hepatitis B
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Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause both short-term illness and lifelong infection. Over time, chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious complications including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The virus spreads through contact with blood and bodily fluids, including through sexual contact, medical or dental procedures, tattooing, piercing, and exposure to contaminated needles or equipment.
Hepatitis B is more common in Mauritania than in Australia. Vaccination should be discussed with a travel doctor before departure, particularly for travellers staying for extended periods, working in healthcare or humanitarian settings, undertaking activities that may increase exposure to blood or bodily fluids, or travelling to areas where access to consistently safe medical care may be limited. Even travellers with lower anticipated risk may benefit from vaccination, as unexpected illness or injury can occasionally result in the need for medical treatment overseas.
Routine vaccinations
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Before travelling to Mauritania, travellers should ensure they are up to date with all routine vaccinations recommended in Australia, including measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, influenza, and COVID-19.
While some of these diseases are uncommon in Australia due to high vaccination coverage, they continue to circulate in many parts of the world and can be encountered during international travel.
Measles remains a particular concern globally, with outbreaks occurring in numerous countries each year. Australians born in or after 1966 should ensure they have received two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine.
Travellers should also review their tetanus protection, especially if visiting remote areas where access to medical care may be limited. A booster dose is generally recommended if more than ten years have passed since the previous vaccination.
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all travellers, as influenza circulates year-round in many regions and spreads easily during flights, in airports, and in other crowded settings. COVID-19 vaccination should also be current in accordance with Australian recommendations, including any booster doses for which the traveller is eligible.
A travel doctor can review your vaccination history and advise whether any catch-up doses are appropriate before departure.
Mauritania
Other health risks in Mauritania
Malaria
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Malaria is one of the most important infectious disease risks in Mauritania. Transmission occurs mainly in the southern parts of the country and is generally associated with areas south of the Sahara, while much of the northern desert carries little or no risk.
Malaria is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes that are most active between dusk and dawn. Symptoms commonly include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Because malaria can become severe very quickly, travellers should discuss whether preventive medication is recommended for their itinerary before departure. Regardless of whether antimalarial medication is used, mosquito bite avoidance remains an essential protective measure.
Any fever that develops during travel or within four weeks of returning from Mauritania should be assessed promptly, with travel history disclosed to the treating doctor.
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis and other foodborne and waterborne illnesses are common in Mauritania and represent one of the most frequent health issues affecting travellers.
Bacteria, viruses, and parasites acquired from contaminated food or drinking water can cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. The risk is higher in areas where sanitation and access to safe water are limited.
Drinking bottled or treated water, avoiding ice from uncertain sources, practising regular hand hygiene, and choosing food that is freshly cooked and served hot can significantly reduce the likelihood of illness.
Most cases improve within a few days with rest and adequate hydration. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms are severe, persistent, bloody, or accompanied by significant dehydration.
Dengue
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Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite primarily during daylight hours. The disease occurs in Mauritania and can affect both residents and travellers.
Symptoms typically begin suddenly and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, and rash. Most people recover fully, although some infections can progress to more serious illness requiring medical care.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Prevention relies on reducing mosquito bites through the use of insect repellent, protective clothing, and accommodation with effective insect screening.
Schistosomiasis
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Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a parasitic infection found in parts of Mauritania where freshwater sources contain snails infected with Schistosoma parasites.
Unlike many travel-related infections, transmission does not occur through food or drinking water. Instead, microscopic parasite larvae are released into freshwater and can penetrate healthy, unbroken skin during water contact. Activities such as swimming, bathing, washing clothes, fishing, or simply wading through rivers, lakes, ponds, or irrigation channels may result in infection.
Symptoms may not appear immediately, and some people remain unaware they have been infected until months or years later. If left untreated, schistosomiasis can cause long-term complications affecting the urinary tract, intestines, liver, and other organs.
There is currently no vaccine available, making avoidance of freshwater exposure the most effective preventive measure. Travellers should avoid swimming or wading in freshwater wherever possible. Anyone who has had contact with potentially contaminated water during their trip should consider testing after returning to Australia, where effective treatment is readily available.
Tuberculosis
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Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that remains relatively common in Mauritania. It spreads through the air when a person with active tuberculosis coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, particularly during prolonged close contact.
The disease most often affects the lungs and may cause a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. While the risk to most short-term travellers is low, TB exposure may be higher for those spending extended periods in the country, working in healthcare or humanitarian settings, or living closely with local communities. Anyone who develops a prolonged cough or unexplained illness during or after travel should seek medical review and mention their travel history.
Non-infectious conditions
Crime and unrest
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Australians should exercise a high degree of caution in Mauritania due to crime and security concerns. Petty crime such as theft and pickpocketing occurs, particularly in urban areas and crowded places, while more serious incidents including robbery can also occur.
Travellers should remain aware of their surroundings, avoid displaying valuables, and take additional care after dark. Demonstrations and public gatherings can occur with little notice and have the potential to become disruptive, so they should be avoided.
Refer to the Australian government's Smartraveller website before and during travel for current safety information. Monitoring local media and official travel advice throughout the trip is recommended.
Safety on the roads and elsewhere
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Mauritania's vast size and low population density mean that even routine journeys can involve long distances through isolated desert terrain.
Outside the main routes connecting Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, and Atar, travellers may encounter poor road surfaces, drifting sand, livestock on roads, and limited access to fuel, vehicle repairs, or medical assistance.
Road traffic accidents are a significant risk, particularly on rural highways where vehicles may be poorly maintained and driving standards can be unpredictable. Travel after dark should be avoided whenever possible due to reduced visibility and the increased likelihood of encountering hazards on the road.
Anyone planning travel into remote desert regions should carry sufficient water, food, communication devices, and emergency supplies, while ensuring others are aware of their intended route and expected arrival time. Mobile phone coverage can be unreliable outside populated areas, and assistance may be many hours away in the event of a breakdown or emergency.
Deep vein thrombosis
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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition caused by the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. Reaching Mauritania from Australia typically involves multiple long-haul flights and extended periods of immobility, which can increase the likelihood of clot formation.
Symptoms may include pain, swelling, tenderness, redness, or a sensation of warmth affecting one side of the body. In some cases, part of the clot can break away and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening medical emergency.
Travellers can reduce their risk by walking regularly during flights, stretching their legs, performing simple calf and ankle exercises while seated, staying well hydrated, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
Those with risk factors such as a previous history of blood clots, obesity, cancer, pregnancy, recent surgery, smoking, or hormone therapy should discuss individual preventive measures with their doctor before travelling. In some cases, compression stockings or other strategies may be recommended.