Mauritania is a country in northwest Africa. French colonialist called it 'Le Grand Vide', the Big Nothing. This qualification is somewhat not unjust to the country. There is, however, a lot of sand, and a lot of nothing. But Mauritania also has fascinating wildlife (birds, seals) in the Banc d'Arguin National Park, impressive old caravan cities like Chinguetti, Ouadane or Tichit and is generally speaking a very nice place for travelling.

Travel infrastructure is lacking in many places. When you find accommodation, it is not very cheap. Either the food isn't cheap and nice restaurants can be found except in the biggest cities Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. But this makes travel adventurous! Where else than in Zouerate can you take a 2,5 km long desert train that just transports iron ore and you!

For people who want to cross the Sahara taking the route from Morocco over Western Sahara to Mauritania is one of the best options. There are a few tough spots near the border (land mines, lack of road) but generally speaking it is not too hard to cross here. It seems that it is easier going from the north to the south.

Travelers to Mauritania need to realize that it's a country that faces many problems of social nature. Not only is it one of the poorest countries on the planet but also the population is very divided ethnically and by caste.