Skip to content
Voykit
Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. How we verify
Source checked
A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked
Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated
Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Back to Atar

In the print dialog pick “Save as PDF” to keep it on your phone. A5 makes a pocket booklet; A4 suits a desk printer.

Voykit pocket guide · Mauritania

Atar

Spend one day in Atar to see the mosque, museum and market; add a night only if you need a rest before longer trips.

Atar is the gateway town of the Adrar region. Its small size lets you walk most sights in a few hours, and the market and historic mosque give a taste of Saharan life. One day covers the basics; a second night helps if you plan multiple day trips or want a slower pace.

NouakchottAzougiChoumNouadhibouNouamgharTerjitTichitAtar100 kmdots: other places in this guide
Sketch, not to navigate by: shapes follow this guide’s areas and places, not official boundaries. North is up.
Country
Mauritania
Best months
Nov–Feb
Avoid
Jun–Aug (extreme heat)
Stay
1 night

Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.

Essentials

Currency
MRU
Money
Currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU), redenominated in 2018 (1 new = 10 old; prices are sometimes still quoted in old ouguiya). Cards are accepted in very few places outside a handful of Nouakchott hotels; bring euros in cash to exchange.
Daily spend
Budget MRU 5,000–8,000 excl. bed · Mid MRU 8,000–12,000 excl. bed (estimate; check)
SIM and data
Mauritel, Mattel and Chinguitel sell SIMs in Nouakchott; passport needed.
Emergency
Police 17 · Fire & ambulance 18
Plugs
Types C, E · 220 V · 50 Hz · Generators in desert auberges; bring a power bank.
Tipping
Driver or guide day: €5–10.; Cook on desert trip: €3–5 a day.
Water
Bottled only.
Toilets
Basic in auberges; the desert is the toilet on 4x4 days.

What things cost

ItemPrice
Meal at Restaurant AgadirMRU 600 per plate
Meal at Restaurant De la CoinMRU 300 per plate
Three‑course lunch at Auberge Bab SaharaMRU 700
Three‑course dinner at Auberge Bab SaharaMRU 3,500
Taxi (short ride)MRU 100–300
Bus/minibus from NouakchottMRU 4,000

Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.

Get in

By air

ATR · Atar International Airport
Small charter flights; no regular scheduled service

Typical fares

Nouakchott → Atar minibus
about MRU 4,000, 5–6 h (check)
Atar taxi (short)
MRU 100–300 depending on distance
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card

Get around

Town is walkable; taxis from the central round‑about charge 100–300 MRU depending on distance.

See and do

Known for

  • Atar Mosque (1674)
  • Musée Universitaire Atar
  • Weekly market
  • Gateway to Adrar oases

Day trips

WhereHowTime
ChoumBush taxi from Garage Atar, about 1 h 30 min≈2 h round‑trip
Terjit oasis4×4 hire from auberge, 1 h drive≈2 h round‑trip
Azougi (old ksar)Bush taxi or 4×4, 1 h 15 min≈2 h 30 min

Sleep

Auberge Bab Sahara
Terrace/tent spots from 2,000 MRU; huts 5,000 MRU; hot‑water showers

Phrase card

EnglishSay or show
Hello / Good morningSalamsalaam
How much?Kamâl?kama:l?
Thank youShukranshukran

Etiquette, safety and scams

Etiquette

  • Tea: Accept all three glasses; avoid: Leaving before the third
  • Dress: Cover arms and legs; avoid: Shorts in towns
  • Hands: Right hand to eat and pass; avoid: Left hand
  • Gender: Wait for women to offer a hand; avoid: Touching unrelated women

Scams and watch-outs

  • Daytime heat can exceed 40 °C in summer; carry water and sun protection.
  • Night transport is limited; arrange taxis or 4×4s the day before.
  • Check safety of bush‑taxi drivers; ask your auberge for trusted contacts.

Daytime travel in Atar is generally safe; keep valuables hidden, avoid walking alone after dark, and verify bush‑taxi drivers through your auberge.

One and two days

No timed day plan for Atar yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.

  • Atar Mosque (1674)
  • Musée Universitaire Atar
  • Weekly market
  • Gateway to Adrar oases

Sources

Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.

Pocket card

Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.

Atar

Lâkâ l'âdîra

To this address, please

My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)

  • Police17
  • Fire & ambulance18

US consulate in Nouakchott; other embassies in Nouakchott.

Voykit · checked 2026-09

Printed from Voykit (/atar). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.