Rides
Mauritania is a fantastic place for motorcycle adventures, offering thrill-seekers the chance to ride through the stunning landscapes of the Sahara. Vast deserts and hidden oases bring both challenges and excitement on two wheels. Start your trip in the mesmerizing dunes of Erg Ouarane, then explore ancient rock carvings in Tassili n’Ajjer that whisper tales from long ago. The historic town of Chinguetti invites you to step into the world of old caravan routes. For motorcyclists, Mauritania is a true paradise filled with unforgettable moments.
Mauritania, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is a nation located in Northwest Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Western Sahara to the north and northwest, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest.
By land area, Mauritania ranks as the 11th-largest country in Africa and the 28th-largest in the world, with approximately 90% of its territory lying within the Sahara Desert.
The majority of its population of around 4.3 million resides in the more temperate southern region, with roughly one-third concentrated in the capital and largest city, Nouakchott, situated along the Atlantic coast.
Requirements
| Carnet de Passage | no requirements |
| Insurance | no requirements |
| International driving permit | require IDP 1968 |
| Travel Visa | no requirements, 90 days per calendar year |
Riding in Mauritania.
You need understandable documents.
The police can require the immediate presentation of all driving documents by the roadside, including license, logbook, and insurance, is common in most jurisdictions. If you cannot these documents in a language that the police can understand, there is a likelihood of having your bike impounded.
As a tip, it is to laminate all of your key documents or otherwise waterproof them. It is also highly recommended to scan all your original documents and email them to an easily accessible email address.
It is also worth printing off the Constat Amiable D’accident Automobile, which is used across numerous and other countries (the downloadable one on our website has English as well as French).
A full bike license is essential.
To ride in Mauritania, you need a full UK bike licence, which authorises you to ride in your home country. Therefore, if you have a restricted licence in the UK, you cannot ride an unrestricted bike in Senegal.
Entry paperwork is required, thankfully no visa is needed.
There is no visa requirement to enter Mauritania for UK nationals, but you will have to fill in a simple entry form when you cross into Mauritania, as well as a similar form for your bike.
If you take your bike there, your taking your bike back.
Your bike will be registered entry into Mauritania and you must leave with your bike. customs officers are meticulous. If you leave the Kingdom you must have your vehicle entry papers stamped having the country. If you cross the border and intend to return, must go through the entire process again. This is to prevent vehicle smuggling.
Speed limits.
School Zones: 30 km/h (18 mph).
Urban Areas: 50 km/h (31 mph).
Rural Roads: 80 km/h (50 mph).
Highways: 110 km/h (68 mph).
Please note, this page was correct when written in March 2026.