Mauritania might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beach destinations, but wow—what an experience we had just outside Nouakchott! The coastline here feels so untouched and serene as the hazy skies remind you of a dreamlike state. The beach stretched out endlessly only barely touched by the locals. The Atlantic breeze would be the perfect escape from the summer desert heat.
We spent hours relaxing under the shade of a tiki hut, sipping hibiscus juice and getting to know our fellow travelers. Other than our group there was only one family and a handful of staff working the tiki hut restaurant on the beach. Some of us took a dip in the frigid waters of the NorthWest African coast, different levels of bravery on display. I started with only my toes in but eventually made it past my belly button! We played volleyball and swang on the more-picturesque-than-functional swingset and finally sat down for a delicious lunch. At home I don’t make it a habit to eat foods with their faces still on but skipping out on the fresh fish would have been regrettable! When in Rome right?!
There’s something magical about being so far from the crowds, with nothing but the vast ocean and endless sky. Since this was our first full day with our adventure group it was the perfect setting for those get-to-know-you conversations and laughs!
Jake had meandered his way down the beach and found an adventure all on his own. The fishermen of West Africa trade with Spain and therefore speak Spanish. Now we would never claim to be fluent or even good at all at Spanish but with the handful of words Jake knows he managed to befriend these guys and asked if he could take part! The people here are SO friendly and outgoing. Always down to share their customs! Jake had a blast!
Meanwhile however, our group noticed Jake was missing. Bathrooms were checked, parked cars were checked, I walked so far down the beach looking for him only stopping when I saw that the only people further down were the fishers. Never did I think “Oh I bet my husband has become a local fisherman.” >>insert eye roll here<< Eventually when I am in full panic mode he comes strolling up with the biggest grin on his face. Grrrr…. Let’s just say he got an ear full. lol
Now the sketchy part…
After locating our lost group member >>insert another eye roll<< it was time to check out something new! We hopped in the vans to headed to the main fisherman wharf. Wooden handcrafted boats EVERYWHERE. That saying “as far as the eye could see” would be a fitting description. Ahmed, our local guide that hung out with us throughout the whole trip kept his eye on Jake, he wasn’t letting him out of his sight, but really he wasn’t letting anyone out of his sight. I tend to stop, take pictures, get lost in my own thoughts while peering out but there Ahmed would be telling me “Hurry along Kristi, let’s stay with the group!” I thought he was lumping me in with Jake’s last escape but it turned out he was just worried about a woman being singled out in the crowded work area. Also, the wharf is kind of controlled by Al Quida. Yikes.
The fishermen in this area seemed less welcoming, yelled if they thought you might be taking a picture of them and definitely noticed our presence. My happy go lucky self didn’t really notice how much we were being watched until our walk back to the vans. I was yelled at for taking a picture of a donkey and thats when I noticed I had the attention of quite a few harsh looking workers. This is a part of the travel I want to do though, I want to see the world, for how it is, not just behind the glass of capitalism that makes vacation safe and tourist oriented. I’m curious about the harshness, I’m curious about the difference in pleasantries only a few miles from each other. It’s this mix of rawness and authenticity that captivates me, drawing me in even when the edges feel rough and unfamiliar.
Little Quirk found in Mauritania!
Alcohol is illegal in the country of Mauritania but that doesn’t mean you won’t find wine bottles! Other countries’ old wine bottles are recycled here for insecticide containers! AHHHH!!! Wouldn’t that just be the worst shock!
Thank you so much for joining in on our fun! As always, reach out if you have any travel related questions! Until next time!
Have you ever visited a hidden gem like this? Let us know your favorite off-the-beaten-path beach destinations! 🌍🌴
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