Mauritania

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The longest train in the world, which runs from Nouadhibou to Choum and Zouerate

Mauritania doesn't seem to be a good place for hitchhiking, at least in the conventional sense. The majority of vehicles are shared taxis and most private vehicles which stop will charge the same rates. You may have luck with other overlanders or the Euro-African car traders who bring vehicles from EU to Senegal and Mali. Some hitchhikers got many lifts by them there.

You can also get in to Mauritania with Mauritanian traders, who can be found opposite the first police checkpoint north of Dakhla. The price for a journey to Nouadhibou is currently 250-380Dhs (negotiable).

The train from Nouadhibou to Choum and Zouerate is free if you ride in an ore hopper - most passengers do anyway.

I've found it very easy to hitch over short distances, maybe up to 10 km further than that payment is expected. However I did hitch with a general from the Mauritanian army from Atar to Nouakchott, he even insisted on paying a hotel for us halfway.

Cities

• Nouadhibou
• Atar
• Nouakchott
• Choum
• Zouerate
• Ayoun el-Atrous
• Nema
• Rosso

Border crossing

Be aware of mines in the border region to Western Sahara. Don't leave the road there. Do not accept guides offering to take you across for a small fee, the road is clearly visible, walkable and you will only get ripped off.