To and from MOROCCO
There is only one border crossing between the two countries, and this is on the road going south from Dakhla to Nouadhibou in Mauritania. This border crossing is hardly administered by Moroccan officials. While Moroccan police control you frequently on the route along the Atlantic sea, there are only Mauritanian officials down here. Getting from Dakhla 350 km north of Nouadhibou is the main obstacle. You need an official permission, and you have to go in caravan under military protection. There should not be all too many problems getting this permission now, though. Getting back from Mauritania is more problematic, and you might be forced to do this in the dark, choosing a route unprotected by the few guards. Once on the Moroccan side, problems will occur. As you have no valid stamp in your passport for entering the country, expect to spend a couple of days in custody. But you will not be even close to getting killed or tortured.

To and from ALGERIA
At date, the one road connecting Mauritania and Algeria is closed for foreigners, in virtually for all without a very good reason for going this way. The reason for this is the presence of Polisario, the liberation army of Western Sahara (territory occupied by Morocco from 1975) in the Algerian city of Tindouf, close to both Mauritania and Morocco. Even if conditions are quiet down here now, the political situation remains heated.

To and from MALI
There are presently two border crossings between Mauritania and Mali, one south from Ayoun el Arous, the other south of Nema. There are no operating stations along the eastern frontier, but as this is a vast area, little populated, and only partly controlled, crossings can be done by the brave. Problems when meeting the first settlements and their officials, should be possible to overcome with different kinds of persuasions.

To and from SENEGAL
After settling conflicts of the 80s, connections between Mauritania and Senegal are now resumed on the 5th year. People can cross the Senegal river virtually anywhere, but vehicled transportation must be done at Rosso, more or less in the middle between Nouakchott and Dakar.

To and from SPAIN
Getting room on one of the ships running between The Canaries and Nouadhibou, is clearly the cheapest way of getting to Mauritania for Westerners. But some patience, and negotiating is needed to convince Russian and Korean captains that letting you stay on their ship almost for free is a good bargain for them.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
Going by air to Mauritania is clearly the first choice of most. But connections to this densely populated country, are few. Paris and Brussels are as far as I know the only countries outside Africa, serving Nouakchott. Inside Africa, less than 10 airports are connected to Nouakchott, and in all cases, 1- 3 times a week. Inside Miftah Shamali's region, there is a plane once a week going Algiers- Casablanca- Nouakchott, and back. From Europe, prices are usually around US$1,000 for a return ticket.