Can you drink in Mauritania? The short answer is that no, because Mauritania is a strictly Islamic ruled country. The reality though as with all Muslim countries is that there is alcohol available on the black market.
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The Law on Drinking in Mauritania
Mauritania’s laws on alcohol are strict and unapologetic. Officially, selling, serving, or drinking alcohol is illegal for everyone, locals and foreigners alike. If you are caught, punishments range from fines to detention, though most cases are minor if you are discreet and not causing trouble. Public drinking or possession can land you in police custody, potentially questioned and fingerprinted, and in worst-case scenarios, a fine or short-term imprisonment.
Enforcement is heavier in rural areas and during religious holidays. That said, in practice, authorities focus on real crime, not a foreigner quietly having a beer in a hotel. Smart travellers keep it private, avoid streets and public spaces, and use common sense. Essentially, you are unlikely to get caught if you are careful, but flaunting the law is a fast track to trouble.
Click to read The Nouakchott Guide.
How to get drink in Mauritania
Finding alcohol in Mauritania is not impossible but it is expensive and requires discretion. Black market alcohol is smuggled from Senegal or Morocco or produced locally. A bottle of wine or whisky can cost three to five times what it would in nearby countries, while local brews are cheap but very strong. You cannot just walk into a shop.
Access depends on local contacts or word-of-mouth networks. Drinks are usually consumed in private flats, back rooms, or discreet hotel bookings. If you are careful, willing to pay, and keep it quiet, you can enjoy a few drinks without drawing attention.
Attitudes to drinking and sex in Mauritania
When it comes to just how Islamic Mauritania is the answer is quite nuanced and depends very much on which part of the country you are in and more. In the capital of Naukanchot there is now a large group of younger people that very much do not agree with Sharia law. This means heavy use of AirBnB, or the booking of “two rooms” at friendly hotels.
Booze wise you can’t just drink on the street, but it is one of those places where everyone upon everyone knows where to get it and young people at least are getting on it. Drugs are a whole other ball game mainly consisting of weed, but nothing higher up. Click to see my tours to Mauritania with YPT
