The wind off the Atlantic carries the tang of salt and fish to Nouakchott’s stalls, where bright fabrics and silver catch the sun against a backdrop of rust-red sand.

In the Adrar plateaus and the wind-sculpted dunes around Chinguetti, indigo veils and handwoven wool hang in doorways, and the smell of mint tea drifts from courtyards where elders trade stories and goods.

Markets here hum with barter and slow craftsmanship: palm-frond baskets clack beside camel-leather slippers, and manuscripts from Chinguetti whisper centuries of Islamic learning.

If you’re wondering what to bring home, Mauritania souvenirs range from Tuareg silver to oases’ dates, each item carries the colors, materials, and rhythms of the Sahara.

Here’s what to buy in Mauritania to bring a piece of its spirit back home.

1. Tuareg Silver Jewelry

Why pick this up:
Tuareg silversmithing is a living Saharan art—pieces glint with geometric designs and tribal motifs that reflect centuries of desert trade and identity. A pendant or bracelet is wearable history that pairs beautifully with both modern and traditional dress.

What to look for:
Seek hallmarks of hand-hammering, slight asymmetry, and patina that suggest age; motifs like the Tuareg “cross” or crescent shapes are common. Avoid overly shiny, uniformly cast items that lack texture—those are often mass-produced imports.

Price bracket (2025):
MRU 3,000–15,000 (simple rings to statement necklaces)

Where to find it:
Artisan stalls in Nouakchott’s Marché Capitale, cooperatives in Atar and Chinguetti, and artisanal markets in Nouadhibou.

2. Indigo Tagelmust (Tuareg Turban)

Why pick this up:
The indigo-dyed tagelmust is both practical and symbolic—its deep blue resists the sun and stains the skin, telling a story of desert life. Wearing one is to fold yourself into Saharan tradition and the slow craft of hand-dyeing.

What to look for:
Look for deep, uneven indigo shades from natural dyeing and soft, breathable cotton or camel-wool blends. Avoid synthetically dyed fabrics with unnaturally bright, uniform color or fraying seams.

Price bracket (2025):
MRU 800–3,000

Where to find it:
Handloom stalls in Chinguetti, Atar’s weekly markets, and the artisan section of Nouakchott’s markets.

3. Camel-Leather Babouches and Bags

Why pick this up:
Mauritanian leatherware—soft, richly tanned camel or goat leather—makes practical, desert-hardy shoes and satchels that age with character. These goods reflect centuries of Saharan nomad craftsmanship.

What to look for:
Choose supple leather with a natural scent and reinforced stitching; hand-painted or too-perfect finishes may indicate factory-made imports. Inspect soles and seams for durability if you plan to wear them.

Price bracket (2025):
MRU 500–2,000

Where to find it:
Leather stalls in Nouakchott’s central markets, coastal markets in Nouadhibou, and craft cooperatives in Adrar towns.

4. Handwoven Saharan Wool Blankets

Why pick this up:
Thick wool blankets from the Adrar and surrounding oases are woven to withstand cold desert nights—textures and patterns echo local motifs and the land’s muted palette. They make dramatic throws or picnic blankets for beach and mountain escapes.

What to look for:
Look for coarse camel or goat wool, natural dyes (indigo, madder), and tight, even weaving; knot density and selvage finish indicate quality. Beware brightly synthetic “wool” blends that lack weight and warmth.

Price bracket (2025):
MRU 2,000–6,000

Where to find it:
Atar and Chinguetti craft markets, artisan cooperatives in oases, and museum shops in Nouakchott.

5. Dates from the Oases

Why pick this up:
Oasis-grown dates are a taste of Mauritania’s desert agriculture—chewy, honeyed varieties are central to local hospitality and tea rituals. They’re a compact, edible souvenir that captures terroir from the Adrar region.

What to look for:
Choose plump, glossy dates with intact skins and natural sweetness; vacuum-sealed packs are best for travel. Avoid sticky or fermented batches and ask about the variety (some are drier, some lusciously soft).

Price bracket (2025):
MRU 200–800 per kg

Where to find it:
Local food stalls at Marché Capitale, Nouadhibou markets, and village stalls in Atar and Tichitt.

6. Palm-Fiber Baskets and Mats

Why pick this up:
Woven from date-palm fronds, baskets and sleeping mats are both utilitarian and decorative, their tight coils and geometric patterns reflecting oasis life. They’re light to pack and useful at home for storage or wall display.

What to look for:
Tight, consistent weaving and natural coloration indicate handwork; dyed strands are fine but watch for synthetic-looking color saturation. Check for secure binding along edges.

Price bracket (2025):
MRU 300–1,200

Where to find it:
Village markets around oases, artisanal lanes in Chinguetti, and Marché Artisanal in Nouakchott.

7. Reproductions of Chinguetti Manuscripts & Calligraphy Prints

Why pick this up:
Chinguetti’s ancient manuscript libraries are UNESCO-renowned; reproductions and calligraphy prints echo a legacy of scholarship and desert script. They’re perfect for lovers of history and Islamic art.

What to look for:
Look for quality paper, authentic Arabic calligraphy styles, and clear documentation if it’s a reproduction of a specific manuscript. Avoid “antique” claims without provenance—genuine manuscripts are rare and usually not for sale.

Price bracket (2025):
MRU 1,000–5,000

Where to find it:
Bookstalls and artisan sellers in Chinguetti, museum shops, and cultural centers in Atar.

8. Traditional Mauritanian Tea Sets and Glasses

Why pick this up:
The ritual of Saharan mint tea is central to social life—small glassware, a metal teapot, or a decorative tray makes a vivid memento. These items bring a hospitality ritual into your home.

What to look for:
Choose hand-blown or hand-painted tea glasses with a slightly uneven rim for authenticity and a solid tray with traditional engraving. Avoid fragile, mass-produced sets without ornamentation.

Price bracket (2025):
MRU 1,500–6,000

Where to find it:
Craft markets in Nouakchott, cooperatives in coastal towns, and museum or hotel shops.

9. Hand-Knotted Rugs and Prayer Carpets

Why pick this up:
Smaller hand-knotted rugs from the Adrar and oasis regions carry tribal patterns and a pile that softens with use—ideal for hallways or meditation corners. Each knot can tell the story of a family workshop.

What to look for:
Inspect the back for tight, even knots and natural dyes; look for signature patterns tied to Adrar or neighbouring Tuareg styles. Be cautious of overly uniform, synthetic-machine-made rugs.

Price bracket (2025):
MRU 4,000–20,000

Where to find it:
Atar and Chinguetti rug stalls, Nouakchott’s artisan markets, and recognized rug cooperatives.

10. Traditional Kohl and Cosmetic Powders

Why pick this up:
Kohl (eye pigment) has been used across Mauritania for generations for both cosmetic and protective traditions; small sealed pots are light to pack and steeped in ritual. They’re an intimate souvenir of everyday Saharan life.

What to look for:
Choose sealed, well-labeled tubes or tins and ask vendors about ingredients (natural charcoal, soot, or mineral kohl). Avoid loose powders with no packaging—travel-friendly sealed containers are preferable.

Price bracket (2025):
MRU 100–400

Where to find it:
Local markets in Nouakchott, souks in Nouadhibou, and small apothecaries in oasis towns.

Tip: Haggle gently and smile—starting about 20–30% below the asking price is common in markets like Marché Capitale, but respect fixed-price cooperatives and museum shops 😊

Local Shopping Culture & Traditions

Shopping in Mauritania blends Saharan hospitality with a slow marketplace tempo: sellers expect conversation and a cup of mint tea before business, and goods often move from family workshops to market stalls through long-standing networks.

Major hubs like Nouakchott and Nouadhibou host daily bazaars, while Atar and Chinguetti feature weekly or seasonal markets tied to caravan routes and religious festivals.

Artisan villages in the Adrar region specialize in textiles, leather, and weaving, and cooperatives, often supported by cultural projects, help preserve traditional techniques. Bargaining is common in open-air souks, though museum shops and cooperatives tend to have fixed prices.

How to Spot Genuine Local Souvenirs

Look for material honesty: real indigo shows uneven dye and slight bleed, hand-hammered silver has texture and minor asymmetry, and camel or goat leather has a distinct scent and grain.

For textiles and rugs, check knot density, selvage finishes, and natural dye fading – machine-made imitations are too uniform and often use synthetic fibers.

Ask about provenance: many genuine pieces come from named villages (Chinguetti, Atar) or cooperative stamps.

For food items, choose vacuum-sealed packaging with expiry dates and ask vendors about storage; avoid loose spices or perishables without clear packaging if you’re flying home.

Where to Shop in Mauritania

• Nouakchott Marché Capitale (central market) and the Marché Artisanal
• Port de Pêche and seafood stalls in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou markets
• Chinguetti and Ouadane craft stalls and manuscript sellers
• Atar’s weekly market and surrounding Adrar village cooperatives
• National Museum of Nouakchott shop and cultural centers
• Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport gift shops for packaged goods

FAQs

Q: Are souvenirs in Mauritania expensive?
A: Prices vary—small items like kohl or baskets are inexpensive, while hand-knotted rugs and substantial silver pieces can be costly; cooperative shops often have fairer, stable pricing.

Q: Is bargaining common in Mauritania?
A: Yes, bargaining is expected in open-air markets and with independent vendors, but be respectful and know that cooperatives and museum shops usually have fixed prices.

Q: How do I know if food items are okay to take home?
A: Choose vacuum-sealed or clearly packaged foods with expiry dates; ask for receipts and ingredient lists for customs, and avoid loosely packaged perishables.

Explore Mauritania’s markets and crafts to discover treasures that carry the colors and stories of the Sahara—Mauritania souvenirs will remind you of its landscapes and people long after you return home.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!