Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Mauritania Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Mauritania Property Pack
If you're considering investing in short-term rentals in Mauritania, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about running an Airbnb in Nouakchott and beyond.
We cover the legal requirements, realistic revenue expectations, and what property types actually perform well in this unique market as of early 2026.
This blog post is updated regularly to reflect the latest regulations and market data for Mauritania's Airbnb landscape.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Mauritania.
Insights
- Around 330 active Airbnb listings exist in Nouakchott alone as of early 2026, making it a relatively small but growing market compared to other African capitals.
- Business travelers and NGO workers drive most of Mauritania's Airbnb demand, not leisure tourists, which means weekday bookings often outperform weekends.
- The typical Airbnb occupancy rate in Nouakchott hovers around 45%, but well-managed properties with reliable electricity and Wi-Fi can reach 70%.
- Tevragh-Zeina commands the highest nightly rates in Mauritania, averaging $85 to $160 per night due to its proximity to embassies and international organizations.
- Monthly net profit for a typical Airbnb in Mauritania runs around $500, though villas during conference season can generate $1,300 or more.
- The accommodation approval fee in Mauritania costs 10,000 MRU (about $250) for Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, or 5,000 MRU elsewhere in the country.
- Major events like the Mauritanides mining conference can boost Airbnb bookings by 30% to 50% and allow hosts to raise nightly rates significantly.
- Apartments and 1-2 bedroom units get the most consistent bookings in Mauritania because most guests are solo business travelers or small teams.
- The $50 to $90 per night price range is the most crowded segment in Nouakchott, leaving opportunities in the $95 to $140 business-ready tier.
- Electricity reliability and backup power are the single biggest factors affecting guest reviews and repeat bookings in Mauritania's Airbnb market.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Mauritania in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Mauritania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting is operating in Mauritania, particularly in Nouakchott, and there is no clear national ban preventing you from listing a residential property on Airbnb.
The main legal framework involves Mauritania's tourism administration, which oversees an "approval for operating an accommodation establishment" (agrément) that applies when you run hosting as a business rather than an occasional activity.
The single most important condition is that if you operate continuously with frequent turnover, multiple stays, or provide services, you are expected to obtain this tourism approval and register your activity formally.
While there are no explicit penalties published for casual hosts, operating a visible accommodation business without proper registration could expose you to administrative complications and potential fines from tax authorities.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Mauritania.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Mauritania.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Mauritania does not have a published national minimum-stay rule or a maximum nights-per-year cap like the 90-day limits found in some European cities.
These rules do not vary by property type or host residency status because no such formal caps exist at the national level, though individual building rules or lease agreements may impose their own restrictions.
Since there is no government-mandated tracking system, hosts are not required to report rental nights to any central registry, although tax declarations on rental income are expected through the standard tax system.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Mauritania right now?
Mauritania does not have a verified national "primary residence only" requirement for short-term rental hosts, which means you can legally list a secondary home or investment property on Airbnb.
Owners of secondary homes and investment properties can operate short-term rentals, though continuous or business-scale operations push you toward formal registration as an accommodation establishment.
There are no additional permits specifically required for non-primary residence rentals beyond the standard tourism approval that applies to any accommodation business operating at scale.
The practical difference between renting a primary residence versus a secondary home in Mauritania comes down to visibility and scale: occasional hosting from your own home attracts less regulatory attention than running multiple investment properties year-round.
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Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Mauritania right now?
Running multiple Airbnb listings under one name is likely permitted in Mauritania since there is no verified national rule limiting hosts to a single listing.
There is no published maximum number of properties one person or entity can list for short-term rental in Mauritania, though operating multiple units naturally positions you as a commercial accommodation provider.
Hosts with multiple listings should expect to obtain a trade register (registre de commerce) and pursue the formal tourism accommodation approval, as these are the documents required for professional-scale operations.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the compliance-minded approach for hosts operating continuously in Mauritania is to obtain both a trade registration and the tourism "accommodation establishment" approval.
The process involves submitting documents including your trade register, identification, and property documentation to the tourism administration, with processing times varying based on administrative workload.
Required documents typically include your commercial registration, proof of property ownership or lease, identification documents, and potentially a floor plan or property description.
The accommodation approval fee is 10,000 MRU (approximately $250 or €230) for properties in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, or 5,000 MRU (approximately $125 or €115) elsewhere in Mauritania.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are no published neighborhood bans or formally restricted zones for Airbnb operations in Nouakchott or other Mauritanian cities.
However, embassy-adjacent and UN-compound areas may have informal security protocols that affect guest access, while certain neighborhoods face infrastructure challenges that make hosting impractical rather than illegal.
The concentration of active Airbnb listings in neighborhoods like Tevragh-Zeina, Ksar, Sebkha, and Dar Naim suggests these areas are functionally approved for short-term rentals through established hosting activity.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Mauritania compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Mauritania in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Mauritania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the estimated median nightly price for Airbnb listings in Mauritania is around 2,800 MRU ($70 or €65), while the average nightly price runs higher at approximately 3,400 MRU ($85 or €78) due to premium villa listings.
The typical nightly price range covering roughly 80% of listings in Mauritania spans from 2,200 MRU to 5,600 MRU ($55 to $140 or €50 to €130), with apartments clustering at the lower end and villas at the higher end.
The single biggest factor affecting nightly pricing in Mauritania is reliability of utilities, particularly consistent electricity for air conditioning and stable internet, which allows hosts to justify rates 20% to 40% above basic listings.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mauritania.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Mauritania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices in Mauritania vary significantly, with Tevragh-Zeina commanding 3,400 to 6,400 MRU ($85 to $160 or €78 to €147) while more affordable areas like Sebkha average 1,800 to 3,800 MRU ($45 to $95 or €41 to €87).
The three neighborhoods with the highest average nightly prices in Nouakchott are Tevragh-Zeina at 4,800 MRU ($120 or €110) for its embassy proximity, followed by central Ksar at 4,000 MRU ($100 or €92), and secure pockets near diplomatic compounds averaging 3,600 MRU ($90 or €83).
The three neighborhoods with lower average nightly prices are Sebkha at 2,400 MRU ($60 or €55), Dar Naim at 2,600 MRU ($65 or €60), and outer residential zones around 2,000 MRU ($50 or €46), though guests still book these areas for value-focused stays and longer-term visits.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Mauritania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Mauritania averages around 45%, which translates to approximately 13 to 14 booked nights per month for an average host.
The realistic occupancy range covering most listings in Mauritania spans from 35% for basic properties to 70% for top-performing listings with excellent reviews, reliable utilities, and strong locations.
Mauritania's Airbnb occupancy rates run slightly below West African averages because demand is heavily business-travel driven rather than mass tourism, creating spiky booking patterns around conferences and official events.
The single biggest factor for achieving above-average occupancy in Mauritania is operational reliability, meaning consistent air conditioning, stable Wi-Fi for video calls, and responsive communication with guests.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Mauritania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the estimated average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Mauritania is approximately 46,000 MRU ($1,150 or €1,060), calculated from a typical nightly rate of $85 and 45% occupancy.
The realistic monthly revenue range covering roughly 80% of listings in Mauritania spans from 32,000 MRU to 64,000 MRU ($800 to $1,600 or €740 to €1,470), with location and property quality driving most of the variation.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Mauritania, particularly well-run villas during conference season, can generate 72,000 to 152,000 MRU ($1,800 to $3,800 or €1,660 to €3,500) per month. For example, a villa at $180 per night with 70% occupancy during Mauritanides would earn approximately $3,780 that month.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Mauritania.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Mauritania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, typical monthly revenue during Mauritania's low season runs around 34,000 MRU ($850 or €780), while high season can push revenue to approximately 58,000 MRU ($1,450 or €1,340) for the same property.
Low season in Mauritania generally falls between May and September when heat and humidity reduce travel comfort, while high season spans November through February when cooler weather coincides with business conferences and cultural events.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Mauritania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the realistic monthly expense range for operating an Airbnb in Mauritania falls between 15,200 MRU and 38,000 MRU ($380 to $950 or €350 to €875), depending on property size and service level.
The single largest expense category for Airbnb hosts in Mauritania is utilities, particularly electricity for air conditioning, which can run 3,600 to 10,400 MRU ($90 to $260 or €83 to €240) monthly during hot months.
Hosts in Mauritania should typically expect to spend between 35% and 55% of gross revenue on operating expenses, with higher percentages during low season when revenue drops but fixed costs remain.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Mauritania.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Mauritania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the realistic monthly net profit for a typical Airbnb in Mauritania is approximately 20,000 MRU ($500 or €460), with profit per available night averaging around 670 MRU ($17 or €15).
The realistic monthly net profit range covering most listings in Mauritania spans from 12,000 MRU to 52,000 MRU ($300 to $1,300 or €275 to €1,200), with well-located and well-managed properties at the higher end.
Hosts in Mauritania typically achieve net profit margins between 35% and 45% of gross revenue, which is reasonable for a market where operational costs like electricity and cleaning are significant.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Airbnb listing in Mauritania falls around 25% to 30%, meaning roughly 8 booked nights per month covers basic operating costs before generating profit.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Mauritania, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Mauritania versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Mauritania as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are approximately 330 active Airbnb listings in Nouakchott alone, with an estimated 450 listings across all of Mauritania when including Nouadhibou, Atar, and desert gateway destinations.
The Mauritania Airbnb market has grown steadily over recent years as business travel and conference activity increased, though it remains a relatively small market compared to other African capitals, which presents both lower competition and less platform awareness among potential guests.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Nouakchott are Tevragh-Zeina, Sebkha, and Dar Naim, where the majority of active listings compete for business traveler bookings.
These neighborhoods became saturated because they offer what business travelers prioritize: proximity to embassies, international organizations, and government offices, combined with relatively better infrastructure and security.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods with opportunities for new hosts include the northern reaches of Ksar, select areas of El Mina with good road access, and emerging residential zones where quality listings can stand out due to less competition.
What local events spike demand in Mauritania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main events that spike Airbnb demand in Mauritania include the Mauritanides mining and energy conference, the Nouakchott International Film Festival, and the Festival of Ancient Cities in Chinguetti which affects Nouakchott as a travel hub.
During these peak events, Airbnb bookings in Nouakchott typically increase by 30% to 50%, and hosts can raise nightly rates by 25% to 40% without significantly hurting occupancy.
Hosts should adjust their pricing and availability at least 4 to 6 weeks before major events, when delegates and attendees begin booking accommodation for conferences and festivals.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Mauritania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Mauritania achieve occupancy rates around 70%, which translates to approximately 21 booked nights per month.
Average hosts in Mauritania typically see occupancy rates around 45%, meaning top performers book roughly 50% more nights per month by offering reliable utilities, responsive service, and consistent quality.
New hosts in Mauritania can typically reach top-performer occupancy levels within 6 to 12 months by building reviews, optimizing their listing, and establishing a reputation for reliability and cleanliness.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mauritania.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Mauritania right now?
The nightly price range with the highest concentration of listings in Mauritania is 2,000 to 3,600 MRU ($50 to $90 or €46 to €83), where most apartments compete directly against each other.
The "white space" opportunities for new hosts in Mauritania exist in the 3,800 to 5,600 MRU ($95 to $140 or €87 to €129) range for business-ready units, and in the 6,400 to 10,400 MRU ($160 to $260 or €147 to €240) range for full-service family villas.
To compete successfully in these underserved price segments in Mauritania, a new host needs to offer reliable backup power, strong Wi-Fi, excellent cleaning standards, and potentially value-added services like airport pickup coordination or local driver recommendations.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Mauritania right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units get the most consistent Airbnb bookings in Mauritania, accounting for the majority of reservations in Nouakchott.
The estimated booking rate breakdown by bedroom count in Mauritania shows studios at roughly 10%, 1-bedroom units at 35%, 2-bedroom units at 35%, and 3-bedroom or larger properties at 20%, reflecting the business-travel guest profile.
These bedroom counts perform best in Mauritania because the dominant guest segment consists of solo business travelers, consultants, and small NGO teams who need a comfortable base rather than space for large groups or families.
What property type performs best in Mauritania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, apartments and condo-style units in secure, well-connected areas perform best for risk-adjusted returns on Airbnb in Mauritania, combining consistent demand with manageable operations.
Occupancy rates across property types in Mauritania show apartments averaging 50%, houses around 45%, and villas at 40% baseline but with potential for 65% or higher during conference periods when larger accommodations are sought.
Apartments outperform in Mauritania because they are easier to keep operationally reliable, with simpler utility management, faster cleaning turnovers, and lower maintenance burden compared to larger standalone properties.
What location traits boost bookings in Mauritania right now?
The location traits that boost Airbnb bookings in Mauritania include proximity to business and diplomatic corridors, easy vehicle access with parking, neighborhood reliability for utilities, and visible security features like guards or gated compounds.
Specific neighborhoods that embody these traits include Tevragh-Zeina for embassy proximity, Ksar for central accessibility, and select parts of Sebkha and Dar Naim where individual properties offer above-average infrastructure.
In Mauritania's car-dependent capital, listings with dedicated parking and clear access instructions consistently outperform those requiring complicated arrival logistics, since most guests travel by hired vehicle or taxi.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Mauritania, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania Government Procedures Portal | This is the official government portal describing exact administrative processes and fees for accommodation licensing. | We used it to confirm accommodation approval requirements and document lists. We also extracted the official licensing fees for Nouakchott and other regions. |
| Mauritania Trade Register Procedure | This is a government description of how trade register paperwork is handled for businesses. | We used it to support the business registration pathway for hosts operating at scale. We also connected STR operations to formal commercial activity expectations. |
| Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Handicrafts and Tourism | This is the official ministry site overseeing tourism and related licensing in Mauritania. | We used it to validate which ministry is responsible for tourism accommodation oversight. We also referenced it as the anchor institution behind the procedures portal. |
| Directorate General of Taxes - Rental Income Doctrine | This is from Mauritania's national tax authority and discusses rental income taxation under the tax code. | We used it to ground the existence of rental income tax obligations. We also used it to inform conservative compliance assumptions for Airbnb income. |
| Directorate General of Taxes - Taxpayer Portal | This is the tax authority's public portal for individual taxpayers in Mauritania. | We used it to confirm the tax system is declaration-based with self-reporting expectations. We also used it to frame practical compliance steps for hosts. |
| Central Bank of Mauritania | This is the central bank's official foreign exchange reference for Mauritania. | We used it to convert prices between MRU, USD, and EUR throughout the article. We also used it to keep all financial estimates consistent as of early 2026. |
| Airbnb Nouakchott Market Page | This is Airbnb's own aggregated market snapshot showing supply counts and popular amenities. | We used it for the 330 listing count and to identify which neighborhoods show as most booked. We also used it to identify baseline amenities competitors commonly provide. |
| Airbnb Mauritania Country Page | This is Airbnb's country-level entry point for Mauritania listings. | We used it to confirm the platform is operating in Mauritania as of early 2026. We also used it to verify that Nouakchott is the primary supply hub. |
| Booking.com Nouakchott Hotels | This is a major global travel marketplace with transparent price displays for Nouakchott accommodations. | We used it as a reality check for what travelers already pay per night in Nouakchott. We then positioned Airbnb pricing relative to hotel benchmarks. |
| AirDNA Revenue Methodology | This is the vendor's documented methodology for STR occupancy and revenue metrics used industry-wide. | We used it to keep our revenue calculations consistent with standard STR definitions. We also used it to explain methodology clearly for non-professional readers. |
| Mauritanian News Agency - Mauritanides 2025 | This is a national news agency report about Mauritania's major mining and energy conference. | We used it to justify business-travel demand surges from conferences and exhibitions. We also used it to highlight Nouakchott-specific demand drivers. |
| Mauritanian News Agency - Film Festival | This is a national news agency source describing an official cultural event in Nouakchott. | We used it to identify demand spikes from festival dates and visiting delegations. We also used it to avoid relying on travel blogs for event information. |
| Mauritania Culture Site - Festival of Ancient Cities | This is a Mauritania-focused cultural information source reporting on official festival programming. | We used it to support seasonality spikes tied to national cultural events. We also used it to keep events evidence-based rather than speculative. |
| UN Tourism Data Dashboard | This is the United Nations official tourism statistics platform with global coverage. | We used it to frame tourism scale and understand why Nouakchott demand is business-led rather than leisure-driven. We also used it to contextualize seasonality patterns. |
| World Bank Tourism Arrivals Data | This is a widely used official statistics portal with transparent sourcing to UN Tourism figures. | We used it as a cross-check for tourism scale and long-term trends. We also used it to avoid speculation when sizing the market. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Mauritania. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.