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Matsuyama

Matsuyama (松山), meaning "pine mountain", is the homely capital of Ehime prefecture.

Quite provincial yet hospitable to travelers, and a hub of business and shopping amongst the lazy calm of the countryside, Matsuyama has much to offer in the way of curious literary and cultural assets.

Understand
With a population of 510,000 (2019), Matsuyama is the largest city on Shikoku, though still noticeably sleepier than cities of comparable size on the Japanese mainland. The city is in a river basin formed by the flow of the Ishite and Shigenobu rivers, and nestled between the Ishizuchi mountain range to the south and Takanawa Mountains to the north. The center of town is Matsuyama-shi Station (松山市駅, "Shieki" for short), south of Matsuyama Castle, which serves as a hub for local trams, buses, and the private Iyotetsu train line. JR Matsuyama Station is a short walk west.

The climate of Matsuyama is overall mild and temperate — somewhat balmy in summer, with most rainfall occurring in late spring, and almost no snow in winter. However, the city's star attraction — Dōgo Onsen (道後温泉) — is a good time in any season, drawing serious hot spring enthusiasts and newcomers alike to its steamy waters. This public bathhouse is thought to be the oldest in Japan, a claim reinforced by its mention in the second oldest book of Japanese history, Nihon Shoki (720 AD).

But Dōgo and its surroundings are better known for their place in another classic Japanese book, Botchan (1906). Renowned novelist Natsume Sōseki (夏目漱石) wrote Botchan while living and working in Matsuyama as a teacher. Although the area does not come off well in the Edo-phile's description, the town nevertheless celebrates the connection with a variety of events and displays.

Sōseki’s friend and mentor, Masaoka Shiki (正岡子規), was a native of Matsuyama and one of the four great masters of haiku. Born to a lower class samurai family, Shiki had a modest childhood. Thanks to his education and an uncle in public office, Shiki was able to enter Tokyo Imperial University to study philosophy and politics, and later became a journalist covering the Russo-Japanese War. His literary career began when he started criticizing the Edo period's iconic haiku artist Matsuo Bashō and praising Yosa Buson, whose work he felt was brief yet refined. Shiki is credited with revitalizing Japanese poetry and modernizing its themes, thus making the short verse once again relevant to modern Japanese culture.

Matsuyama's bastions of literary pride span centuries, and many of the city's attractions celebrate that heritage with unabashed cheer. In the words of one native, referring the character from Botchan (not the pop star): "We don't have geisha — we have Madonna!"

Tourist information

 * Free English volunteer guides are available matsuyamacamellia@gmail.com. http://matsuyamavolunteerguide.jimdo.com

There are also information desks at the ferry terminal and Dōgo Onsen.

Information Sites

 * The city government has an official multilingual guide site.

 * The visitors bureau above has a Japanese-only guide site with integrated Google Translate.

Climate
Matsuyama is hottest in July and August. January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures rarely getting below freezing.

By plane
The Limousine Bus connects the airport to Dōgo Onsen, running at 20-minute intervals (¥450) via JR Matsuyama Sta (¥300).

By train
Matsuyama is on the JR Yosan Line. From the mainland, take the San'yo Shinkansen to Okayama, and transfer to the Shiokaze Limited Express, which will get you to Matsuyama in about three hours (¥6630).

The Ishizuchi Limited Express connects Matsuyama with Takamatsu on the eastern end of Shikoku (2½ hours, ¥6010). The Uwakai and a few other limited express services run to Uwajima (75 minutes, ¥3410). (Many limited express trains in Shikoku combine or divide with others at certain stations, so be sure you're in the correct part of the train.)

The Sunrise Seto overnight train from Tokyo departs at 22:00. It goes to Sakaide (坂出) station, the first stop after crossing the long Seto-Ohashi bridge, and the station before Takamatsu. After a 40-minute wait (during which you can get a bite to eat), take the Ishizuchi limited express to Matsuyama, arriving at 10:00. The Sunrise Seto is one of the few overnight trains in Japan with a shower on board. You can use the shower for a small fee, or for no charge, depending on your accommodation type. But if you don't like being limited to six minutes of water, just plan an early visit to Dōgo Onsen!

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, all travel on JR trains is covered except for accommodation on the Sunrise Seto; you can book a carpeted floor space at no charge, or pay the applicable room fee and surcharges for a room or compartment. If you are traveling a long distance to reach Matsuyama, you can choose to simply split up your journey, stopping at an intermediate destination en-route in order to sleep somewhere. For example, on a trip from Tokyo to Matsuyama you could leave Tokyo in the evening on the Shinkansen and make your way to Osaka or Himeji to spend the night. The next morning you can continue to Okayama to connect to the Shiokaze train.

By bus
Highway buses connect Matsuyama with the rest of Shikoku, as well as with other major cities in Japan. The following buses are operated by JR Shikoku Bus (Japanese website) and affiliated JR bus companies.

Within Shikoku, the Botchan Express bus runs multiple times per day from Takamatsu (2 hr 45 min, ¥3900), while the Nangoku Express offers six daily round-trips from Kochi (2 hr 45 min, ¥3500) and the Yoshinogawa Express offers service to/from Tokushima (3 hr 15 min, ¥4300).

The interestingly-named Madonna Express bus service runs six daily round-trips between Matsuyama and Okayama (3 hours, ¥4300).

From Osaka and Kobe, service is offered on the Matsuyama Express Osaka bus. Eight daily round-trip buses during the day from Osaka and Sannomiya Bus Terminal (5 hr 45 min from Osaka, ¥6700). One round-trip bus runs overnight, starting from Kyoto station (8 hr 15 min, ¥7000) and stopping at Osaka and Sannomiya along the way.

The Olive Matsuyama bus service operates overnight between Nagoya and Matsuyama, via Tokushima and Takamatsu (10 hr 15 min, ¥10,000).

Overnight buses are offered from Tokyo on the Dream Takamatsu-Matsuyama service (10 hr 15 min, ¥12,000; ¥14,300 for Premium Seats).

Iyo Tetsu Bus operates similar services in competition with those listed above, at similar prices. Iyo Tetsu's overnight services make pickup and dropoff stops directly at Dogo Onsen (see below). Iyo and JR buses make stops at the Okaido arcade, from which Dogo Onsen is a short, convenient journey by tram.

Iyo Tetsu Bus also offers an overnight bus to Matsuyama from Fukuoka and Kitakyushu (10 hours from Fukuoka, ¥8000).

Willer Express operates buses from Matsuyama to Kobe, Osaka and Tokyo. Online bookings are available in English.

By ferry
Ferry services connect Matsuyama with various locations on Honshu and Kyushu.
 * Ishizaki Ferry and Setonaikai Kisen operate daily to and from Hiroshima, with some boats stopping in Kure (呉). The Superjet Hydrofoil service departs from Matsuyama every hour, on the hour, from 07:00 to 18:00, then at 19:30 and 21:00. The ride takes 70-80 minutes to reach Hiroshima and costs ¥6900 each way. Slower ferries depart on different schedules between 06:25 and 19:50 (10 per day), reaching Hiroshima in about 2½ hours at a cost of ¥3500 each way.
 * Kokura Ferry runs an overnight service to Kokura in Kitakyushu, leaving at 21:55 and arriving at 05:00 the next day (you may stay on board until 07:00). A second class bunk costs ¥11,100 (as of April 2022). You need to fill out a short form before boarding the ferry.
 * Sunflower runs a ferry service from Beppu to Osaka which stops in Matsuyama along the way. The ferry leaves Matsuyama at 22:55 and arrives in Osaka at 07:35 the next day. Fares start from ¥9600. The ferry service from Osaka to Beppu does not call at Matsuyama.
 * Sunflower runs a ferry service from Beppu to Osaka which stops in Matsuyama along the way. The ferry leaves Matsuyama at 22:55 and arrives in Osaka at 07:35 the next day. Fares start from ¥9600. The ferry service from Osaka to Beppu does not call at Matsuyama.

Get around
If you plan on staying for an extended period of time (or believe you will spend more than ¥2000 on transportation), you may want to buy an IC Card at Shieki, which gives 10% discounts on all Iyotetsu transportation (including taxis).

Traveling on foot is an entirely viable way of getting around downtown at a comfortable pace.

By tram
Trams (streetcars) have a flat fare, ¥200 per trip (December 2023) or ¥100 for children. A one-day pass costs ¥400 (November 2014).

Of the lines that run around the city, route # 5 is the most useful for travelers, as it runs between the JR Matsuyama station and Dogo Onsen, passing Matsuyama Castle and the Okaido shopping arcade. Route # 3 connects Dogo Onsen with Matsuyama-shi station (for the Iyo Railway).

You can also tour a few Botchan sites on the Botchan Ressha, which is a recreation of the old steam-powered trams (though the modern version runs on diesel).

By bus
Iyotetsu (伊予鉄) city buses connect all corners of Matsuyama (except for the island, Nakajima), from the ferry port in the west to Kume in the east, and from Hōjō in the north to Tobe in the south. The hub is the aforementioned Shieki. Timetables are not in English, but if you can pronounce the destination, the driver will help you get there. Fares start at ¥150. Enter buses in the rear and take a slip of paper. If you need to change a yen note, insert it into the machine at the front of the bus to receive change. When you are ready to disembark, go to the front, check the amount due on the above chart and drop the money into the slot.

Buses run once an hour from the Takahama Ferry Port to Dōgo Onsen Eki. There is also an East-West Loop bus which connects all vital areas and whose fare is ¥150.

By car
The Nissan Car Rental port at the intersection of Nishihoribata and Hanazoromachi, across from JAL Hotel. Car rental is not practical for city travel, but can be handy for onward destinations in Shikoku.

By bicycle

 * Bicycles can be rented from EPIC (see above). They are usually not mountain or racing bikes, and come with 1-3 gears.
 * Rickshaws (人力車, Jinrikisha) are "man-powered vehicles" popularized by the elite in the Edo period, and are only available for rent around Dōgo. Fares, including a guided tour by your carrier, start at ¥1500 for 15 minutes. There may be an English speaker available.

See
While having read Sōseki's novels or Shiki's haiku is by no means essential to enjoy most of these sites, it will probably represent the difference between whether you find them evocative pieces of history or just a pleasant collection of Meiji-era buildings.

88 Temple Pilgrimage
Eight temples in Matsuyama are part of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Most are well out of the city center, though, and require a car or (appropriately enough) a hike.

Do

 * According to legend, Prince Shotoku (574-622) used to partake of the waters, and in 1899, the annex Yushinden, was built so that the Imperial Family could enjoy Dōgo in privacy. The last time the Emperor visited Dōgo was in the 1970s, but the curious can peek into the rooms (15-minute tour without bathing: ¥250 adults, ¥120 children.) There is also an exhibition room that features artifacts from the various stages of Dōgo's history.
 * According to legend, Prince Shotoku (574-622) used to partake of the waters, and in 1899, the annex Yushinden, was built so that the Imperial Family could enjoy Dōgo in privacy. The last time the Emperor visited Dōgo was in the 1970s, but the curious can peek into the rooms (15-minute tour without bathing: ¥250 adults, ¥120 children.) There is also an exhibition room that features artifacts from the various stages of Dōgo's history.

Buy
A stroll around Dōgo Onsen, particularly the Yunomachi shopping corridor, will turn up plenty of tourist-oriented souvenir shops. Look for Iyo Kasuri cloth, which was traditionally woven with thread-dyed indigo, but is now made in many vibrant hues and is used for clothing, toys and accessories. (Kasuri means "splashed pattern".) Another item of note is Tobe pottery, which boasts a history of over 220 years. Designated a National Traditional Craft, it's valued for its thickness and simplicity, and the sensual contrast of the indigo against pristine white ceramic ware. Shops in Yunomachi sell Tobeyaki, but Tobe the town is not far from Matsuyama if you'd prefer to go to the source.

The Gentangai Arcade, just east of Shieki, is the place to look for more contemporary and eclectic items.

Eat
Matsuyama is a great place to indulge a sweet tooth. Botchan dango (坊ちゃん団子) headline every sweet shop in town. They're skewered rice dumplings covered in bean paste dyed with green tea, eggs, and azuki beans. This soft, sweet snack was popularized by Sōseki, who had such a weakness for them that he included the treats in Botchan. Another local favorite are the cute little tarts (タルト). Originally derived from Nagasaki's Castella cake in the 1600s, the Matsuyama variety replaces jam with azuki bean paste, and rolls up the cake.

For a healthier sweet, citrus fruits come in a multitude of species, including iyokan (grapefruit-like) and dekopon (huge, orange and puckered). mikan (mandarin orange) are mainly harvested in the fall and are very cheap, but they're so treasured that they are used as offerings to ancestral spirits first - living people eat them only some days later.

Drink
The drinking district is fairly well-concentrated; the streets around the Okaido Arcade are the place to begin a bar crawl.

Stay safe
Matsuyama is a safe city, even by Japanese standards. Theft has never been an issue at Dōgo Onsen, but there are coin lockers (¥100) if you have valuables to store.

Go next

 * Mount Ishizuchi — the highest peak in western Japan.
 * Uchiko — traditional merchant town with Kabuki theatre and wax factory museum.
 * Uwajima — bull sumo, 3 hours south on the JR Yosan Line
 * Other cities within reach on the Yosan Line include mountainous Ikata and industrious Niihama and Imabari, the latter of which is connected to the mainland for cars and bicyclists.
 * Iya Valley, a couple of hours away in central Shikoku, is famous for its daring vine bridges, traditional thatched roof homes, and isolated mountain culture.
 * Mima, is a small city in western Tokushima prefecture. Mostly known for several historic locations, as well as campsites and outdoor activities (kayaking, hiking, fishing, motorcross, paragliding, etc.). Accessible by bus from Matsuyama.
 * Takamatsu - on the other side of the island and accessible by train
 * Takamatsu - on the other side of the island and accessible by train

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Matsuyama (disambiguation)

There are a number of Japanese cities called Matsuyama (松山).

 * Matsuyama, famous hot spring town and the capital city of Ehime Prefecture
 * Matsuyama (Kagoshima), a former town in Soo District in Kagoshima Prefecture
 * Matsuyama (Miyagi), a town in Shida District in Miyagi Prefecture
 * Matsuyama (Yamagata), a town in Akumi District in Yamagata Prefecture

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Matsuyama (disambiguation)


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Mattapoisett

Mattapoisett is a charming town along the southern coast Massachusetts with a large harbor on Buzzards Bay. Its name is thought to come from the Wampanoag native word for "resting place". It is now a classic small coastal town.

By car
Mattapoisett is on Interstate 195.

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Matterhorn

The Matterhorn (French: Mont Cervin, Italian: Monte Cervino) is one of the tallest mountains in the Alps.

Cities
It straddles the border of Switzerland and Italy and can be visited from either side:
 * , on the Swiss side
 * on the Italian side

Geography
The Matterhorn has a pyramidal shape with four faces facing the four compass points: the north and east faces overlook the town of Zermatt; the south face overlooks the resort town of Breuil-Cervinia; and the west face looks towards the mountain of Dent d'Hérens, which straddles the border. The north and south faces meet at the summit to form a short east-west ridge.

The Matterhorn's faces are steep, and only small patches of snow and ice cling to them; regular avalanches send the snow down to accumulate on the glaciers at the base of each face, the largest of which is the Zmutt Glacier to the west. The Hörnli ridge of the northeast (the central ridge in the view from Zermatt) is the usual climbing route.

History
The Matterhorn was one of the last of the main Alpine mountains to be ascended, not because of its technical difficulty, but because of the fear it inspired in early mountaineers. The first serious attempts began around 1857, mostly from the Italian side; but despite appearances, the southern routes are harder, and parties repeatedly found themselves having to turn back. However, on July 14, 1865, in what is considered the last ascent of the golden age of alpinism, the party of Edward Whymper, Charles Hudson, Lord Francis Douglas, Douglas Robert Hadow, Michel Croz and the two Peter Taugwalders (father and son) was able to reach the summit by an ascent of the Hörnli ridge in Switzerland. Upon descent, Hadow, Croz, Hudson and Douglas fell to their deaths on the Matterhorn Glacier, and all but Douglas (whose body was never found) are buried in the Zermatt churchyard.

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Matthews

Matthews is a small town in North Carolina. It is considered a suburb of Charlotte, and is located at the southeastern border of Mecklenburg County.

By bus
CATS offers bus service from Charlotte seven days a week.

Go next
Go west on US-74 to get to Charlotte. Heading east will take you immediately to Monroe, and eventually the beaches near Wilmington.

For hiking, Kings and Crowders Mtns. are nice - only an hour away.

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Mattinata

Mattinata is a city in the province of Foggia in the region of Apulia (Puglia). Mattinata is on the Gargano Peninsula, in the hinterland of the Adriatic coast in a hollow between the elevations of Monte Sacro, Monte Sant'Angelo and Monte Saraceno. The plain is lined with olive groves, and extends to the flat beach, two huge rocks, two "Faraglioni" rise from the sea as symbols of the town.

Understand
The region was first settled by the Illyrian tribe of the Daunians, who came from the Balkans and the Balkans. the eastern Adriatic coast. A necropolis on Monte Saraceno bears witness to this culture, which perished under Roman rule. The settlement of Apeneste in the bay, in the records of the Roman historian Pliny the Elder.

The place was probably destroyed by a tidal wave or Saracen invasions and was later rebuilt inland. With the construction of the coastal road and, above all, the expressway connection with Manfredonia and Foggia through tunnels, the town was able to boom as a centre of olive oil production and increasingly also as a tourist destination.

By plane
The closest airport is the Aeroporto Internazionale di Bari "Karol Wojtyla" in the north of Bari.

By train
You travel by train via Foggia, the Ferrovie dello Stato railway line, which runs along the Adriatic, serves Foggia with express trains from Frecce.

By bus
From Foggia there is a direct bus connection from Ferrovie del Gargano via Manfredonia to Mattinata.

By car
Access is by road via the Bologna - Bari motorway. Coming from the north, take the Foggia exit and reach the town on the "Garganica", which has been converted into a dual carriageway, via Manfredonia. From the south you can take the Cerignola and from there the coastal road to the Garganica expressway. After several tunnels to Mattinata Vieste, it becomes very picturesque, but curvy and slow to navigate.

See

 * Fraraglioni rocks in the Zagare Bay
 * Fraraglioni rocks in the Zagare Bay
 * Fraraglioni rocks in the Zagare Bay
 * Fraraglioni rocks in the Zagare Bay
 * Fraraglioni rocks in the Zagare Bay
 * Fraraglioni rocks in the Zagare Bay

Do
Extensive, gently sloping bathing beaches extend on the Baia di Mattinata.
 * The coast of the Gargano extends further to the northeast with bays between steep limestone cliffs.
 * In the area of the Riserva Statale Monte Barone there are beautiful views of the limestone cliffs, the Faraglioni, which are typical of the Gargano coast.
 * Hike to the ruins of the SS. Trinità Monte Sacro abbey
 * For those interested in the flora, there are 60 types of orchid to be seen in the Mattinata region.

Buy
Mattinata belongs to the Città dell'Olio association, and an exceptionally good olive oil is produced here.

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Matunuck

Matunuck is one of the villages of South Kingstown in Washington County, Rhode Island. The village's name is from a Native American word meaning "look out." The Narragansett tribe made a summer encampment at this location before the land was sold to colonists as part of the Pettaquamscutt purchase. It is mostly a summer community in Southern Rhode Island with a small, but strong base of year round locals.

By car
Matunuck is right off the highway, making it easy to get to by car. The Matunuck Beach Road exit is off of US Route 1 North, with convenient left lane U-turns for south-bound motorists.

By boat
Matunuck has no marinas or ports, making it inaccessible directly by boat. However, there is some dockage in Matunuck located behind several houses that border Potters Pond on the east most side of Matunuck. Its neighbor, East Matunuck, has several legitimate marinas and docking areas.

Get around
Matunuck is such a small area that motorized transportation is not really a necessity to move within it. Most places are easily within comfortable walking distance. However a bike, or if you're adventurous, a skateboard would easily be the best option to navigating Matunuck.

Do

 * Water recreation: surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more. Matunuck can offer some of the best surfing and windy conditions in Rhode Island, making it a prime destination for water-bound thrill-seekers.
 * Water recreation: surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more. Matunuck can offer some of the best surfing and windy conditions in Rhode Island, making it a prime destination for water-bound thrill-seekers.

Buy

 * General ATMs. Two can be found in Matunuck. One is inside of the Ocean Mist and the other is inside the Seaview Marketplace, however a service fee is assessed by both. Also these machines are not re-filled very frequently so it would be best to use others outside of Matunuck.
 * Matunuck Laundromat, next to Just D's restaurant.
 * Matunuck Laundromat, next to Just D's restaurant.

Eat

 * The Ocean Mist, 895A Matunuck Beach Rd., +1 401-782-3740. A beach-side club, bar, and restaurant with daily specials. Every Tuesday night after 8PM it’s “Ticket Tuesday” with $5 admission (includes 2 drinks), free billiards, young crowd, and pumping reggae music. Along with Tuesday night, Monday night is 'Taco night' (3 tacos for $3), Wednesday night is 'Wing night' (6 wings for $2), Thursday night is 'Two for one' (get any two Mexican meals for the price of one), and Friday night is fish and chips with a free bowl of chowder all day long. There is always a $3 draft beer of the month.
 * The Ocean Mist, 895A Matunuck Beach Rd., +1 401-782-3740. A beach-side club, bar, and restaurant with daily specials. Every Tuesday night after 8PM it’s “Ticket Tuesday” with $5 admission (includes 2 drinks), free billiards, young crowd, and pumping reggae music. Along with Tuesday night, Monday night is 'Taco night' (3 tacos for $3), Wednesday night is 'Wing night' (6 wings for $2), Thursday night is 'Two for one' (get any two Mexican meals for the price of one), and Friday night is fish and chips with a free bowl of chowder all day long. There is always a $3 draft beer of the month.

Go next
East Matunuck offers more of the same coastline but doesn't offer many establishments open year round. It is one exit farther north off of Route 1 north.

Charlestown is the second biggest town on the southern Rhode Island coast. It has more shops, places to eat, and things to do than either Matunuck or East Matunuck. It is also home to Ninigret Park. The park is open to the public from sunrise to sunset year round. Many different recreational facilities are available throughout the park. Various special events and festivals are held throughout the summer months. It is a 10-minute ride down Route 1 south, but to get to the exit a U-turn must be taken since the exit is off of Route 1 north.

Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and offers a diverse and dynamic city setting with its feature attraction being the Providence Place Mall. It is about a 45-minute ride north of Matunuck but is worth the ride with a large variety of things to do and see.

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Maui

The island of Maui is one of the islands of Hawaii, a state of the United States of America. It is the second-largest of the eight major islands and the third-most populous.

Cities
Makawao town in Upcountry Maui at the top of Baldwin Ave. Old cowboy ranch town now a shopping, eating and Art destination.
 * — the town at the end of the Highway to Hana. An isolated community on Maui's eastern tip surrounded by dense rain forests.
 * — an old plantation town, located on the north slope of east Maui.
 * — the commercial and transportation center, with Maui's two largest malls, the main airport and a deep-water port.
 * — a small town located on Maui's Western shore, close to Lahaina.
 * — in the northwest corner of Maui, showcasing championship golf courses, ten miles of pristine shoreline and luxury accommodations.
 * features condos and beaches on the southwest coast, but cheaper and less luxurious than Kaanapali.
 * — an old whaling port and former major tourist center, sadly mostly destroyed in the Maui Fires of 2023.
 * — a beach town on northwest shore near Kapalua which offers calm waters protected by an offshore reef.
 * — a small town with interesting shopping and world renowned beaches for windsurfing and surfing.
 * - small town with a working plantation
 * are master-planned resort areas located just south of Kihei.
 * — the seat of the county government, home to several historic buildings listed on both state and gateway to the Iao Needle.

Understand
Maui nō ka 'oi. "Maui is the best." Many visitors have heard this Hawaiian phrase said about the island, and many of those same visitors, having visited, say it to others. It's no wonder that the readers of Conde Nast Traveler have voted Maui the best island in the U.S. for 22 years, and have given it top honors in the world in many of those polls.

Maui was formed from the merger of two volcanoes, Haleakala to the east and the West Maui volcano to the west. Between the two volcanoes is a narrow isthmus of land on which the major population centers of Wailuku and Kahului lie; this feature gives Maui its nickname, "the Valley Island."

Talk
See Talk in the Hawaii section.

Get in
Kahului Airport is the main airport for the island of Maui, and the second largest commercial airport in the state. It is a secondary hub for Hawaiian Airlines, which provides interisland service to Kahului from the other major airports in the state. Several major U.S. airlines also provide non-stop service to Maui from the West Coast and beyond. Kahului airport can be reached non-stop from Anchorage, Bellingham, Calgary, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Edmonton, Hana, Hilo, Honolulu, Hoolehua, Kamuela, Kapalua, Lanai City, Lihue, Los Angeles, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver.

To get to Lahaina and Kaanapali, where most major hotels are located, exit the airport and follow Kuihelani Highway (route 380) to its junction with Honoapiilani Highway (route 30), and turn left on route 30 toward Lahaina. For Kihei and Wailea, turn left on Puunene Avenue, which becomes Mokulele Highway (state route 311) and eventually turns into Piilani Highway (state route 31) when you reach Kihei. Continue on route 31 for Wailea.

When departing from Kahului Airport for the U.S. Mainland, all baggage must be inspected by Hawaii State Department of Agriculture inspectors at the airport. Fresh fruits (with the exception of pineapples and treated papayas) are prohibited from leaving the islands to prevent the spread of fruit flies. This inspection occurs before you get to your gate, so you won't be able to enjoy your last fruit while waiting for your departing flight.

There are smaller general aviation airports Kapalua and Hana  with some scheduled local flights.

Get around
While Maui has a basic public transportation system, many places are not accessible by bus, and most visitors rent a car. Renting a car in Hawaii is relatively inexpensive. The resort areas around Kihei, Wailea and Lahaina also have a trolley that connects the towns with nearby shopping and attractions.

Public transportation
There are several public bus routes that operate seven days a week including all holidays. More information can be found at the Maui County's bus service webpage. Note that buses do not allow suitcases, so plan ahead while riding.

Major highways

 * Honoapiilani Highway (Route 30) is the road to Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kapalua; it runs between West Maui and Wailuku around majestic cliffs and along white sand beaches.
 * Hana Highway (Routes 36 and 360), the "road to Hana," traces Maui's north coast from Kahului to the village of Hana on the eastern shore. Winding along steep, forested mountainsides, in many places the road narrows to only a single lane.  Although the road to Hana is only 56 miles (90 km) long, it turns and winds so continuously that the whole journey can take up to three hours one-way, especially if there is traffic. However, if you leave early in the morning, the trip can take as little as 90 minutes.
 * Haleakala Highway (Routes 37, 377, and 378) is the road that leads to Pukalani and Makawao in upcountry Maui and takes you to the summit of Haleakala.

Most locals refer to the roads not by number but by name, and will likely not understand if you ask for a road by number. For example you would never hear someone refer to Piilani highway as "route 31" or "highway 31."

See
Haleakala National Park offers alpine wilderness and stunning views of Maui and beyond (from the summit you can see five of the eight main islands, more than are visible from anywhere else in Hawaii). Two entrances, one from Highway 36 and one from Highway 37, go to separate parts of the park.

Wainapanapa State Park has black sand beach, sea arch, sea caves, a small blowhole to see. In Hana at end of Wai‘anapanapa Road off Hana Highway (Highway 360), 52.8 miles (85 km) (3 hour drive) east of Kahului Airport.

Iao Valley State Monument is very green. You can climb up 0.6 miles (1 km) on paved trail to a view of the ocean, Iao Needle, etc. or climb down to a garden, stream, etc. From Kahului go west on ‘Iao Valley Road (Highway 32) through Wailuku to the end of the road.

Biking

The Mount Haleakala Sunrise Bike Tour: takes you by bus up the mountain for a spectacular sunrise before your guided bike tour down. See Haleakala National Park.

Hiking
There are many trails on Maui including a couple of trails in Iao Valley State Monument and several in Haleakala National Park. The upper part of Haleakala National Park bears no resemblance to the lower. The crater at the summit, some, draws millions of visitors each year. Hike within it on miles of trails past cinder cones and lava caves or you can stroll from roadside turnouts to sky-high overlooks. The drive to the top is the steepest in the world and along Haleakala's slopes are eight biological zones, designated as an International Biosphere Reserve.

Two good sources for hikers are the State of Hawaii Trail and Access Program, Na Ala Hele Trail and Access System and Maui Trailblazer guidebook.

Canoeing and kayaking
In Hawaii a canoe is an ocean-going outrigger. They also have double hull canoes that are a bit like catamarans. There are canoe clubs that will sometimes take out visitors for a reasonable donation.

Many businesses would be happy to introduce you to kayaking. See the listings in Kihei, and Wailuku.

Golf
Choose from 14 courses (several of which are ranked at or near the top of the “world’s best” lists) designed by noted course architects and golfing luminaries such as Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw. Check out the courses in Wailea, Kapalua and Kahului.

Luaus
There are many luaus in Maui, which feature Polynesian singing and dancing. Most feature buffet dinners. Check out the Wailea and Lahaina article's gorgeous listings.

Mountain biking
There are mountain bike trails in Makawao State Forest.

Scuba diving
A number of shore diving sites are accessible from Maui's west and south-facing shores. Visit World War II wreck sites of the Helldiver Dive Bomber or the Tank and Landing Craft. Other wrecks include St. Anthony's Wreck off Mokapu Beach in Wailea and the Carthaginian Sailing Ship along the West Maui coast. Several operators offer day trips to the south shore of Lanai.

Snorkeling
This can be one of the most affordable activities on Maui. Some favorite spots include:
 * The cove south of Black Rock near the Sheraton Resort at Kaanapali Beach.
 * "Turtle Town" near the south end of Makena Road in Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve, which is south of Kihei and Wailea. Great variety of coral and fish and occasionally large turtles.  Keep driving until you reach a small rustic parking lot on the right that has two outhouses on its left side and a temporary building on its right side.   Follow the trail from the ocean side of the parking lot along the water to the left until you get to a small cove with a lava shore and a tiny black sand beach.
 * South of Kamaole Beach Park III in Kihei.
 * Ulua Beach in Wailea-Makena south of Kihei.

Use caution to decide when and where to snorkel. Educate yourself about riptides and avoid choppy seas, which could bash you against coral or rocks.

Surfing
There are several spots on Maui that are recommended for surfing.

Visit a lavender farm
Visit the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm In the Upcountry region of Maui, nestled on the slopes of Haleakala (House of the Sun). Daily tours and treasure hunts (for a nominal fee) are offered which allow the visitor to learn about both culinary and cosmetic lavenders, grown with interspersed protea plants, a native plant of South Africa, which thrives along with the lavender, in this drought prone region. The Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm espouses the doctrine of sustainable Aloha, and will share more on this with during your visit.

Visit Hana
Take the road trip on Hwy 36 (Hana Hwy) stopping on the road to see waterfalls, lush greenery and beaches. Some of these are not visible from the road, but most are a relatively short hike off the road. A private arboretum and botanical garden (with an entrance fee) called "Garden of Eden" around the 10-mile marker has peacocks, bamboo gardens and view of Puohokamoa Falls. The round-trip will be difficult to complete in one day, so stay over in Hana to break it into two days. Wainapanapa State Park, 2 miles (3 km) east of Hana, has cabins to offer. There are other private nicer places to stay, also in and around Hana.

The Road to Hana is something that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Keep in mind that some of the locals from Hana make the long commute to work in Kahului each day. If you see a local vehicle approaching from behind, pull over and let them pass. By the same token, locals' familiarity with the route can lead them to cut across corners (even blind corners) swerving back into their lane at the last minute, so take corners slowly and watch for oncoming traffic that may have encroached upon your lane. Also, don't trespass! If you respect the land and the people, you'll find open arms and acceptance.

It is possible to drive all the way around the island by continuing past Hana instead of going back the way you came. Most rental car companies strongly discourage this and state that the rental car contract is voided if you drive there. The road is one- and two-lane and paved virtually the entire way, although in some places the asphalt can be patched and rough, requiring road speeds of 10 mph or less to avoid damaging a normal car's suspension. Off-road vehicles and jeeps will find it fairly easy going. The area is very beautiful, with soaring cliffs and views over the sea and glimpses of the nearby Big Island on the horizon, but it is dry, desolate and remote, with little traffic, no services, and unreliable cell phone service.

Visit Lanai or Molokai
The island of Lanai is west of Maui. It can be easily reached by ferry from Lahaina.

The island of Molokai is northwest of Maui.

Buy
As one would expect from a tourist mecca like Maui, there are several areas to find good shopping. Also as one would expect, the prices can be quite inflated. ABC Stores can be found all over Maui and the other Hawaian Islands and offer souvenirs and beach junk (such as sunscreen and straw mats) at potentially lower prices than tourist traps. In Lahaina, a good place to "walk the shops", find Old Lahaina Book Emporium. Kaanapali has Whaler's Village Shops and Restaurants, home to lots of stores and restaurants, including plenty of high-end merchandise such as Coach and Tiffany. Paia is a small artist and aging hippie colony with a reasonable and varied mix of shops and galleries worth your time, as well as restaurants. It is just before Mama's Fishhouse Restaurant. A nice open air mall can be found in the Wailea luxury area. On the way you can stop by Kihei at one of two flea market type shopping areas. Makawao town in Upcountry Maui is hidden gem of a place to shop. Mom and pop stores, boutiques, art galleries, good restaurants and an outdoor market.

Eat
Check the Eat section on the pages for the various towns listed under Cities above

Fresh produce is widely available at farmer's markets and road side stands. Banana bread, coconut candy, smoothies and seasonal fruit are all highlights of a drive around Maui.

Drink
Check the Drink section on the pages for the various towns listed under Cities above. Also consider the bars at the hotels and resorts, which may have happy hour specials.

Sleep
Before choosing an accommodation consider where you would like to spend your time. Also consider whether a hotel, resort, condominium or bed-and-breakfast best match your style and budget. Then check the Sleep section for the many towns on the island under Cities above.

In general, the largest and most expensive resorts and hotels are concentrated in two areas, Lahaina-Kaanapali and Kihei-Wailea. Both areas are on the western shore of the island, sheltered from the moisture-bearing trade winds.

Stay healthy
While quite rare, there are a few cases of rat lungworm disease on Maui and the Big Island. This is an extremely serious parasitic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, and can be fatal. Despite the name, very few, if any, victims acquire the disease directly from rats. Most often, it's food poisoning from uncooked or under-cooked snails, slugs, crabs, shrimp, or frogs. If you have a taste for these types of foods, make certain they are properly cooked and that produce such as lettuce (which attracts snails and slugs) is thoroughly washed.

Go next
Getting from Maui to the other Hawaiian Islands usually involves a short plane flight. If you want to go to Honolulu you will find frequent non-stop service. Most other destinations offer a couple of non-stop flights a day or a stop in, you got it, Honolulu.

Ferries run 5 times a day between Lahaina and the island of Lanai. Each way takes approximately 45 minutes, and costs $25 per person per direction. During high winds the boat ride can be particularly rough, so bring something for seasickness if you don't do well on boats. Cruise ships are also an interesting option.

When leaving Maui for the U.S. Mainland, all baggage must be inspected by U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors at the airport. Fresh fruits (with the exception of pineapples and treated papayas) are prohibited from leaving the islands to prevent the spread of fruit flies. Consult the U.S. Department of Agriculture for more details. Bags are inspected by X-ray. At Kahului Airport, be prepared to submit to three checkpoints on the way to your Mainland flight: having your checked bags X-rayed for agricultural items in the ticket lobby, the TSA security checkpoint, and inspection of your carry-on baggage for agricultural items on the way to your gate.

title: Maui


text:
Mauldin

Mauldin is a suburb of Greenville in the Upcountry of South Carolina.

Get in
Traveling east on Hwy 276 from Greenville, Mauldin is located about 2 miles southeast of the HWY 276/I-85 Intersection.

Go next

 * Five Forks
 * Fountain Inn
 * Greenville
 * Simpsonville

title: Mauldin


text:
Maumere

Maumere is in Flores, Indonesia.

Get in
Maumere is a small town both in geography and population.

By plane
An ojek from the airport to anywhere shouldn't be more than Rp 5,000. If you walk the 500 m to the main road there are plenty of bemos to take you into town, but it's doubtful you will get that far before a reasonably priced private transport provider offers a low price you can't say no to.

By boat
Pelni has ships to Makassar and Kupang every 2 weeks. The schedule keeps changing and even the local Pelni office has given up planning more than 2 weeks ahead. Tickets can be bought from the local Pelni office near the port on the road to Wailiti and Gading Beach Hotels.

By bus
Buses to Ende, stopping in Moni start from the west bus terminal a fair way out of town. Have your hotel arrange the transport for you, and they will come and pick you up. As always, the bus will circle the town until full. You can get as far as Bajawa in a single day, but that is a 15-hr drive. Buses to Labuanbajo will stop in Bajawa for 1 night.

Buses from Moni to Ende sometimes stop in the centre of Maumere - not at the terminals - and some might even take you to your hotel, if you already know where you want to stay.

Get around
It seems everyone is an Ojek, and will take you anywhere for around Rp 5,000. Gading Beach Hotel 10 km from the centre will cost you 5,000 Rp. Bemos charge Rp 1,000 around town and Rp 3,000 outside.

Renting a scooter for one day will cost you approximately Rp 100,000.

See
There are rumours about caves and hot springs, but this remains to be seen. The beaches outside of town are nice enough to spend a day or two on, but it's better to simply choose one and stay there instead of the town.

Buy
There are tons of ATMs in Maumere accepting international credit cards.

 * Pasar Alok. Weekly market happening on Tuesdays. Stalls with fruit, vegetables, second hand clothes, traditional textiles (Tanon Ikat). Locals from the mountains and other villages come to sell their goods.
 * Pasar Wairkoja. Weekly market happening on Fridays.
 * Toko Daur Ulang (part of Pantai Paris Homestay). Shop selling various recycled and upcycled products made by the local community and disabled people.

Eat
There are plenty of Warungs around the centre, offering all the usual suspects. Restaurants of the kind you would associate with candle light dinners does not exist. Outside the town you are at the mercy of the restaurants at your hotel, so check them out before checking in.

Drink
Maumere is a port town. Port towns mean sailors, and sailors mean alcohol and prostitution. The karaoke bars outside of town make up the venues that often combine the two. However, regardless of your intentions, there is much fun to have while loudly reading random Indonesian words from a TV monitor into a microphone while music is playing - also known as karaoke.

East of town
Buses to Larantuka (Rp 5,000-10,000) or the omnipotent bemos (Rp 3,000-5,000) or Ojeks (5,000-30,000) will take you to any of these places. Just let the driver know which hotel you want. As always, bemos and buses circle the town picking up passengers, leaving only when full.

Go next

 * Bali, air services
 * Kupang, air services
 * Lombok island, via Bali or Labuanbajo
 * Sumbawa island, by sea or via Bali or Labuanbajo
 * Makassar, a Pelni service on a classic Indonesian inter-island ship.
 * Ende in Flores, by road
 * Moni in Flores, by road
 * Labuanbajo and Komodo National Park in Flores, by air or sea

A taxi to the airport costs Rp50,000. An ojek costs Rp10,000 and a bemo costs Rp4000 and may take you closer than the route actually goes. The domestic departure tax is Rp10,000.

title: Maumere


text:
Maun

Maun is an important village (with town status pending) in Botswana, and major gateway to the Okavango Delta.

By car
You can get to Maun using the highway from Francistown. At Nata, take the A3. (It is well sign-posted.)

By bus
There are daily buses from the bus rank in Gaborone to Maun at 05:30, 07:00, and 11:30 (recommend catching the 05:30 one, if you wish to get to Maun before dark). However, it’s a good idea to double check with the locals if the departure times have changed. As of 2023, the bus fare was P278 per person. Tickets are purchased on board and cannot be purchased in advance. The bus ride takes 9 to 10 hr. Buses from Francistown cost about P167 and take 6 hours, departing Francistown about once an hour from 07:30 to around 15:30.

If you're traveling from Namibia, smaller buses between Maun and Ghanzi cost about P50 and take about 4 hours; in Ghanzi you can connect with another bus from the Namibian border at Charles Hill/Mamuno (P40, 3.5 hours), but there is no organised transport from there towards Windhoek so you will have to resort to (probably paid) hitchhiking. If you get the first (08:30) bus out of Maun you will probably make it through to Windhoek in one day. There are also buses from Maun towards Shakawe (P141, 6 hr) and the Caprivi Strip.

If you want to travel from Maun to Kasane, it's best to get a Francistown/Gaborone bus and get off at Nata, where you can catch a northbound bus towards Kasane. The same thing works in the opposite direction; either way you'll need to start out as early as possible to be assured of making the connection.

The buses on major routes are pretty nice compared to many other African countries, but still not exactly luxurious: 5 non-reclining seats in a row, little leg-room and no bathrooms (however, they generally make frequent stops that are long enough to use a bathroom at the bus station). Smaller buses are even less comfortable and more likely to fill up completely. If travelling during the winter (Jun, Jul, and Aug) make sure to dress in layers, since it is freezing cold in the morning and toasty hot in the afternoon.

Get around
The core of Maun, say from Riley's Hotel to the airport, is walkable, but usually hot. Further out than that — and a number of popular camps are to the north-east of town — you will want to get a ride.

There is a roundabout just a few hundred metres northeast of Riley's Hotel and the Tourist office. It is a useful reference point. From here, Tesheko Tsheko road runs southwest past Riley's to the bus station and market (at Tsaro St, ~1.5 km). Sekgoma Road runs southeast, crossing the Thamalakane River, past the Maun Education Park, and on to Francistown. Moeti Road runs northwest. And Sir Seretse Khama Road runs north to the Maun airport (~2.5 km), and thence to the popular camps, to Moremi, and to Shorobe.

Taxis and combis have blue licence plates. (Expect to pay P30 for a taxi to the camps north of town.) In this area, especially on relatively high-speed roads, available taxis will honk gently once to see if you are interested. To show that you want a taxi, stick your arm out parallel to the ground, perpendicular (and towards) the road, palm-down, and flap your fingers. (Raising your hand will probably also work, but the finger-flapping is the way the locals do it.)

Note that taxis do not have a central dispatch system. Thus, if you want to call a taxi to fetch you from somewhere a bit remote, you need to have the mobile number of a taxi driver. Also note that driving after dark is dangerous (due to animals on the road), so there will be fewer taxis running after dark.

Combis (vans) run from the bus station along ten specified routes.
 * Route 1 north to the airport, and the camps north of town
 * Route 7 southeast to Maun Educational Park

The following companies offer cars for hire. Car hire typically carries a per-km charge. If you are coming from outside Southern Africa, you may be able to get unlimited km allowance by making your reservation with an international company on their website.

See

 * Maun Education Park is easy walking distance from downtown and well worth 2 to 3 hours either early morning or late afternoon. It is the hidden jewel of Maun, with 10 giraffes, wildebeest, kudu, impala, zebras, lechwe, warthogs and great birding.
 * Nhabe Museum has regular exhibitions and friendly staff to answer your questions or give advice. Don't miss their gift shop.
 * There is an ancient bridge that is supported by living trees in Matlapaneng, on your way to Moremi Game Reserve. The bridge is in a poor state and you might be the last to see it.

Okavango scenic flights
There are several small operators on or near the Maun airport. They provide a combination of transfers of tourists between Maun and safari camps in the Okavango, plus sightseeing flights, plus charter flights to other points. They mostly fly small, piston-engine propeller planes carrying three to 10 passengers (Cessna 206, Cessna 210, Cessna 172, and the like). Prices given here are a flat rate for a generic one-hour scenic tour in an aircraft carrying 3 or 5 passengers ("pax"); add a departure tax of P50/person. Contact the operators in advance for a specific and updated quote, or to ask about charters to other destinations.

Do
Maun is a prime take-off location for mobile safaris into the Okavango Delta, Parks and Game Reserves.
 * Moremi Game Reserve, a world class game reserve, is 80 km away. It offers undisturbed game viewing in varies woodland plains environments.
 * Gym: If you want to work out, there is a gym with day passes behind Hilary's (or rather, behind the naturopath next door to Hilary's).
 * Gym: If you want to work out, there is a gym with day passes behind Hilary's (or rather, behind the naturopath next door to Hilary's).

Buy

 * There are several souvenir stores right around the airport, including Bush Telegraph, and Jazella's.

Eat

 * Bon Arrivee is just across the street from the airport. International breakfasts, lunches, dinner and a full range of refreshments await you.
 * Audi Camp has a great open kitchen, where you can watch your meal being cooked. You eat under one of the largest thatch roofs you may ever see.
 * Try Hilary's Coffee Shop near the airport - cheap and cheerful, a regular lunchtime spot for locals because the menu is full of delicious homemade dishes. The menu shows real imagination. Whether planning to eat outdoors on the verandah or inside get there early to enjoy the greatest selection.
 * Sports Bar is good for a more formal, European style dining experience.
 * Try local dishes such as papa (maize meal- the staple food), magunya (Fried dough balls- available for around 50 thebe), seswa (shredded meat- usually beef or goat), morogo (green, leafy vegetable similar to spinach). These foods are available ready made at most supermarkets or at local eateries such as "Choice" across from Riley's Garage. If you're feeling adventurous, in season, mopane worms (the caterpillar of the mopane moth) are also available in many different forms- dried and salted, stewed or fried.
 * Food is also available at River Lodge, The Bridge Backpackers, Tamalakane Lodge, and Crocodile Camp all of which, along with Audi camp, are popular places to stay for backpackers.
 * French Connection on Mophane Avenue serves bistro style food, croissants, etc. Don't be put off by the simple-looking entrance and sign - this place is awesome. The owners are very friendly, and they grind all their own herbs and spices and prepare all food from scratch. Their shawarmas are to die for and coupled with their home-made lemonade there is nothing better you could ask for in the sunshine. The eating area is well shaded and relaxed, with basic furniture and serene atmosphere.
 * RAW serves smoothies, wraps and other healthfood. Nice, different concept for Botswana, doesn't feel like it is in the middle of an African village.

Drink

 * Trekkers Nightclub - It is popular primarily with the locals. Ex-pats will warn you not to go, but is perfectly safe if you're reasonably cautious.
 * Bar 2000

Sleep
There are a couple of hotels (most notably Riley's) and some unimpressive B&Bs in Maun proper. A number of campsites and hotels popular with travellers are clustered on the road to Moremi and Shorobe, about 6-10 km north-east of Maun Airport. The landmark for this cluster is a roundabout on the south side of the Thamalakane River, just after the road crosses from the north side. A combi ride into Maun costs about P3, while a tax costs about P30.
 * Riley's Hotel. Maun's oldest hotel is centrally located and ideal for the business traveller with conference rooms etc. it has a small pool with an abr and plenty of seating. The restaurant does amazing traditional meals and also the regulars. Oxtail and pap or chicken mayo sandwiches with chips - absolutely delicious. There is also a curio shop at reception, and the hotel is close to Riley's garage and a couple of the local shops.
 * Riley's Hotel. Maun's oldest hotel is centrally located and ideal for the business traveller with conference rooms etc. it has a small pool with an abr and plenty of seating. The restaurant does amazing traditional meals and also the regulars. Oxtail and pap or chicken mayo sandwiches with chips - absolutely delicious. There is also a curio shop at reception, and the hotel is close to Riley's garage and a couple of the local shops.
 * Riley's Hotel. Maun's oldest hotel is centrally located and ideal for the business traveller with conference rooms etc. it has a small pool with an abr and plenty of seating. The restaurant does amazing traditional meals and also the regulars. Oxtail and pap or chicken mayo sandwiches with chips - absolutely delicious. There is also a curio shop at reception, and the hotel is close to Riley's garage and a couple of the local shops.
 * Riley's Hotel. Maun's oldest hotel is centrally located and ideal for the business traveller with conference rooms etc. it has a small pool with an abr and plenty of seating. The restaurant does amazing traditional meals and also the regulars. Oxtail and pap or chicken mayo sandwiches with chips - absolutely delicious. There is also a curio shop at reception, and the hotel is close to Riley's garage and a couple of the local shops.
 * Riley's Hotel. Maun's oldest hotel is centrally located and ideal for the business traveller with conference rooms etc. it has a small pool with an abr and plenty of seating. The restaurant does amazing traditional meals and also the regulars. Oxtail and pap or chicken mayo sandwiches with chips - absolutely delicious. There is also a curio shop at reception, and the hotel is close to Riley's garage and a couple of the local shops.
 * Riley's Hotel. Maun's oldest hotel is centrally located and ideal for the business traveller with conference rooms etc. it has a small pool with an abr and plenty of seating. The restaurant does amazing traditional meals and also the regulars. Oxtail and pap or chicken mayo sandwiches with chips - absolutely delicious. There is also a curio shop at reception, and the hotel is close to Riley's garage and a couple of the local shops.
 * Riley's Hotel. Maun's oldest hotel is centrally located and ideal for the business traveller with conference rooms etc. it has a small pool with an abr and plenty of seating. The restaurant does amazing traditional meals and also the regulars. Oxtail and pap or chicken mayo sandwiches with chips - absolutely delicious. There is also a curio shop at reception, and the hotel is close to Riley's garage and a couple of the local shops.

Go next
Maun is known as the gateway to the Okavango Delta and this is a must see when in Botswana. Many tour operators are available and from Maun, self-drive in a 4x4 is possible to either Khwai community area (booking office in Maun) or Moremi with careful research and planning. Other beautiful national parks in Botswana are:
 * Central Kalahari Game Reserve
 * Chobe National Park
 * Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
 * Khutse Game Reserve
 * Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
 * Mokolodi Nature Reserve
 * Nxai Pan National Park

title: Maun


text:
Maupiti

Maupiti is an island in the Leeward Islands in French Polynesia.

Understand
Maupiti is situated at the extreme west of the Society Islands, about 300 km from Tahiti and 40 km from Bora Bora. It is a small island with a surface of about 9 square km and about 1,200 inhabitants. It was discovered in 1722 by the Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen. The island was hit by a heavy cyclone in 1997.

Maupiti's main attractions are the 5 motu (small islets): Motu Paeao, Motu Auira, Motu Tiapaa, Motu Pitihahai and Motu Tuanai.

By plane
Air Tahiti offers flights to Maupiti from
 * Tahiti: M Tu W F Su (flight time 55 min)
 * Bora Bora: F and Su (flight time 20 min)
 * Raiatea: Tu F and Su (flight time 25 min)

The airport is on Motu Tuanai. The boat transfer by private taxi-boats to the main city takes 15 min.

By boat
Maupiti Express runs the Maupiti Express 2 from Bora Bora to Maupiti on Tu Th and Sa. Maupiti Express 2 leaves Vaitape on Bora Bora at 08:30 and arrives at Maupiti at 10:15, leaving Maupiti again at 16:00 and arriving at Bora Bora at 17:45. One-way fare is 3000 F (francs), return 4000 F (2009).

See
Maupiti has 30 archaeological sites which are clearly signposted. The temples (marae) of the gods covered the four corners of the island.

Do

 * Climb MountTeerefaatiu with exceptional views of Bora Bora and Raiatea (and Tahaa on clear days as well).

By plane
Air Tahiti offers flights from Maupiti to
 * Tahiti: M Tu W F Su (flight time 55 min)
 * Bora Bora: Su (flight time 20 min)
 * Raiatea: Tu F and Su (flight time 25 min)

By boat
Maupiti Express runs the Maupiti Express 2 from Bora Bora to Maupiti on Tu Th and Sa. Maupiti Express 2 leaves Maupiti at 16:00 and arrives at Bora Bora at 17:45. One way fare is 3000 F, return 4000 F (2009).

title: Maupiti


text:
Mauricie

The Mauricie region of Quebec stretches from the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, about halfway between Montreal and Quebec City, deep into the Laurentian Mountains. Populated by French settlers under the seigneurie system in the 17th and 18th centuries, it has some of the oldest towns and villages in Quebec. The St. Maurice River, which gives the region its name, has its source in the Gouin Reservoir, then meanders through Mauricie to its mouth at Trois-Rivières.

Understand
A region of contrasts, beauty, history and culture, the Mauricie promises an energizing stay. The territory, made up of 85% of the great outdoors, has something to delight outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to the Saint-Maurice River, some 17,500 lakes are available to fans of all kinds of nautical activities. Nearly of marked trails await snowmobilers and  of trails are available to ATV enthusiasts while 80 outfitters delight hunters and fishermen. La Mauricie is home to the most important place of pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Canada, the Notre-Dame-du-Cap sanctuary, located in Trois-Rivières. In the vast valley of its hinterland and along the Chemin du Roy, Canada's first motorable road, the Mauricie reveals to travelers its ancestral sites, its festive towns and its wild nature.

History
Mauricie is considered the cradle of industrialization in Canada because around 1730, the Forges du Saint-Maurice became the first steel company in North America.

Cities

 * — a pulp and paper town
 * — a charming locality that offers a variety of recreational tourism activities: hiking trails, sports facilities, wilderness along the Saint-Maurice River
 * — It has one of the most beautiful churches in Canada, and is the annual stopover for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds in spring and fall
 * — home of the "Festival Western de Saint-Tite"
 * — features a theme park based on local industrial history
 * — paper-milling town at the mouth of the St. Maurice River with several historical sites to see

Other destinations

 * offers sport fishing, hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and camping on the Canadian Shield.

By car

 * From Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, take route 155 south.
 * From Montreal, take Autoroute 40 east, while from Quebec (city), take it west instead. La Mauricie is halfway between Montreal and Quebec, i.e., 1½ hours from these two cities.
 * Highway 55 connects the Mauricie from the south shore of the St. Lawrence River via the Centre-du-Québec.

By bus
There are bus connections from Quebec City and Montreal to Trois-Rivières.

By train
Via Rail Canada offers a transport service by train, connecting:
 * Montreal to Senneterre via notably Joliette, Shawinigan, Hervey-Jonction, La Tuque, Fitzpatrick, Windigo, Weymont, Casey, Parent and Clova;
 * Montreal to Jonquière, notably via Shawinigan, Hervey-Jonction, Rivière-à-Pierre, Lac-Édouard, Lac-Bouchette and Chambord. Passengers can book on the Via Rail website to stop the train on request to get on or off the passenger car. It may also have a train stop for boarding a passenger when the latter makes a stop report and is seen by the train staff.

By plane
The nearest airports with commercial service are in Montreal and Quebec City. Nevertheless, the Trois-Rivières airport is very active. In addition, several airports in Haute-Mauricie (e.g., La Tuque, Parent, Weymontachie, Kanawata) allow access to remote areas.

By car
From Trois-Rivières, route 55 takes you to Shawinigan, where it becomes Route 155 and continues north to La Tuque.

By bike
La Mauricie is a cyclotourism destination of choice, in particular thanks to:
 * its of la Route Verte, the most beautiful cycle route in the world according to the National Geographic Society;
 * major cycling events such as Défi Vélo Mag Shawinigan;
 * a vast network of certified campsites and accommodation “Bienvenue cyclistes!”;
 * at Gîtes au pays du buckwheat which offer, among other things, the transport of your luggage and your car.

See

 * The Chemin du Roy (English: King's Path) was built on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, between Quebec City and Montreal, since 1660 and completed in 1737. See the picturesque villages and the historic districts of Batiscan, Champlain, Trois-Rivières and Yamachiche, where stately ancestral homes have survived three centuries of history. You'll observe how the place names and rich heritage that dot this historic route evoke the lives of the people who settled here over the course of time. In Mauricie, this road runs along 102 km of shores of the Saint-Laurent from Maskinongé to Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade. It passes through 23 attractions and 14 points of interest.
 * The Cité de l'énergie de Shawinigan (City of energy of Shawinigan) in Shawinigan is a museum complex presenting exhibitions on the production of electricity, the visit of an old electricity pylon transformed into an observation tower with a height of.
 * The Musée québécois de la culture populaire (Quebec Museum of Popular Culture) in Trois-Rivières presents six daring and unusual exhibitions in a typical Quebec style.
 * The La Veille Prison de Trois-Rivières (Old Prison of Trois-Rivières) also in Trois-Rivières is classified as an historical monument. Ex-inmates lead visitors on a tour that provides a real glimpse into prison life.
 * The Lieu historique national du Canada des Forges-du-Saint-Maurice (Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site of Canada) also in Trois-Rivières is the first site of the steel industry and the first industrial town in Canada.

 * The Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Cap (Notre-Dame-du-Cap Sanctuary) is a place of worship and spiritual gathering of the Catholic faith (e.g., pilgrimage). Sanctuary Museum. It has the second largest and most important Marian shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary in North America, after that of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico; this basilica was erected from 1955. Pont des Roselets, erected in 1924. Illuminated Stations of the Cross. The site has 500,000 visitors per year.

Events
The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières at the beginning of August is the largest motor racing event to take place on a street circuit in the Americas. }}

The Classique internationale de canots de la Mauricie is an annual competition on the Labour Day weekend in early September. This canoe, kayak and rabaska competition follows a course from La Tuque to Trois-Rivières.

The Festival Western de Saint-Tite is the most important western festival in Eastern Canada. Great shows and equestrian competitions.

The Festival de la galette de sarrasin de Louiseville in early October over 10 days celebrates buckwheat pancake and local products.

title: Mauricie


text:
Mauritania

Mauritania (Arabic: موريتانيا, Mūrītānyā; French: Mauritanie) is a land of desert and ocean. It is of course no wonder that the main attractions for most tourists are the desert in Adrar and Tagant areas (around Atar), and the ocean in Banc d'Arguin (a natural reserve with dunes ending in the sea, full of millions of birds and protected by UNESCO).

The Mauritanian Adrar is probably exactly how you've always imagined the Sahara: endless ergs (dunes) and regs (rocky desert) with tabular small mountains, but most tourists stay along the west coast of Mauritania. There are a few beautiful sights far into the interior (rock formations in Aioun, for example). If you decide to travel off the beaten path, leave plenty of time to get around.

Mauritania is the least developed and poorest country in northwest Africa, and extremist groups pose a danger to visitors.

Cities

 * (Arabic: نواكشوط) – the capital of Mauritania and one of the largest cities in the Sahel.
 * (Arabic: شنقيط) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the Chinguetti Mosque.
 * (Arabic: نواذيبو) – the second largest city in the country.
 * (Arabic: نواذيبو) – the second largest city in the country.

Other destinations

 * — a breeding site for many different species of migratory birds, this coastal national park is a world heritage site.

Understand
Southwestern Mauritania was once home to the Ghana Empire, one of the earliest urbanised civilisations to emerge in western Africa, with its capital at Koumbi Saleh.

Mauritania is an Islamic Republic, but few Mauritanians are extremists, even if the majority of the people in the North are very conservative and quite reserved. However, for people from outside the Maghreb there is a risk of kidnapping, especially in the more remote northern and eastern parts.

The southern part of the country is filled with friendly people, and they are very welcoming, if a little unused to tourists.

Travelling to Mauritania is becoming easier, with charter flights from France to Atar through the winter. Guides and tourist agencies are quite easy to find.

Politics and government
Mauritania is officially known as the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (Arabic: الجمهورية الإسلامية الموريتانية, al-Jumhūrīyah al-Islāmīyah al-Mūrītānīyah), (French: République islamique de Mauritanie)

Along with Iran and Pakistan, Mauritania is one of the three existing Islamic republics in the world. Mauritania is the only Islamic Republic in Africa.

Climate
The climate is characterized by extremes in temperature and by meagre and irregular rainfall. Annual temperature variations are small, although diurnal variations can be extreme. The harmattan, a hot, dry and often dust-laden wind, blows from the Sahara throughout the long dry season and is the prevailing wind, except along the narrow coastal strip, which is influenced by oceanic trade winds. Most rain falls during the short rainy season (hivernage), Jul-Sep, and average annual precipitation varies from 500 to 600 millimetres in the far south to less than 100mm in the northern two-thirds of the country.

People
Haratin, sometimes referred to as Black Moors, are the largest single ethnic group in Mauritania, constituting 40% of the population, and are descendants of former slaves. About 30% of the population are Bidhan, also called Moors. The rest of the population mostly consists of members of peoples who also live in neighboring Sahelian countries such as Senegal and Mali, including the Fula, Soninke, Bambara and Wolof.

Islam is the main religion in Mauritania and is practiced by virtually all Mauritanians.

Talk

Arabic is the official language of Mauritania. The Modern Standard dialect is the main language of the government, whereas the Hassaniya dialect is the local vernacular. Hassaniya Arabic contains many loanwords from various Berber languages and differs significantly from Modern Standard Arabic.

French is widely spoken, a reminder of the country's colonial heritage. It is taught from the sixth grade in Mauritanian schools and it serves as one of the main lingua francas of the country. It's widely used in everyday business and government. Most websites in Mauritania are either in Arabic or French.

English is not widely spoken, but its use is gradually increasing, especially among Mauritanian youth. Although the government encourages its citizens to study English, many English-teaching institutions in Mauritania are poorly structured and lack direction. Still, Mauritanians see English as an important skill to have in the job market. You're likely to find an English-speaker in the capital, Nouakchott.

Some of the languages spoken by Mauritania's black population in the south are Pulaar, Wolof, and Soninke (especially in the Guidimakha region around Selibaby).

Entry requirements
Mauritania's visa policy is remarkably liberal and has open borders; everyone can get a visa on arrival at the international airports or land borders for US $60/€55 (as of June 2023). Cash only and no coins, so plan accordingly. Don't expect change from €60. You will need an invitation letter for a business visit and a local phone number which could be the hotel phone number.

You can, if you like, obtain a visa from a Mauritanian embassy. For instance, it can be arranged in Rabat, where a single entry visa fee is 1,000 dirham. A double entry visa is also available for 1,100 dirham. Two passport-size photos are required, as well as a copy of the information pages of your passport. Visas are available on the same day in the afternoon if applied for in the morning for most nationalities.

By plane
Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport is the base for Mauritania Airlines, which flies from Conakry, Bamako, Dakar, Casablanca, Abidjan, Nema, Zouerat, and Nouadhibou. It also receives flights from Algiers on Air Algérie and from Paris on Air France. Tunisair has flights from Tunis, Air Senegal has flights from Dakar, Turkish airlines has flights from Istanbul, Royal Air Maroc has flights from Casablanca, Binter Canarias flies from Gran Canaria.

Nouadhibou International Airport receives flights from Gran Canaria with Mauritania Airlines.

By car
Mauritania has open road borders with Western Sahara, Mali and Senegal. These borders are open to crossing by private motor vehicle or bicycle but the first two are extremely dangerous.

The road from the Western Sahara/Morocco enters the country near Nouadhibou. The road is paved all the way to the Moroccan border post in Fort Guerguarat, where one has to traverse about 7 km of twisting, stony, but straightforward pistes to reach the Mauritanian border, where the tarred road begins again. Although the driving is simple, care should be taken not to leave the well-worn pistes between the two border posts, because the area is a mine field. This danger is still present once you reach the tar on the Mauritanian side, and the area is not considered mine-free until you pass the railway line.

The crossing formalities are straightforward. Transit visas, valid for 3 days, can no longer be bought at the border, although this may change. There is a bureau de change at the border, and a vehicle insurance office and numerous hopeful guides for making the old desert crossing to the capital.

There are numerous pistes running across the Mauritanian border from Mali. These is a new tar road connecting Nara in Mali to Ayoun al Atrous in Mauritania. The border formalities in Mali are completed at various buildings around Nara town (local children will lead you to the police or customs for a small present). The Mauritanian formalities are conducted at a string of road-blocks along the border road.

An alternative land route which goes direct from Mauritania to Timbuktu, Mali is to travel the road Southeast from Néma, which is at the end of a good tarred road from Nouakchott. This dirt road continues to Bassekounou before crossing the border near Léré, Mali, where it improves to a good dirt road to Niafunké and on to Timbuktu.

There is also a border crossing with Algeria between Zouerate and Tindouf, but the location is extremely remote, with 700 km of Saharan desert between the two cities. As of 2024, the area is considered a military zone and travellers are rarely granted permission to use it.

By bus/bush taxi

 * From Morocco: Supratours runs a bus to the border at Guerguerat. It departs from the Dakhla waterfront at 08:00 and arrives at the frontier at 13:00 for 160 dirham, 15:00 from the frontier to Dakhla at 20:30. Access is available by hitching with overlanders from Dakhla (most can be picked up from Camping Moussafir just north of Dakhla) or from the Mauritanian embassy in Rabat, or by paying for passage with Mauritanian traders. These can be found opposite the first police checkpoint north of Dakhla, the going rate is 250-380 dirham (negotiable) the ride should be started rather early and takes most of the day and border crossing is closed overnight. Cars with experienced drivers can be organized from Hotel Sahara (the budget one). This costs around 250 dirham per person.
 * To Morocco: Cars with drivers can be arranged to cross the minefield from Mauritania to Western Sahara from Hotels in Nouadhibou.
 * From Senegal: Bush taxis can be taken from Dakar (6,000 CFA francs) and St Louis (2,000 CFA francs) (amongst others) to Rosso, where a ferry makes the trip across the Senegal river, and further bush taxis can be taken to Nouakchott (about 200 ouguiya). Be careful of bush taxis offering deals that seem too good to be true. They may be illegal taxis and could prove to be a dangerous means of transport. There will most likely be a number of drivers waiting. Ask around and find out the going rate. Other crossing points from Senegal include the Diama dam just north of St Louis, public transport also operates on this route.
 * From Mali: Pickup trucks leave Kayes for Selibaby daily. It is also possible to enter at Nema, and across the southern border at several points.

Get around

Make sure to have plenty of passport copies for travelling between towns. It’s not uncommon to give away up to 5-10 passport copies a day to police at checkpoints.

By taxi
Taxis are normally available at airports. Negotiating a good fare requires solid Arabic and/or French skills.

Some countries, such as the United States, advise their citizens to not use Mauritanian taxis because they are poorly maintained. If you must get around a city, only use trusted, pre-arranged taxis. Your hotel or your tour agent may help you with this.

Ride-hailing is available in Mauritania.

By train
The Mauritanian rail network is limited and underdeveloped.

As of 2023, there's only one train line linking the following cities: the Iron Ore Train, between Nouadhibou, Choum and Zouerat. The rail network is mainly used to transport iron ore from mines in Zouerat to the port in Nouadhibou, but some people ride on it to travel to other cities. The full journey takes about twenty hours.

Although this may seem like a good way to explore the Saharan desert, keep in mind that the train can be overcrowded, it can be quite uncomfortable, and that it is depressingly common for people to fall from the train. The scorching hot temperatures of the Saharan Desert can make things even more uncomfortable and difficult. If you are not acclimatised or used to travelling in difficult conditions, travelling by train is not advisable.

The train departs daily from Nouadhibou at around 15:00 and arrives in Choum (for Atar) at around 02:00 the next morning. Check departure times on arrival.

There is only one passenger carriage, but travel in iron ore hopper is also possible (and advisable, as the passenger car is usually overcrowded and tickets are required). There is also first-class accommodation, seats are limited, but they allow access to a smaller room with bunk beds. Although it does not necessarily ensure more comfort. Ticket price is 300 ouguiya (2018) for second class in the passenger carriage and travel in the hopper is free of charge. Remember to have a scarf to cover your face, as there is a lot of dust.

From Choum it's possible to get to Atar with a bush taxi. The journey could take up to eight hours if the vehicle has a breakdown.

See
The Adrar massif in the north is full of stunning desert scenery. Take a 4x4 off-piste across rocky terrain and through narrow canyons to explore the lush, hidden oases which have provided water and refuge to traders crossing the Sahara for centuries. The Adrar contains two of the country's magnificent historical cities. Chinguetti was once a trading centre and centre of Islamic scholarship whose architecture remains unchanged in nearly a millennium. Along with Ouadane and a few other small towns, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And do not miss the world's longest train either just for a glimpse or to hop into an iron ore car filled with Mauritanians for the 12-hour journey from the Adrar to the coast. The remains of the Almoravid capital Azoughui, and rock paintings, are draws of the Adrar. Much of the central coastline is part of Parc National du Banc d'Arguin, home to millions of migrating birds each year. At Nouamgar, you can watch the unique spectacle of local tribesmen communicating with dolphins to round up teams of fish into shallow waters for them to be netted.

In the southeast, the oasis city of Oualata was the southern end of most trans-Sahara trading routes in the 13th & 14th centuries. The city has colourful buildings, many of which feature intricate geometric designs. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also boasts a manuscript museum with examples of ancient scrolls in fine calligraphy.

Do

 * Visiting the Hamoni library in Chinguetti

Money
The country's currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya (pron. oo-gee-ya), denoted by the symbol "UM" or "أوقية" (ISO code: MRU). It was revalued in Dec 2017: 10 old UM (ISO: MRO) = 1 new UM (MRU). Prices are occasionally still written in the old MRO system, especially in restaurants and hotels that cater to westerners, so don't be put off by the seemingly high prices.

You are not allowed to take Mauritanian ouguiyas out of Mauritania.

Coins are issued in denominations of 1 khoums ($1/undefined$ ouguiya), UM 1, 2, 5, 10 (silver center with yellow ring) and 20 (tri-metallic coin with a yellow center plug, silver middle ring and yellow outer ring). Banknotes are issued in denominations of UM 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000. All of the banknotes issued in 2017 are printed entirely on polymer.

Mauritania is poorly connected to the international banking system. ATMs in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou now accept international Visa cards at banks such as BNP, Attijari. It is easy to change euros, US dollars and CFA francs in Nouakchott. Cash may not be available at all ATMs, especially in regional Mauritania, so don't solely rely on ATMs for currency.
 * Societe Generale ATMs in Nouakchott and Nouadibou accepts both international Mastercard and Visa cards for cash withdraw.

Shopping
Souvenirs can be bought at Marché Capital or Marché Sixième in Nouakchott, or at tourist shops in the Adrar. Fabric will be sold in boutiques all over the country, but Kaedi is famous for its tie-dying.

In general, the quality of most Mauritanian souvenirs is not as good as one might expect. Typical souvenirs include leather products, pipes, wooden bowls, tea pots and silver jewellery; be careful about the quality of jewellery. Fabric, however, is tie-dyed by hand and can be quite beautiful. Fabric will be sold as a mulafa (veil), usually gauzy and one piece, or as material for a boubou, with two separate pieces for a skirt and top. Fabric is sold anywhere for anything from UM 150-800, depending on the fabric quality and work involved.

When buying anything in Mauritania, be sure to bargain. Sometimes the starting price will be three times the actual price. Stay friendly, but don't worry about insulting anyone by asking for a lower price.

Eat
Mauritanian cuisine is often overlooked in favour of the more recognisable cuisines of North Africa and the Middle East. Don't let that stop you from fully experiencing Mauritanian gastronomy; Mauritanian cuisine is a unique blend of flavours and incorporates African, Arab, and French influences.

There is a decent variety of restaurants in Nouakchott with dishes costing from UM100 to 250. Most restaurants in the capital offer much the same menu - simple pizzas, hamburgers, sandwiches and salads. There is a string of restaurants on the road from the Stade Olympique to the French Embassy. Good ones include Pizza Lina, Café Liban and Le Petit Café. The Sahara Café, on the other side of the stadium, is also a good place for pizza, sandwiches or Lebanese dishes, and has some of the best reasonably-priced food in town. Near Marche Capitale, there is a street of sandwich shops that offer near-identical menus, the best of which is the Prince (which taxi drivers know by name). Outside of Nouakchott, it is possible to find a hamburger in Atar. Otherwise, the choice is local dishes: fish and rice (chebujin) in the south and rice and meat or couscous in the north. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants can be found everywhere and serve meals from UM 20-50. Mechui, or grilled sheep, is also delicious if a little more expensive. Look for carcasses hanging by the side of the road. Some fruit can be found in most regional capitals. Most restaurants outside of Nouakchott do not have very high standards of cleanliness. Since most small restaurants go under within a few years of opening, your best bet in trying to find one in a regional capital is to just ask locals for directions to whatever is nearby. Another alternative, in the absence of a restaurant, is paying a family to prepare food for you, which should be relatively inexpensive (no more than UM 150), even if it takes a while (up to a couple hours to buy the food and prepare it).

Bottled water can be bought for UM 20 and is a good idea for anyone not accustomed to Africa.

If none of this sounds good, keep in mind that boutiques everywhere sell bread, cakes, biscuits and drinks if nothing else.

Tea is usually served after a meal, but it is not included with the meal at restaurants. If you are offered tea in someone's home, it is impolite to leave until at least the second (of three) glasses. The whole process takes about an hour.

Drink
Despite being an Islamic country there are a few fun bars in the capital. Drinking can be expensive, with a beer costing up to US$6. There is a nightclub inside the French Embassy compound. For the non-French, try the Salamander or the trashy (but open late) Club VIP. Next door to VIP is the Casablanca, a more low-key bar with live music on the weekends. It is illegal to import alcohol beyond 0.5 litres, which must be declared.

Sleep
All ranges of accommodation are available, with the highest class hotels available only in Nouakchott and Atar. "Auberges" and Campsites can rent beds/mattresses for as little as UM 150 in the Adrar and Nouadhibou.

There is usually at least one hotel in the regional capitals in the rest of the country, although they can be expensive for what you are getting. If possible, make friends with a local and try to get invited to stay with their family. As long as you don't mind sleeping on the ground on a foam mat, sleeping/eating near animals or using a latrine, you will probably end up having a pleasant and memorable stay.

Learn
The University of Nouakchott Al Asriya is the largest university in the country.

Work
Mauritania is a country that has long been associated with a tradition of North-South trade and is favorable to free markets and entrepreneurship. The government welcomes businesses and individuals that can contribute to Mauritania's long-term development because the government is keen on overcoming a history of poverty and economic disarray.

Although that sounds impressive, Mauritania is one of the world's poorest countries. With such high rates of poverty, bureaucratic corruption, and illiteracy, Mauritania isn't thought of as a top destination for expatriates. There are not enough jobs for everyone; the country suffers from high levels of unemployment. This is often blamed on a poorly developed educational system.

Nepotism is common in the Mauritanian business world. The country's association with tribalism and tribal ties means that there are patronage networks in the country.

If you have no knowledge of either French, Arabic, or both, expect things to be an uphill battle; very little English is spoken in Mauritania and you can expect all business transactions and communications to be conducted in either French or Arabic.

The importance of having connections in the country cannot be overstated. Maintaining good contact with the Mauritanian government and having a degree of influence within the local community will help you or your business succeed in Mauritania.

Stay safe
The area near Western Sahara is heavily mined, and travel through this area is highly inadvisable. Border areas lining Algeria and Mali are notorious for banditry. The single paved road coming from Morocco is perilous, having been the site of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) kidnappings. If you must travel on this path, it is best to do so in a tight caravan. In other areas, one should avoid flaunting wealth or expensive wares. Daunting though it may seem, a bit of research and common sense will ensure a pleasant trip in Mauritania.

Check your embassy or consulate travel advisories carefully. Due to increasing numbers of attacks on Westerners in the past several years, most Western nations advise great caution. Resident expatriates travel between cities by day, in groups and on major routes.

There are certain parts of Mauritania that have been closed to tourists by the Mauritanian armed forces (usually in the eastern and northern portions of the country). Most of these places have little to offer/interest tourists, but occasionally historic sites like Chinguetti or Ouadane are included. Check what regions are closed before you plan your trip.

Religious norms
Mauritania is an Islamic country, and the government recognizes Islam as the sole religion of its citizens (and indeed Mauritania has one of the highest percentages of its citizens being Muslim in the world at about 99.97%). The bulk of Mauritania's legal code is based on Sharia, which is the corpus of laws established in the Islamic legal tradition. (Mauritania does not apply Sharia as strictly as some other Muslim-majority states like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or Afghanistan, though.)

Under current laws, Mauritanians who convert to other religions lose their citizenship.

Under current laws (Article 306 of the Mauritanian penal code), the death penalty is statuatory for apostasy and blasphemy, i.e., criticising or disrespecting religion.

It is unwise to speak badly of Islam, hand out non-Islamic religious literature, or encourage people to participate in religious debates.

LGBT travellers
While same-sex activity is illegal in Mauritania and comes with a death penalty, the country has had a moratorium on capital punishment since 1986. As of 2023 there are no known instances of anyone being judicially punished recently for same-sex activities.

LGBTQ+ travelers should, however, exercise discretion and caution and avoid public acknowledgement of their lifestyles for their own safety.

Stay healthy
For the majority of Westerners, the local water in any part of the country (including Nouakchott) is not safe to drink. Visitors should drink only bottled water if they don't have access to some type of water purifying or filtration system. The Sahara is a very dry climate. You may become dehydrated quite easily, and not be aware of it. The best rule of thumb is to be sure that you have urinated three times each day, at reasonable intervals. In the hottest part of the year, this might mean drinking several litres of water each day.

Malaria is endemic in the southern part of the country, and visitors should always use a mosquito net there. Mosquitoes are less common in the dry desert in the north of the country, but exist year-round in the south, if a bit less prevalent during the dry season (December-May).

Respect
Learn Salaam alaykum and use it when greeting people. If you are a man, don't try to shake hands with a woman, and vice versa (note that some African women will not have a problem with shaking a man's hand, but it is best to not try to initiate contact, just follow their lead). You can, however, say hello and touch your hand over your heart.

Be careful to eat with your right hand, especially outside of Nouakchott where you may not be offered cutlery. Like other places in the Arab world, the left hand is reserved for the toilet. If you're left-handed... try hard.

Covering your head isn't required, but it is polite. It may cut down on the Madame, ou bien Mademoiselle? (Mrs or Miss?) question, but Westerners, especially women, will be the target of unwanted attention and minor harassment everywhere in the country. Many Mauritanians, both male and female, think that a direct gaze is a sexual invitation. There is even a phrase in Hassiniya, ayna m'tina, meaning strong eyes, to describe what many people feel is an aggressive act. This doesn't mean however, that the men have carte blanche to harass. Calling them on their bad behaviour, or pointing it out to the ever present bystanders, can often work. If you give respect, you can demand it also. The Moors respect women who stand up for themselves, even while they push you to see how far they can get.

If you are travelling with someone of the opposite sex, avoid touching in public. It's much more common to see two men holding hands than a woman and a man. As far as dress, the more skin you show, the more negative attention you will receive. In Nouakchott, women can wear trousers, but avoid tank tops and to-the-knee skirts. Long skirts are the best choice for women. It is a good idea to cover your arms also. Trousers display the crotch area and thus are also disturbing, especially to people in the countryside who aren't as used to seeing this as the city dwellers. Most people will be very polite, and you will not know what they are thinking.

If you are a female, there is no non-sexual reason, ever, to go off in private with a man. If they ask you to step into an office, or back of a shop or anywhere; don't. The men are aware that that is an unreasonable request, and no one would ask you for a private chat if they meant well. If you allow yourself to be alone with a man, for however brief a time, everyone will assume you had sex, and will judge you accordingly. As a weakling, not as dissolute.

Slavery is a sensitive historical and social issue in Mauritania. While there do have laws prohibiting and criminalizing slavery, such practice still persists in the local society, and there are records of government harassment. As a tourist, you are best not to be involved in the situation.

If you are white, Nasrani, Toubac and Toubab refers to you. Children, and sometimes rude adults, will refer to you by this name. Nasrani means a person from Nazareth. Since Christians follow Christ's teachings, and Christ is from Nazareth, then Christians are all honorary Nazarenes.

Beware of people who may try to take advantage of your politeness in order to try to make a sale. Be aware that in market areas, almost everyone who tries to befriend you is trying to sell you something at an inflated price. They will try many tricks to get you to buy items from them (including "giving them to you as a gift"), and a few might even accuse you of not liking Africans if you decline to look at their souvenir shop. If someone is going beyond the normal limits to bother you, it is not impolite to tell them, without question, that you are not interested. If they ask for something that you own, just say that you need it now, and can give it to them in a month or so.

Connect
There are three operators of GSM networks: Mattel (excellent English website), Mauritel Mobiles and Chinguitel. Prepaid plans are available for three of them. 3G/4G is available and data speeds are good.

For tours into the desert where no GSM-Network is available satellite phones are a good solution. Service providers include Thuraya, Iridium and Inmarsat. Thuraya tends to be the cheapest and the easiest to use. The equipment is also available for rent.

Internet cafés with DSL internet can be found in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou for 200-300 UM/hour. Slower connections plague "cybercafés" elsewhere in the country, but it's possible to check emails.

title: Mauritania