New guidebooks for Mauritania + Algeria (reviewed)

[Chris Scott]

After only 18 years the second edition of LP Algeria (2007 edition reviewed) is out and looks good, while admitting your visit must be organised with a local agency (at least to the south). It might be especially good in the north and OK in the south where most will be in groups led from A to B by guides. There's a good preview on amazon. Only £15 for 336pp.

Link to full review https://sahara-overland.com/2026/01/...-algeria-2026/.

I also flicked through Bradt's first guidebook to Mauritania (£22; 224pp) just out.
Bradt has a long history of publishing guidebooks other publishers don't touch because they won't sell many. Perhaps Bradt are hoping to capitalise on the Ore Train has become a thing now, with a couple of conspicuous tour ads to ride the train.
Looks comparatively plain and, like a 90s backpacking guide to Europe, as far as I could see there was no practical info on getting around with your own vehicle which would make this country even harder work to explore than it is. Looks like it made good use of sahara-overland info, but one point describes the track up to Bir Mogrein as 'off piste'.

[netllama]

I know the author of the Bradt guide, and it was very much intended for back packers, not overlanders.