Bab Sahara

If you've come to Atar by the overnight train from Nouadhibou or overland from Nouakchott you will be tired, hungry, and dirty. So the Bab Sahara is a welcome relief. Run by a Dutch man Just and his German wife, it lies just outside town. It's a place with chickens pecking around under the tables, clean running water (but salty), flush squat loos with toilet provided, free soap, etc etc. It's clean, comfortable, and the food is great. The sleeping accommodations are in huts or tents where you sleep on mattresses with open flaps. Alternatively you can sleep on a rooftop and gaze up at the stars.

The owners speak French, Dutch, German, Spanish, English, Italian, and some local languages. They have books, maps, cards, and information for travelling locally. Just ask and they can help you organise a lift if you have no transport, or even help you fix your car.

There is something comforting about staying with other foreigners in a foreign land. It's a little more expensive than some other options in town, but worth it.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
June 2005