//
Commune and town in Assaba Region, Mauritania
Photo: Toksave, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Kiffa (Arabic: كيفه) is the capital of the Assaba region of southern Mauritania. It lies on the Route de l'Espoir (N3), the country's principal east–west highway, roughly midway between Nouakchott and Néma.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Marché central de Kiffa
Kiffa's large and lively commercial market is the city's most interesting everyday attraction. Traders sell food, textiles, household goods, imported products, livestock-related supplies and handicrafts. Products arriving from both western Mauritania and routes toward Mali help give the market a strongly regional character.
Casual local restaurant serving quick meals such as sandwiches, shawarma, kebabs, pizza, chicken and other familiar fast-food-style dishes. Useful for travellers wanting a straightforward meal rather than formal Mauritanian dining.
Hotel Diwan VIP
A relatively recent hotel with modern rooms and a roof terrace. Public information remains limited, so telephone confirmation before arrival is useful.
Auberge Le Phare du Désert
Long-established roadside auberge particularly useful to overland travellers using the Route de l'Espoir. Facilities are simple, but the location allows easy access without navigating the centre.
Auberge de l'Hôte
Small guesthouse-style accommodation on the Kankossa road. It offers a more personal alternative to the larger roadside hotels, although facilities are basic.
By shared taxi or minibus
Shared taxis and minibuses are the principal public transport for long-distance journeys. Vehicles operate between Kiffa and:
By plane
Kiffa Airport (KFA) lies near the city and has a paved runway. However, do not plan a journey around a scheduled flight to Kiffa without checking directly beforehand.
Central Kiffa can be explored on foot, although the intense daytime heat makes even moderate distances tiring.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Kayes · Regional · KYS
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Kiffa and Mauritania.
ItinerariesThe infamous Iron Ore Train, the longest and heaviest in the world, rumbles between Nouadhibou and Zouerat via Choum in Mauritania. You can ride it to get to...
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesItineraries in Africa
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureAs of 2023 the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves is made up of 738 reserves in 134 countries of which 22 are transboundary.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyThe Roman Empire was the greatest ancient empire of Europe. At the height of its power in 117 AD, it ruled over considerable parts of Europe, as well as much of North Africa and the Middle East.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.