CityUsable guide

Nouakchott

Capital and the largest city of Mauritania

Photo: Александра Пугачевская (Alexandra Pugachevsky), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Nouakchott is the capital of Mauritania and its largest city, with almost 1.2 million residents in 2019. The city is the hub of the Mauritanian economy and is home to a deepwater port and Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport, one of the country's two international airports.

Sights and activities

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National Museum of Mauritania
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Where to eat, drink and stay

Sleep5 places

Azalaï Hotel (Marhaba)
Address
160, Avenue Gamal Abder Nasser
Phone
+222 45 29 50 51
Website
azalai.com
Hotel Tfeila
The former Novotel hotel, which is still is referred to sometimes.
Address
Avenue Charles de Gaulle
Phone
+222 45257400
Hotel Halima
Address
Rue de I Hotel Halima
Directions
just behind Hotel Tfeila
Auberge Menata
Owner speaks English. Help with renting a car and a guide. High reputation with former guests. Dorms with shared facilities from 2,500 UM per person, tent from 1,500 UM.
Address
Rue Aber Baker
Complexe Sabah
A relatively new (opened 2022) holiday complex by the beach. As of December 2023 various parts of it are still under construction. Bungalow rooms are available which are air conditioned and have good internet. Food in the restaurant is good but service can be a bit slow.
Address
Plage des pecheurs

Getting there and around

Getting there

By road
To/from Nouadhibou (470 km, ca. 6 hours): the most comfortable option, a Mercedes taking 4 passengers, costs from 4,000 UM. Sept-places are also available.

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Getting around

Normal fare in a shared taxi is 100 UM, but taxis around the city for non-set routes can cost up to 300 UM per person.

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Airports and nearby hotels

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Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport

Nouakchott · International · NKC

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Read before you go to Nouakchott

Articles and travel topics about Nouakchott and Mauritania.

Itineraries

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Nature & adventure

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Full travel guide

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UnderstandNouakchott is built around a large tree-lined street, Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, which runs northeast through the city centre from the old airport.

Get inTo/from Nouadhibou (470 km, ca. 6 hours): the most comfortable option, a Mercedes taking 4 passengers, costs from 4,000 UM. Sept-places are also available.

Get aroundNormal fare in a shared taxi is 100 UM, but taxis around the city for non-set routes can cost up to 300 UM per person.

SeeAttractions in Nouakchott include the National Museum of Mauritania, the National Library and the National Archives.

Do5 km west from central Nouakchott are beaches, the fishing wharf and a few seaside hotels.

BuyTraditional Mauritanian handicrafts are available in hotels, at the museum, and in shops catering to tourists at the top of Avenue Kennedy. Silver jewellery, such as bracelets and earrings, are popular souvenirs.

EatThere is a decent variety of restaurants in Nouakchott with plates from 1,000 to 3,500 UM. Most restaurants in the capital offer pretty much the same menu: pizzas, hamburgers, sandwiches and salads.

DrinkMauritania is a dry country, but alcohol can still be found if you know where to look.

SleepThere is also a few hotels out at the beach.

Stay safeLike anywhere else, try to stay in groups after dark. You might occasionally run into some rude people, but by and large, Mauritanians are a very nice people. Don't be surprised to be offered a glass of tea in a shop.

CopeNouakchott has almost 30 embassies and consulates.

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Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Nouakchott" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Nouakchott", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Александра Пугачевская (Alexandra Pugachevsky), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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