How to get to Nouakchott

When planning a trip to Nouakchott, the colourful capital of Mauritania situated on the Atlantic coast, travellers discover a gateway to the enigmatic Sahara. To decide on the most convenient way to reach Nouakchott, it is worth studying flight schedules or considering overland travel options by car or bus. This city offers a unique blend of modern life and traditional culture, accessible to those ready to embark on the journey.

The main aerial gateway for travellers is Nouakchott International Airport (NKC), which receives flights from major hubs in Europe and Africa. The air terminal is located to the north of the residential districts and boasts modern infrastructure, ensuring a comfortable arrival in the country. From here, one can reach the city centre quite quickly, as the airport is well-connected to the urban road network.

If a direct flight is unavailable, it makes sense to consider routes via neighbouring regional hubs. A convenient transfer point is often Dakar, located in neighbouring Senegal, which has regular connections with the Mauritanian capital. You can also utilise domestic flights via Nouadhibou, which allows you to combine the journey with sightseeing along the northern coast.

There is no direct railway connection to Nouakchott, as the capital lacks a train station, and the country's railway network is not widely developed, being limited to the northern regions. The primary mode of transport between cities remains road transport, so a train cannot take you directly to your destination.

However, the nearest operational station is in the city of Nouadhibou, where the famous train carrying iron ore across the Sahara arrives. Many travellers choose this route for the unique experience of crossing the desert on one of the longest trains in the world, and then cover the remaining distance to the capital by bus or taxi along the ocean coast.

Travelling by bus allows you to enjoy the rugged yet captivating landscapes of West Africa, connecting the capital with key points in the region. The most popular and comfortable option is the domestic route from the city of Nouadhibou: modern buses and shared taxis cover the 470 kilometres along the Atlantic coast in approximately 5–6 hours on a high-quality asphalt road.

International connections are established with neighbouring states, offering tourists transit across the border. A trip from lively Dakar will take about 7–9 hours to cover a distance of 500 kilometres, including time for border formalities at the Senegal River. A longer journey awaits travellers from the city of Banjul: a distance of about 800 kilometres usually requires a full day on the road but gifts a unique experience of immersion in local life.

Travelling by car is an excellent way to feel the scale of the desert and the freedom of movement across West Africa. The most popular and high-quality route leads from the city of Nouadhibou: covering about 480 kilometres along the Atlantic coast, you will spend approximately 6 hours on the road. The highway is in good condition, making the journey comfortable, and local taxi drivers often offer transfer services ("sept-place") for small groups of travellers.

If you are heading from the south, the path from Senegalese Dakar will take about 9 hours, during which you will have to drive 526 kilometres and pass through border formalities. An even longer adventure awaits tourists departing from Banjul: a distance of 675 kilometres will require about 12 hours behind the wheel, but it allows you to see the change in landscapes from savannah to sands. When planning a trip by taxi, it is important to agree on the price in advance, as fixed tariffs for international transfers are rare.

A journey to Nouakchott is an immersion into a unique atmosphere where the hot breath of the desert meets the cool breeze of the Atlantic Ocean. To ensure your trip to the capital of Mauritania is as comfortable and safe as possible, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations considering local customs.

1. Clothing and Climate. The city has a hot desert climate, so choose loose-fitting clothing made of natural fabrics (cotton, linen) in light colours. Given the country's conservative traditions, it is important to observe modesty: shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. A light scarf or shawl will protect against the sun and sand-carrying winds.
2. Getting Around the City. The most convenient way to move around is by taxi, which are often painted green with yellow stripes here. Meters are rarely used, so the cost of the trip must be agreed upon with the driver strictly before getting into the car. There are also collective taxis operating on specific routes, which are significantly cheaper.
3. Finance and Currency. The local currency is the Mauritanian Ouguiya. Bank cards are accepted only in a few large international hotels, so cash is the basis of all settlements. It is best to exchange Euros or Dollars at banks or official exchange offices (Bureau de Change), avoiding street money changers.
4. Health and Hygiene. Drinking tap water is not recommended; use only bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. The sun at these latitudes is very active, so the use of sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 50) and wearing a head covering is mandatory even in cloudy weather.
5. Language Barrier. The official language is Arabic (Hassaniya dialect), but the language of inter-ethnic communication and business is French. Few people know English, so an offline translator downloaded in advance or a phrasebook with French phrases will greatly facilitate communication.
6. Local Etiquette. Mauritanians are very hospitable but value respect for traditions. Always ask for permission before photographing local residents (especially women or members of security forces). Greeting is an important ritual that can last several minutes, and eating from a communal dish is customarily done with the right hand only.
7. Prohibitions and Restrictions. Mauritania is an Islamic Republic with a strict ban on the import and consumption of alcohol. Violation of this rule can lead to serious legal problems. Tourists should also avoid public displays of affection.
8. Unique Experience. Visit the famous Fish Market (Port de Pêche) in the second half of the day, closer to sunset. This is the most spectacular time when hundreds of painted wooden pirogues return with their catch, and bustling trade unfolds on the shore — an unforgettable sight conveying the spirit of the city.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid awkward situations and focus on the main thing — exploring the distinctive culture and rugged beauty of this African city. Respect for local customs will open the doors to the sincere hospitality of the residents of Nouakchott.