🇲🇷 Mauritania

10 best places in Nouakchott

Nouakchott grew from a fishing village into a desert capital in under a century - the Sahara meets the Atlantic here, and hundreds of painted wooden pirogues still rule the shoreline.

Sight

Port de Pêche

The famous fishing harbour with hundreds of colourful pirogues - most spectacular between 2 and 5pm as boats return with the day's catch.

Market

Marché Capitale (Marché Cinquième)

The capital's main market for fabrics, spices and Mauritanian silverwork.

Market

Camel Market

A camel market on the city outskirts with a concentration of animals rarely matched anywhere else.

Sight

Mosquée Saudique

Nouakchott's largest mosque, a gift from Saudi Arabia and the capital's key landmark.

Museum

Musée National de Mauritanie

The national museum, with finds from the ancient caravan towns of Chinguetti and Ouadane.

Sight

Plage des Pêcheurs

A city beach beside the port where daily life revolves around boats and the fish trade.

District

Ksar

The city's oldest quarter, offering a genuine slice of everyday Mauritanian life and street food.

Café

Le Petit Café

A relaxed downtown café for mint tea and French-style pastries.

Restaurant

Restaurant Le Triton

One of Nouakchott's oldest restaurants, serving fresh fish and Mauritanian dishes.

District

Sebkha

A dense, lively district by the salt flats, and a sharp contrast to the diplomatic quarter.

FAQ

What to see in Nouakchott?

The fish port is the sight: at the end of the day painted pirogues are hauled onto the sand and the catch is gutted right there. After that come the markets - the central Marché Capitale and the camel market on the edge of town. The national museum is small but gives a clear picture of nomadic and Saharan culture.

Best time to visit Mauritania?

November to February is the sensible window, when the heat drops to something manageable. April to October is very hot, and sand winds can leave the city hazy for days. Rain is almost absent, but winter nights get noticeably cool.

Is Nouakchott safe?

The capital is generally calm, with pickpocketing, scams and chaotic traffic as the usual problems. The border areas near Mali and the east of the country are a different matter and are considered dangerous. Desert trips are almost always done with a local guide or driver.

Do you need a visa for Mauritania?

Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott airport for a fee, but it is not guaranteed and some airlines ask for pre-approval. The country has essentially no residency programmes; long term foreigners are here on work contracts. Check the current requirements with an embassy before you fly.