Wilaya
Nouakchott
The Atlantic capital: traditional fishing port, Saudi Mosque, camel market and long sand beaches to the south.
Nouakchott was drawn from nothing in 1958 to serve as the capital of a country then coming into being. It went from village to a million people in two generations, which explains its shape: wide straight avenues, and sand advancing on every edge.
What deserves the most time here is the **traditional fishing port**, north of the city. Hundreds of painted pirogues come in late in the afternoon and the catch is landed straight onto the sand in front of the buyers. It is loud, alive, and has no equivalent in the region.
In the centre stands the **Saudi Mosque** — officially the King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Mosque — sand-coloured, flanked by two tall minarets. Beside it, the capital's market: veils, silver, tea.
Most of our trips begin or end here, since this is the country's only international airport. One day is enough to see the city before heading north to the Adrar.
Selected journeys
Trips passing here
10 days
Grand Sahara Expedition in Mauritania — 10 Days: Nouakchott to the Iron Ore Train and Nouadhibou
11 days
Sahara, Iron Ore Train & Atlantic Coast — 11 Days in Mauritania
4 days
Banc d'Arguin National Park Expedition — 4 Days: Imraguen Sailboats, Tidra Island and Cap Timiris
4 days
Mauritania Adventure — 4 Days: Oases of the Adrar and the Legendary Desert Train
16 days
The Grand Mauritania Tour — 16 Days by 4x4: Four UNESCO Cities, the Eye of the Sahara and Saharan Crocodiles
14 days