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About Nouakchott
Nouakchott is the capital and largest city of Mauritania, a West African country. The city, along the Atlantic Ocean, grew gradually as it was once a fishing town, and became the largest city of the Sahara desert. In its original name, Nouakchott means "Winds of the World" in Berber language. There is a mixture of desert and Mediterranean climate in the city.
It is generally dry, with little precipitation during the year. The highest precipitation occurs in August. The lowest temperature is 13 degrees Celsius, while the highest temperature is around 31 degrees Celsius. In general there is sparse vegetation. The largest livelihood of the city is fishing and small head livestock. Turkish Airlines has direct flights to Nouakchott. The most reliable means of transportation for tourists from the airport is the taxi. In African countries you can find people who can help you inexpensively and provide your safety. You can ask the staff of your hotel for help to connect with such people.
Mauritania is a Muslim country. It has been a French colony for many years. If you know French, you can easily communicate in the city. You can walk on the beach, or around the busiest street, Bakar Ahmet Street, or shop at the Grant Market. The sunset and the view of the fishermen in the evening are worth seeing. The most important food of city cuisine is fish. Other than that, lamb is also consumed by weight. Because it is a city where Muslims live, entertainment venues are usually located within tourist attractions.
Transportation to Nouakchott City Center from Airport
Nouakchott Oumtounsy Intl. Airport
Nouakchott is the capital of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. City is located on the Atlantic Ocean coast of this northwest African country neighboring Senegal, Mali and Algeria. Pescheus Beach is not only the most beautiful beach of Nouakchott but also the country. Fishing, iron mining and date palm production are the most important commercial activities in the city.
Safari tourism is also common in the city and it is one of the greatest pleasures of the visitors. Asphalt roads are not common in Nouakchott, which is a desert town. There is also a train route which is used mainly for intercity and commercial transportation. Public transport is provided by small, crowded and old minibuses or by buses, but it is not highly recommended for the tourists because of security reasons.
You can find a taxi in the city center. There is no taximeter in the taxi, so you should agree on the place and the fare before starting your trip. You can bargain. You should ask for a taxi from your hotel or from someone you know, if possible, in order not to be misled about both your safety and the fare.
Car rental is the most preferred transportation method for tourists in Nouakchott. By renting a car you can both go to the city easily and do safari tour. Since most of the roads are not paved, even if you do not enter the desert, you have to pass through the dune roads. For this reason, 4x4 style vehicles are the most preferred. It is recommended that you choose an international car rental company instead of local companies. You may encounter stolen cars with European plates at local companies and you may have problems later. You should remember that if you rent a car you will often encounter police control and asked a lot of questions.
Speaking French would help you in the city. However, if you have an information form that you have prepared beforehand, you can get over these checks easier. This form, which you can find on the internet or you can prepare yourself, should include passport information, visa information and information about the car that you use. The car rental company can help you with this; preparing multiple forms in French or local language would facilitate the process.
Nouakchott International Airport is just 4 kilometers from the city center. There is no public transport service from the airport to the city center. However, you can reach the city center quickly and easily by taxi or renting a car.
Taxi
If you do not intend to rent a car and you do not have someone to pick you up from the airport, you can get to the city center by taxi. You should remember that there are no taximeters in the taxis and that you will have to negotiate the fare in advance. By taxi you can reach the city center from the airport in only 10 minutes.
Car Rental
Renting a car is very common in Nouakchott, because public transport is not a preferred means of transportation by tourists and there are no taximeters in taxis. You can rent a car at the airport. However, it is recommended that you do this on the internet with an international company before coming to town.
Approximately 3.5 kilometers after taking the N1 road at the airport exit, you will encounter a turn. Here you should take the N3 road at the west direction of the turn and follow the city center sign. After about 400 meters you can reach the city center. The journey takes about 10 minutes.
