Nouakchott
Mauritania
- Safety rating
- 4.5/10
- Best time to visit
- The cooler months from November to March are the most comfortable, avoiding extreme desert heat.
- Population
- 1.3M
Overview
Mauritania's flat, sandy capital rose from a small village into a sprawling Saharan metropolis on the Atlantic edge. Its lively fishing port and vast markets offer a window into a country poised between desert nomad traditions and the sea.
Top attractions
Watch the spectacular pirogue fishing fleet at the Port de Pêche, browse the camel and craft markets, and visit the Grand Mosque.
Getting around
Shared taxis and minibuses serve the spread-out, sandy city; agree fares in advance and expect dust and heat.