Overview
Nouadhibou is Mauritania's second largest city and primary industrial hub, home to roughly 120,000 people. The city offers a rare blend of Atlantic fishing culture and Saharan frontier atmosphere, with fresh seafood at the Port Artisanal, a ship graveyard in the bay, and steady winds for kiteboarding.
Budget Travel · Nature · Transit Hub
Before you go
Connectivity
Internet and mobile phones arrived in 2000. Details on local SIM providers not specified in the article.
Money
Local currency is the ouguiya (MRU). ATMs at Société Générale accept foreign cards. Bureau de change at Carrefour crossroads in Keran provides receipts for border crossings. Officially, ouguiyas cannot be taken out of the country, though small amounts usually pass.
Safety
No street lights - bring a torch. Avoid train tracks as mines have not been cleared. Women should not travel alone after dark. Lock accommodation doors/windows.
Transport
Taxis cost 20 ouguiyas on main roads, additional 20 to Port Autonome or Cansado. City centre is walkable in under 15 minutes. Mauritania Airlines flies to Nouakchott and Gran Canaria from the airport.
Weather
Hot year-round (24-30°C highs). September-October are warmest. Minimal rainfall. Bring sun protection.