Nouakchott — Where Your Mauritania Tour Begins

Discover Nouakchott

Nouakchott became the capital of Mauritania at independence and grew from a small village into the country's largest city, spreading between the Atlantic and the dunes. For travellers it is the natural arrival point: the international airport is here, and every Sahara Iron Trail tour starts with a pickup and a first look at the city.

The unmissable sight is the fishing port on the beach, where hundreds of brightly painted pirogues land their catch in the late afternoon. The central markets, the mosques and the seafront complete a first day before heading north into the desert.

Tours from Nouakchott

From Nouakchott our itineraries head north to Atar and the Adrar — for the Terjit oasis, Chinguetti and the iron ore train — or along the coast to the Banc d'Arguin National Park. All ground transport is by private 4x4 with an English- or French-speaking guide.

Nouakchott: Frequently Asked Questions