Things To Do
in Nouadhibou
Nouadhibou is Mauritania's second-largest city, situated on a dramatic Atlantic coast where the port drives daily life. The city blends a working fishing harbor with expansive desert views, giving it a raw, maritime charm. Nearby Cap Blanc and the shipwreck-strewn beaches create iconic landscapes just beyond the harbor.
Expect hot days, cool Atlantic breezes, and a pace that invites unhurried exploration and conversation with locals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Nouadhibou Airport and settle into your accommodations. Take a leisurely stroll along the coastline, soaking in the views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a refreshing breakfast at a local café, sampling Mauritanian dishes.
Explore the vibrant local markets, where you can find everything from spices to handicrafts. Keep an eye out for traditional Mauritanian textiles and unique souvenirs. Engage with friendly vendors and learn about the culture while you shop.
Dine at a seaside restaurant, indulging in fresh seafood and traditional Mauritanian cuisine. Watch the sunset over the ocean, casting beautiful colors across the sky. Wind down your evening by mingling with locals and other travelers in a cozy waterfront café.
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour to explore the mesmerizing sand dunes of the surrounding desert. Ride a camel through the dunes, experiencing the unique landscape of Mauritania up close. Capture stunning photographs as the sun casts shadows across the golden sands.
Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the dunes, followed by some leisure time to relax and take in the tranquil environment. Engage in activities like sandboarding or simply laying back and enjoying the desert scenery. Learn about the nomadic lifestyle of the local tribes from your guide.
Return to Nouadhibou and freshen up before heading out for dinner. Sample local delicacies and enjoy the rhythm of traditional music at a cultural venue. Reflect on your adventurous day while mingling with other travelers and enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨Budget hotel nightly | $25-50 |
| 🚖Taxi within town | $2-6 |
| 🧺Groceries for basics (1 week) | $20-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent seafood and fresh produce at good prices
- Close access to Banc d'Arguin and Cap Blanc for wildlife and landscape photography
- Friendly, hospitable locals and a relaxed coastal vibe
- Relatively affordable compared with other regional destinations
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options outside the harbor area
- Healthcare facilities are basic outside major cities
- Heat and dust can be challenging, especially in summer
- Infrastructure and English/French language accessibility can vary
- "Salam alaykum" - Hello / Peace be upon you
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Kam al-thaman hada?" - How much is this?
- "Min fadlik" - Please
- "Ana la afham" - I do not understand
Places to Visit in Nouadhibou
Visit one of these nice places.
The quay comes alive with color as boats and nets move through the waking harbor; a great place for early golden-hour shots.
Boardwalks and viewing platforms allow close shots of seabirds and penguin colonies against the sea.
Rusting hulls along the coast create stark silhouettes and moody textures against the blue water.
A vantage point from the cape offers broad coastal views, ideal for sunsets and long-exposure seascapes.
Food in Nouadhibou
Nouadhibou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fish-and-rice specialty featuring fresh catch simmered in a tomato-chili sauce; best tried at harbor-area eateries.
Must-Try!
Peanut-based stew with lamb or chicken, typically served with rice or couscous.
Steamed couscous topped with fish and vegetables in a light broth.
Assorted locally caught fish and octopus, grilled with lemon and herbs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market by the harbor offering fruit, spices, and ready-to-eat snacks; great for a flavor sampler.
Early-morning stalls selling freshly caught fish; try grilled sardines or skewers from small vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Cover shoulders and knees in markets and religious sites; choose modest attire in public spaces.
Greet with a handshake; use the right hand; avoid pointing with feet or showing soles.
Be mindful of fasting customs and shared meals; alcohol is restricted in many areas.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in private settings or homes.
Safety
Tipping in Nouadhibou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated for good service; 5-10% in restaurants; small tips for guides or drivers are common.
Cash is widely used; some places may accept local debit cards. ATMs are less common outside major hubs.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days begin to lengthen; light winds make outdoor walks pleasant, perfect for coastal photography and market visits.
Very hot with strong sun; sea breeze provides some relief but carry water, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Continued heat with more humid days possible; still dry overall; ideal for day trips to Banc d'Arguin and coastal hikes.
Milder daytime temperatures with cooler evenings; Harmattan winds can bring dust; great for walking, less rain, and comfortable sightseeing.
Nouadhibou at Night
Hiking in Nouadhibou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal walk near the Cap Blanc reserve offering dramatic sea views and opportunities to observe wildlife from designated routes.
Airports
How to reach Nouadhibou by plane.
Located near the city; serves domestic and regional flights, with connections to Nouakchott and other West African destinations.
Mauritania’s main international gateway located in Nouakchott; offers broader international connections and onward domestic travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Arab-Berber communities forming the core of the coastal population, often multilingual and culturally diverse.
Smaller minority groups contributing to cultural and linguistic diversity in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Mauritania, played casually in town squares and more formally in clubs.
Fishing boats, sailing, and coastal activities are culturally significant and frequently enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nouadhibou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can opt for vegetable couscous, lentil stews, salads, and grilled vegetables; ask for tagines without meat or fish and confirm stock ingredients.