Difference between revisions of "Nouakchott"

Revision as of 22:08, 27 January 2008

Nouakchott is the largest city in and capital of Mauritania.

Get in

By air

Flights connect Nouakchott with Dakar, Paris, Casablanca, Tunis and Las Palmas. Air Mauritanie, the longtime national carrier, went bust in 2007. It's worth asking around for the most recent information.

Get around

See

Do

Five kilometers west from central Nouakchott are the fishing wharf and beaches.

Fishing: surf-casting is possible from the beaches near Nouakchott. Bring your own equipment. Some basic fishing supplies can be bought from lebanese-owned shops in Nouakchott. Travel in groups only for security reasons.

Go to the bustling fishing wharf 'port de peche' for a firsthand look at Mauritania's artisanal fishing industry. At evenings one can see tams of fishermen bring in the day's catch on brightly painted sea-canoes. The catch is sold on the sport and loaded onto donkey carts or ancient Renault 12's to be resold in town.

The Nouakchottois go to the beaches on weekend evenings (especially in the hot season). Swimming in the sea at Nouakchott can be dangerous due to the strong current.

Buy

Traditional mauritanian handicrafts are available in hotels, at the museum, and in shops catering to tourists at the top of Avenue Kennedy. Silver jewelery - such as bracelets and earrings - make popular souvenirs. Rugs made of camel wool can also be purchased. Items from Mauritania's fast-disappearing nomadic lifestyle - camel saddles and wooden chests - can be purchased.

Unfortunately many items for sale in Nouakchott are of shoddy workmanship. Be prepared for some determined tracking down to find a quality piece. Dakar, Senegal is also a good place to purchase jewelery from moorish silversmiths.

Eat

Drink

Sleep

• The Novotel and Hotel Mercure set the standard for nice places to stay, but you will pay European prices.

• Hotel Halima, just behind the Novatel, is slightly less expensive.

• In central Nouakchott, the Hotel Houda and Atlas are not bad options.

• Auberge Menata, [1]. Owner speaks English. Help with renting a car and a guide. High reputation with former guests.

• There is also a hotel out at the beach with "hut" rooms and a big dining room overlooking the water.

There are also a couple of camping places not far away.

Get out