Places / Africa / Mauritania
Nouadhibou
Visited in December 2018
At a glance
- Country
- Mauritania
- Region
- Nouadhibou (department)
- Population
- 173,525
- Best time to go
- November to March
- Main airport
- Nouadhibou International (NDB)
- Coordinates
- 20.92°N, 17.05°W
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Overview
Nouadhibou sits on a long, thin peninsula pointing south into the Atlantic, with the Sahara at its back and some of the richest fishing waters in the world in front. It is Mauritania's main fishing port and the coastal terminus of the iron ore railway.
It is a working town, not a resort, but its setting is striking. Wild headlands, abandoned ships and colonies of rare seals lie close by, and it is often the first stop for overland travellers arriving from Morocco.
Things to see
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Cap Blanc
The windswept southern tip of the peninsula, home to one of the last colonies of Mediterranean monk seals.
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Photo: Sebastián Losada, CC BY-SA 2.0 The ship graveyard
Rusting hulls lie beached and half-sunk in the bay, an eerie sight at low tide.
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The fishing port
Pirogues come and go from the busy artisanal harbour, the heart of the town's economy.
Things to do
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Photo: Cooperazione, CC BY-SA 4.0 Watch the iron ore train
One of the longest and heaviest trains in the world runs between the mines at Zouérat and the port.
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Photo: Kokopelado, CC BY-SA 3.0 Banc d'Arguin National Park
A vast area of mudflats and islands to the south, wintering ground for huge numbers of migratory birds.
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Eat fresh fish
Order the day's catch, grilled or with rice, at a simple local restaurant.
Where to stay
Town centre
A handful of simple hotels close to the shops and banks.
Hotels in Town centreSeafront
Small hotels and campsites by the bay, popular with overlanders.
Hotels in Seafront
Getting around
Taxis are cheap and easy to find. A driver and guide are needed for Cap Blanc and Banc d'Arguin.
The airport is close to the town centre, a few minutes by taxi. Nouakchott is roughly six hours away by road.
When to go
November to March is the most comfortable time, with mild days and the best birdwatching. It is dry all year, and strong trade winds blow much of the time. Check the latest travel advice before planning a visit.
Plan your trip to Nouadhibou
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.