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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Mauritania

Air Travel to Nouakchott

Airport & Airlines

Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) is the main gateway, located 25 km north of the city. It opened in 2016 and offers modern facilities.

Carriers & Routes

  • Mauritania Airlines International, Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines, Air France.
  • Direct routes from Paris, Casablanca, Tunis, Algiers, Istanbul.
  • Regional flights to Dakar, Abidjan, Bamako, Las Palmas.

Airport Transfers

Taxis are the main and most convenient option from the airport to the city. Hotel shuttles might also be available.

Options

  • Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. Negotiate fare before starting.
  • Typical fare to city center: MRO 5,000 - 8,000 (€12-20).
  • Some larger hotels Offer pick-up services; pre-arrange with your hotel.

Price Fluctuations

Flight availability remains stable. Prices see modest increases during peak European travel times (Dec-Jan, Jul-Aug).

Airport Facilities

Modern terminal. Currency exchange, duty-free shops, cafes, SIM card vendors, ATMs. Limited facilities post-security.

Common Connections

Flights from North America/Europe often connect through Casablanca or Paris. Plan for layovers at these hubs.

Land & Other Travel

Border Crossings

  • Senegal (Rosso): Busy border, ferry crossing. Visa in advance often aids speed.
  • Morocco (Guerguerat): Long, challenging route via contested Western Sahara. Requires 4x4.
  • Mali/Algeria borders: High security risks. Generally not advised for tourist crossings.
  • Sea/River: Not common for tourists; mainly commercial or local ferry at Rosso.

Inter-City Transport

  • No passenger train to Nouakchott. Iron Ore Train is an adventure from Zouérat to Nouadhibou.
  • Inter-city buses from Nouakchott to Nouadhibou, Atar, Rosso. Quality varies.
  • Limited formal international buses; shared taxis to border towns.
  • Self-driving not advised: poor roads, erratic habits, limited fuel. Rent 4x4 with local driver.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads

Main roads paved but have potholes or sand. Secondary roads unpaved, sandy, difficult. Requires 4x4 and experienced driver.

Driving Habits

  • Local driving can be erratic. Speed limits rarely enforced.
  • Animals, like camels and goats, frequently cross roads, especially outside urban areas.
  • Be aware of unexpected maneuvers from other drivers.

Security

Certain areas, especially near the borders with Mali and Algeria, carry a high security risk due to banditry and terrorism.

Considerations

  • Consult official travel advisories from your government before any long-distance land travel.
  • Risk levels can change rapidly. Stay informed.
  • Travel to deep desert expeditions may require special authorization.

Travel Advisories

  • Borders with Mali and Algeria can be volatile and carry high security risks.
  • These routes are generally not recommended for tourist crossings due to banditry and terrorism.
  • Travel to certain remote or border areas may require special authorization.
  • Self-driving is generally not recommended due to challenging road conditions and erratic local driving habits.
  • Fuel stations are scarce outside major towns, posing planning difficulties for long drives.
  • The route to Morocco involves crossing contested Western Sahara, presenting terrain challenges.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport beyond those already included in your airline ticket price.

Recommendations

  • Arrive at NKC at least 2-3 hours before international flight departure.
  • Allow ample time for check-in, security, and unpredictable delays.
  • Proceed through passport control for exit immigration after security.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport has limited facilities post-security. It is advisable to eat or drink before passing through security if you have specific preferences or a long wait.

Overview

  • A small duty-free shop is available for last-minute purchases.
  • A few cafes offer drinks and snacks.
  • Seating areas are available in the departure lounge.

Airport Amenities

NKC has limited post-security facilities: small duty-free, few cafes. Eat/drink before security if you have specific preferences.

Timing Your Departure

Unpredictable check-in and security times mean early arrival prevents stress and missed flights.

Smooth Exit

Confirm exit procedures with your airline or travel agent if unsure. Have passport and boarding pass ready.

Departure Insight

Ensure all necessary documentation for re-entry into your next destination is readily available before leaving Nouakchott.