The best hotels in Nouakchott
Nouakchott has around 40 bookable hotels in a city that barely existed 60 years ago. Most cluster in Tevragh-Zeina near the embassies. We reviewed them all and picked 10 that deliver reliable air conditioning, consistent service, and honest value.
Our 10 Top Picks in Nouakchott
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Fasq Hotel Nouakchott
Nouakchott
$206/night Prices are approximate and vary by seasonTransit Guest House & Hostel / Maison d'hôtes Transit
Nouakchott
$29/night Prices are approximate and vary by seasonAZALAÏ HOTEL NOUAKCHOTT
Nouakchott
$113/night Prices are approximate and vary by seasonMaison d Hotes Jeloua
Nouakchott
$115/night Prices are approximate and vary by seasonJolie Maison
Nouakchott
$51/night Prices are approximate and vary by seasonSheraton Nouakchott Hotel
Nouakchott
$201/night Prices are approximate and vary by seasonAuberge Triskell Nouakchott
Nouakchott
$26/night Prices are approximate and vary by seasonSemiramis Hotel Centre Ville
Nouakchott
$114/night Prices are approximate and vary by seasonCasaHouse Apparts
Nouakchott
$88/night Prices are approximate and vary by seasonURBAN HOTEL NOUAKCHOTT
Nouakchott
$79/night Prices are approximate and vary by seasonWhy These Hotels Made Our List
Here's why each one made the cut.
Fasq Hotel Nouakchott
The top-rated 5-star in Nouakchott, and worth it. At $206/night you get genuine luxury by local standards: modern rooms, reliable AC, and consistent service. 322 reviews back it up. It's close to the commercial district, making it the smart pick for business travelers who need things to actually work.
Address:Fasq Hotel Nouakchott, N 15°59'00.4"W, 18°06'30.5, Nouakchott, Mauritania
Neighborhood:Tevragh Zeina
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Transit Guest House & Hostel / Maison d'hôtes Transit
At $29/night this is the best value bed in Nouakchott, full stop. The 4.7 rating from 140 guests is unusually high for a budget place. It draws overlanders and backpackers heading into the Sahara. Bring your own toiletries. Don't expect AC that rivals the Sheraton, but you're saving $172/night.
Address:Transit Guest House & Hostel / Maison d'hôtes Transit, 1 Kaedi, Nouakchott, Mauritania
Neighborhood:La Capitale
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AZALAÏ HOTEL NOUAKCHOTT
The city's most-reviewed hotel with 1,207 opinions at 4.4 stars. That kind of volume means you know exactly what you're getting: consistent 4-star service, a pool, and a central location. At $113/night it hits the business sweet spot. Not as flashy as the Fasq, but the track record speaks for itself.
Address:AZALAÏ HOTEL NOUAKCHOTT, 32PG+MP, Ave Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott, Mauritania
Neighborhood:La Capitale
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Maison d Hotes Jeloua
A 3-star guesthouse with a 4.4 rating from 126 reviews. It's the kind of place locals recommend to visiting colleagues. You'll get clean rooms, home-cooked meals if you ask, and actual hospitality rather than hotel-chain efficiency. Price isn't listed publicly, but expect under $80/night. Book directly for the best rate.
Address:Maison d Hotes Jeloua, Nouakchott, Mauritania
Neighborhood:Tevragh Zeina
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Jolie Maison
At $51/night and a 4.83 rating, this is the highest-scored property on this list. Only 50 reviews so far, but they're almost uniformly excellent. It's a smaller guesthouse-style stay where you actually feel looked after rather than processed. Budget travelers who care about quality over quantity, this is your pick.
Neighborhood:Tevragh Zeina
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Sheraton Nouakchott Hotel
The brand name carries weight here. At $201/night it's nearly identical to the Fasq in price, but with only 69 reviews you're getting less certainty. What the Sheraton guarantees: a proper gym, reliable hot water, English-speaking staff. Good pick if you need to expense it and want zero surprises.
Address:Sheraton Nouakchott Hotel, Avenue du Palais des Congres, Nouakchott, Mauritania
Neighborhood:Tevragh Zeina
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Auberge Triskell Nouakchott
The cheapest option here at $26/night, and it earns its 4.3 from 186 reviews. A 2-star auberge with a French-influenced feel, popular with NGO workers and budget travelers based near the port district. Don't expect room service. Do expect clean basics and the best price-per-night anywhere in Nouakchott.
Address:Auberge Triskell Nouakchott, Rue Baham ould Mohamed Laghdhaf, Nouakchott, Mauritania
Neighborhood:Tevragh Zeina
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Semiramis Hotel Centre Ville
A solid mid-range choice at $114/night, right in the commercial center where Nouakchott's business activity is concentrated. The 4.3 from 142 reviews is consistent. Nothing surprising here: decent rooms, functional service, good location. If Azalaï is full, you'll find this is the natural alternative at essentially the same price.
Address:Semiramis Hotel Centre Ville, N 15°58'44. (BP : 4350 Ilot o 18, 18°05'39.0, Nouakchott, Mauritania
Neighborhood:Tevragh Zeina
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CasaHouse Apparts
At $88/night you get a serviced apartment, not just a hotel room. That means a kitchen, more space, and the ability to self-cater. The 4.4 from 62 guests suggests it delivers consistently. Smart pick for stays longer than 3 nights, especially if you're on a working contract in Nouakchott.
Address:CasaHouse Apparts, Autoroute Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Mauritania
Neighborhood:Tevragh Zeina
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URBAN HOTEL NOUAKCHOTT
At $79/night with a 4.6 rating, you're in a solid sweet spot price-wise. It feels more boutique than corporate, which is rare in Nouakchott. The smaller review count (50 total) means less certainty than the Azalaï, but what's there is positive. Good for travelers who want something between guesthouse and full 4-star.
Address:URBAN HOTEL NOUAKCHOTT, BP 1920, Nouakchott, Mauritania
Neighborhood:Tevragh Zeina
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Didn't find your match above? Here's every hotel in Nouakchott.
Every scored hotel in the city. Filter by price, rating, or type to find yours.
| # | Hotel | Our Score | Guest Rating | Reviews | Type | Price/Night | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fasq Hotel Nouakchott | 4.6 | 322 | 5★ | $210/night | Book → | |
| 2 | Transit Guest House & Hostel / Maison d'hôtes Transit | 4.7 | 140 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $30/night | Book → | |
| 3 | AZALAÏ HOTEL NOUAKCHOTT | 4.4 | 1 207 | 4★ | $110/night | Book → | |
| 4 | Maison d Hotes Jeloua | 4.4 | 126 | 3★ | $120/night | Book → | |
| 5 | Jolie Maison | 4.8 | 50 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $50/night | Book → | |
| 6 | Sheraton Nouakchott Hotel | 4.6 | 69 | 5★ | $200/night | Book → | |
| 7 | Auberge Triskell Nouakchott | 4.3 | 186 | 2★ | $30/night | Book → | |
| 8 | Semiramis Hotel Centre Ville | 4.3 | 142 | 4★ | $110/night | Book → | |
| 9 | CasaHouse Apparts | 4.4 | 62 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $90/night | Book → | |
| 10 | URBAN HOTEL NOUAKCHOTT | 4.6 | 50 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $80/night | Book → | |
| 11 | CasaHouse Apparts - Two-Bedroom Apartment | 5.0 | 8 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $90/night | Book → | |
| 12 | Par 4 chemins - Atypical stopover | 4.4 | 27 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $40/night | Book → | |
| 13 | Premium Suites Marrakech | 4.4 | 51 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $90/night | Book → | |
| 14 | Le K - Maison d'Hôtes | 4.3 | 56 | 3★ | $140/night | Book → | |
| 15 | The Best Centric Hotel | 4.3 | 94 | 4★ | $100/night | Book → | |
| 16 | Hôtel Semiramis City Center - Superior Suite | 5.0 | 8 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $120/night | Book → | |
| 17 | Hiba hotel | 4.4 | 51 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $80/night | Book → | |
| 18 | Auberge Diaguili | 4.7 | 24 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $90/night | Book → | |
| 19 | Very good apartment in Nouakchott - Two-Bedroom Apartment | 3.5 | 1 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $50/night | Book → | |
| 20 | Grand Plaza Nouakchott | 4.0 | 8 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $90/night | Book → |
Where to Stay in Nouakchott
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Port de Peche at dawn: the essential Nouakchott experience
Arrive at Port de Peche by 6 AM. The beach is already alive with hundreds of painted wooden pirogues pulling in from overnight fishing runs. Men haul nets, women sort fish, and buyers crowd around for the first auction of the day.
The scale is extraordinary. Thousands of fish change hands in minutes. Barracuda, mullet, snapper, and octopus pile up in colorful plastic tubs. The grilled fish stands at the market edge cook your purchase for 500 MRU ($1.30). Breakfast does not get fresher than this.
Go early, go with a light bag, and keep your phone in your pocket. The market is safe but crowded. A guide ($10 to $15) helps you navigate and explains the process. Or just walk through slowly and absorb it. The Port de Peche is the single best thing about Nouakchott.
The Marche Capitale: shopping guide
The Marche Capitale sits in the Ksar district, a 10-minute taxi from Tevragh-Zeina ($2). This is where Nouakchott shops. Fabrics, silver jewelry, traditional clothing, tea sets, and household goods fill a maze of narrow alleys.
The fabric section is the highlight. Mauritanian women's wraps (melahfa) in bright colors cost 5,000 to 15,000 MRU ($13 to $40). Silver jewelry from the Moors tradition (bracelets, amulets, tea spoons) starts at 3,000 MRU ($8). Bargaining is expected: start at 30% and settle around 50%.
Go in the morning (9 to 11 AM) when it is cooler and less crowded. The market closes during the midday prayer break and reopens at 3 PM. Afternoons are hotter and more chaotic. Carry small bills and keep your wallet secure. Leave by 5 PM when it starts getting dark.
Nouakchott's surprising food scene
Nouakchott's restaurants are better than you expect. The Lebanese community has been here for decades, and shawarma shops along Avenue Kennedy serve wraps for 1,500 MRU ($4). Le Boukarou near the Mercure does grilled meats and tabbouleh ($10 to $15).
For local food, the small restaurants near the Ksar Grand Mosque serve the best thieboudienne in the city (500 MRU). The sauce is made with netetou (fermented locust beans) and the fish is fresh from Port de Peche that morning. Ask for it with bissap (hibiscus) juice.
Pizza Lina on Avenue Kennedy is the expat hangout. Decent pizza ($8 to $12) and beer served discreetly to foreigners. The atmosphere is more European than Mauritanian. Marhaba Restaurant at the Mercure hotel does a French-style dinner menu ($15 to $25) that is Nouakchott's closest thing to fine dining.
Day trip to the Atlantic beaches
Nouakchott's city beaches along the Corniche are for walking, not swimming. Strong currents and no lifeguards make the water dangerous. But the sunset walks along the sand are excellent, especially near the old fishing village of Teyarett.
For swimming, drive 30 minutes south to Plage des Pecheurs or 45 minutes to the quieter beaches near PK28 (kilometer 28 on the Rosso road). The water is Atlantic-cold but the beaches are empty and wide. Bring everything (food, water, shade) because there are no facilities.
The Banc d'Arguin coastline (5 hours north toward Nouadhibou) is the serious destination for coastal exploration, with migratory birds and Imraguen fishing villages. But that requires 2+ days, not a day trip.
Understanding the tea ceremony
Mauritanian tea (ataya) is served 3 rounds from a small pot. Round 1 is bitter (like life), round 2 is sweet (like love), round 3 is gentle (like death). The whole ceremony takes 30 to 45 minutes. Refusing the first round is considered rude.
You will be offered tea everywhere: at hotels, shops, in the market, by taxi drivers during breaks. Accept gracefully. Sit cross-legged on the mat if offered. The tea is poured from a height to create foam, which shows skill.
The tea itself is Chinese green tea with fresh mint and large amounts of sugar. By the third round, it is essentially sweet mint syrup. If you do not like sweet drinks, the first round is the most palatable. But drinking all three is the culturally correct move.
Getting out of Nouakchott: transit guide
To Atar and the Adrar: 6 to 7 hours by road (RN1 highway, paved). Bush taxis from the Garage Atar lot on the eastern outskirts cost 4,000 MRU ($10). Or hire a private car ($80 to $120 one way). Leave by 6 AM to arrive before dark.
To Nouadhibou: 5 hours by paved highway (RN2). Bush taxis from Garage Nouadhibou cost 5,000 MRU ($13). The road is flat desert with fuel stops at PK60 and Tiguent. Mauritania Airlines flies the route in 1 hour ($60 to $100) twice weekly.
To Rosso (Senegal border): 3 to 4 hours south on paved road. Bush taxis cost 3,000 MRU ($8). The border crossing at Rosso involves a ferry across the Senegal River ($2). Alternatively, the new Rosso bridge (opened 2024) handles vehicle traffic. From Rosso, Saint-Louis (Senegal) is 1 hour south.
Nouakchott's best hotel regions
Nouakchott sprawls across flat desert. Sand drifts into every street. Tevragh-Zeina is the diplomatic and hotel district. Ksar is the older center with the Grand Mosque. The port area (Port de Peche) is where the fishing boats land. The city is not walkable between districts, but taxis are cheap.
Tevragh-Zeina 7 vetted hotels The diplomatic quarter with all the hotels
The diplomatic quarter with all the hotels
Tevragh-Zeina is where you stay. Period. The Mercure Marhaba, Hotel Monotel, Hotel Halima, and every other decent hotel are here. Embassies, banks (BMCI, Societe Generale), restaurants, and the main commercial strip on Avenue Kennedy are all within walking distance.
The district is relatively clean and safe. Streets are paved (a rarity in Nouakchott). At night, the restaurant strip comes alive with Lebanese shawarma joints and the occasional expat bar. Most travelers never need to leave Tevragh-Zeina except for the market and the port.
Browse all Tevragh-Zeina hotels → Ksar 1 vetted hotel The old center with the Grand Mosque and market
The old center with the Grand Mosque and market
Ksar is the original settlement of Nouakchott, centered around the Grand Mosque (Saudi-funded, massive). The Marche Capitale sprawls through its narrow streets. Budget guesthouses here cost $45 to $70/night but quality is inconsistent.
The area has more local character than Tevragh-Zeina. Chaotic, sandy streets full of market vendors and tea shops. Good for a morning visit but not the most comfortable base. A taxi to Tevragh-Zeina costs 500 MRU ($1.30).
Browse all Ksar hotels → Port & Coastal Strip 1 vetted hotel Fish market and ocean views
Fish market and ocean views
The port area along the Atlantic coast is where the fishing action happens. Port de Peche is the must-see attraction. The old Teyarett fishing village sits nearby. A few basic guesthouses ($45 to $65/night) serve this area but most travelers visit from Tevragh-Zeina.
The Corniche coastal road offers sunset walks but swimming is dangerous (strong currents, no lifeguards). The area is not well-lit at night. Visit for the fish market in the morning and leave by afternoon.
Browse all Port & Coastal Strip hotels → Southern Suburbs 1 vetted hotel Residential expansion with little for visitors
Residential expansion with little for visitors
The southern districts (Arafat, El Mina) are residential sprawl. These neighborhoods house most of Nouakchott's population but have almost no tourist infrastructure. A few basic hotels exist but the commute to restaurants and attractions adds cost and time.
The only reason to stay here is a specific contact or event. Otherwise, spend the money on Tevragh-Zeina. The southern areas are poorer, dustier, and harder to navigate.
Browse all Southern Suburbs hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel.
Business Travel
Mercure Marhaba and Hotel Monotel serve the diplomatic and NGO crowd. Both have generators, WiFi, and meeting rooms. The embassy corridor on Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser is a 5-minute walk. Most business happens in Tevragh-Zeina.
Cultural Immersion
Port de Peche at dawn for the fish auction spectacle. Marche Capitale for fabric and silver shopping. The tea ceremony everywhere you go. Nouakchott is not beautiful but it is deeply authentic. You see a city building itself from sand.
Budget Travel
Auberge Sahara from $45/night. Thieboudienne for $1.50. Taxis for $1 to $3. Nouakchott is very affordable. The international flight is the expensive part. Bring euros in small bills as backup for when ATMs fail.
Photography
Port de Peche in morning light with painted pirogues. The Grand Mosque at sunset. Marche Capitale fabric vendors in their colorful wraps. Sand-covered streets with camels walking through traffic. Nouakchott is raw and photogenic.
Transit Hub
Most travelers pass through Nouakchott on the way to Atar, Chinguetti, or the iron ore train. Budget 1 to 2 nights for the fish market, market shopping, and organizing onward transport. The city is worth a day, not a week.
Overland Route
Nouakchott sits on the West Africa overland circuit. Common routes: Dakar to Nouakchott via Rosso (3 to 4 hours from border). Nouakchott to Western Sahara/Morocco (24+ hours by road). The city is a logical overnight stop.
We reviewed over 40 properties across Nouakchott. Hotels were evaluated on air conditioning reliability, water supply, cleanliness, and proximity to the Tevragh-Zeina commercial zone where most visitors spend their time.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Every hotel on this page earned its spot through this process.
When to Visit Nouakchott
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary by season.
Cool Season (Nov-Feb)
Comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and pleasant evenings (14 to 18C). The best window for city exploration and day trips to the coast. Hotel prices are stable. The fish market operates at full capacity. This is when most tourists visit Nouakchott.
Spring (Mar-Apr)
Temperatures rise but mornings and evenings remain pleasant. April starts getting hot (30C+) and sandstorms become more frequent. A decent time for a short visit if you stay in air-conditioned spaces during midday.
Hot Season (May-Sep)
Temperatures regularly exceed 40C. Sandstorms (harmattan) can reduce visibility for days. Air conditioning is essential and electricity is less reliable. Hotel prices drop because nobody wants to visit. Only business travelers should come in this period.
Autumn (Oct)
The heat starts breaking by late October but days still hit 35C+. The city begins to feel more livable. A gamble month. November is a safer bet for comfortable conditions.
Booking Tips for Nouakchott
Smart booking strategies for Nouakchott.
Book the Mercure for reliability
If your budget allows $140 to $195/night, the Mercure Marhaba is the safest choice in Nouakchott. Automatic generator, consistent WiFi, clean rooms, and a restaurant. Other hotels vary wildly in quality. The Mercure is the one hotel where nothing is a gamble.
Visit Port de Peche before 7 AM
The fish market peaks between 5 and 7 AM when the boats land. By 8 AM, most fish is sold and the beach empties. Go early with a light bag, small bills for grilled fish ($2 to $3), and your camera. The grilled whole fish at the market stands is the best meal in Nouakchott.
Bring euros, not dollars
Euros are the preferred foreign currency. BMCI ATM on Avenue Kennedy is the most reliable. Bring 300 to 500 EUR in small bills as backup. Forex bureaus on Avenue Kennedy offer fair rates. US dollars work but at worse rates. MRU ouguiyas are needed for taxis and small purchases.
Respect the midday shutdown
From noon to 3 PM, the city stops. Markets close, shops pull their shutters, even taxis become scarce. Plan your day around this. Go out early (6 to 11 AM), rest during midday, and resume at 3 PM. Fighting the midday heat is pointless.
Taxi fares are negotiable
Agree on the price before getting in. Tevragh-Zeina internal trips: 500 to 1,000 MRU ($1.30 to $2.60). To Port de Peche: 1,500 MRU ($4). To the airport: 3,000 to 5,000 MRU ($8 to $13). Drivers will start high. Be friendly but firm.
Dress modestly
Mauritania is an Islamic republic. Cover shoulders and knees. Women should carry a headscarf for the Grand Mosque and conservative areas. Long loose trousers and a cotton shirt work well in the heat. Revealing clothing attracts unwanted attention and is considered disrespectful.
Hotels in Nouakchott, FAQ
Straight answers from our team.
What is the best district to stay in Nouakchott?
Tevragh-Zeina is the clear winner. Every decent hotel is here, including the Mercure Marhaba, Hotel Halima, and Hotel Monotel. Restaurants, embassies, and banks line Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser and Avenue Kennedy. The Marche Capitale is a 10-minute walk from most hotels.
How much do hotels cost in Nouakchott?
Budget guesthouses start at $45/night (Auberge Sahara). Mid-range options like Hotel Halima and Hotel Halcyon run $100 to $145/night. The Mercure Marhaba charges $140 to $195/night and is the most reliable option. Air conditioning quality varies wildly at budget places.
Is Nouakchott safe?
The Tevragh-Zeina district is safe during the day. Avoid the beach area south of the port after dark. Keep valuables out of sight at the Marche Capitale where pickpocketing occurs. Taxis are the safest transport at night. The city has low violent crime but petty theft happens at markets.
How do I get around Nouakchott?
Taxis are the main transport. A ride within Tevragh-Zeina costs 500 to 1,000 MRU ($1.30 to $2.60). From Tevragh-Zeina to the port, budget 1,500 MRU ($4). Negotiate the price before getting in. There is no Uber or public bus system for tourists. Walking between districts is not practical (5+ km with no shade).
What should I eat in Nouakchott?
Port de Peche at 6 AM for grilled fish fresh off the boats ($2 to $3). Thieboudienne (fish and rice) at any local restaurant for 500 to 800 MRU ($1.50 to $2.50). Pizza Lina on Avenue Kennedy for Italian ($8 to $12). Le Boukarou for Lebanese ($10 to $15). The Mercure restaurant for French-style dining ($15 to $25).
When is the best time to visit Nouakchott?
November to February when temperatures range 20 to 28C. Nights cool to 14 to 18C. March and April are pleasant but warming. May to September is extremely hot (38 to 45C) and sandstorms are common. October is transitional. The fish market operates year-round.
Can I visit the Sahara from Nouakchott?
Yes. Atar is 450 km northeast (6 to 7 hours by paved road). From Atar, the Adrar Plateau, Chinguetti, and Terjit Oasis are accessible by 4x4. Arrange a guide and vehicle in Atar ($100 to $150/day). Some Nouakchott agencies organize 5 to 7 day circuits for $500 to $900 all-inclusive.
What is the Port de Peche fish market like?
Spectacular. Hundreds of painted wooden boats (pirogues) land their catch between 5 and 8 AM. The beach fills with buyers, sellers, and haulers. Fish is auctioned on the spot. You can buy a whole grilled fish for 1,000 MRU ($3). Bring a camera, arrive by 6 AM, and watch your pockets.
Do I need a visa for Mauritania?
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at the airport for 55 EUR (bring exact change and a passport photo). Processing takes 30 minutes. US and EU citizens can also apply online at evisa.gov.mr. Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from an endemic country.
What is the electricity situation?
Better than rural Mauritania but still inconsistent. Blackouts happen several times per week. The Mercure and top hotels have automatic generators. Budget hotels may lose power for hours. Charge your devices whenever possible. Bring a power bank.
Can I use credit cards in Nouakchott?
Only at the Mercure and a few other top hotels. Everything else is cash. BMCI and Societe Generale ATMs on Avenue Kennedy dispense MRU ouguiyas. Bring euros in cash as backup. Forex bureaus on Avenue Kennedy change euros at fair rates. US dollars are accepted but at worse exchange rates.
Is alcohol available in Nouakchott?
Mauritania is an Islamic republic where alcohol is officially banned. Some hotels serve it discreetly to foreign guests in rooms or private dining areas. Do not ask for it openly. Do not drink in public spaces. The penalty for public intoxication is severe. Stick to mint tea, fresh juices, and bottled water.
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