Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Nouakchott (NKC): 4 km from the city.

• Full list of airports in Mauritania with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

There are limited internal flights in Mauritania (for example, there are daily flights between Nouakchott and Atâr or Nouâdhibou), but it is possible to charter light aircraft.

There is just one rail line, which is run to serve the ore mines, and runs between Nouâdhibou and Zouérat. Although services are free, the journeys are arduous and not to be recommended.

Car hire is available in Nouakchott, Nouâdhibou and Atâr, and 4-wheel drive vehicles with a driver can also be hired. There are a number of paved main roads, such as the one that links Nouakchott with Rosso in the south of the country, Akjoujt in the north and Néma in the southeast. There is also a paved highway that runs east from Nouakchott to Mali. All other routes are sand tracks, which require the use of a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. In the dry season, roads can become obscured by drifting sand, whilst in the rainy season, they may become impassable. It is important to note that travellers should never attempt any desert journey without a full set of spare parts and essential safety equipment. A guide is also highly recommended.

Taxis are available in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Although plentiful, they are very expensive. Fares are set, not metered, and a small tip is expected.