Nouadhibou is the city you arrive in after the iron ore train in Mauritania. Covered in ore, exhausted, and in urgent need of a shower. And probably the bathroom.
It is also Mauritania’s second largest city, a port town on the Atlantic coast, and geographically one of the more unusual places you can go. Look at it on a map and you’ll see why: the city sits at the very tip of a long, narrow peninsula that juts out into the ocean. The border with Morocco cuts straight down that peninsula, splitting it almost exactly in half. It’s a strange thing to see on a map, and an even stranger thing to be standing in.
There isn’t a huge amount to do here, and that’s fine. After Nouakchott, the full Adrar region and the infamous ore train, Nouadhibou is where you rest. It’s lively, the people are warm and genuinely curious about tourists in a way that Nouakchott isn’t, and there are some unexpectedly good jewellery and gift stores worth a look. It’s a pleasant place to spend the day before heading home. And honestly I found it a really nice way to end a Mauritania trip.
If you’re looking for a broader guide of Mauritania – check mine out here!
Getting to and from Nouadhibou
Chances are you’ll arrive on the iron ore train, which terminates here. It pulls in around 11am–midday. If you’re travelling with a tour, they should arrange a pickup to get you at the tracks. If you’re braving an independent trip (and to be clear, I don’t recommend this) your hotel can likely arrange a pickup. But don’t expect any taxis to be there. The journey from the tracks into the city is 20-30 mins.
You can drive to Nouadhibou from Nouakchott. But I’m not really sure why you would as a tourist. You can’t board the ore train here and go backwards (the carts are empty…)
You will likely leave Nouadhibou by road to get back to Nouakchott. A seat in a shared minivan costs around €60 – your hotel will be able to advise how to book. If you’ve done the trip with a tour operator, this will already be arranged (potentially at an extra cost, but worth it). The journey back to the capital takes 7ish hours. All desert roads. Take snacks. On a tour you will probably stop at a nice beach outside of Nouakchott though – bonus!
One important note: Nouadhibou has an airport, but with very infrequent flights to Nouakchott, and sometimes it is not functional for commercial flights. There have also been cases of people booking ‘tickets’ from this airport (especially those to Gran Canaria), only to arrive at the airport and find the flight doesn’t exist. Your best bet for exit options are the minivan back to Nouakchott or onward travel into Western Sahara and Morocco if that’s your next destination. I haven’t done the latter; there is a border crossing in the north of the peninsula, though logistically it is said to be tricky. They definitely do not see tourists very often on that route.
Arriving in Nouadhibou
First things first: shower and sleep
If you’ve just arrived from the train, this is not negotiable. Do not even think of trying to get on a transport straight back to Nouakchott. You’ll be filthy and in no shape to sit in a shared van.
On the shower: Budget 30–40 minutes for a first attempt at getting the ore off. It’s magnetic, it gets into everything, and you’ll likely need a second shower later. Contact your hotel in advance to request early check-in; most will accommodate given the train schedule, or have a paid option for early checkin.
Then – sleep. There isn’t much to do in Nouadhibou that can’t wait a few hours, and you won’t have slept much on the train. Rest first, explore later.
What to do in Nouadhibou
You only really need a day (or half day) to see the city highlights. You’ll get in from the train around midday, and after resting, you can see the city in the late afternoon. And then be on your merry way back to Nouakchott.
Wander the city
The most honest recommendation for Nouadhibou is simply to walk around it. The city is lively and surprisingly easy to move through. People go about their business with an energy that feels way different from the quieter pace of the towns of Adrar. Locals are also noticeably more interested in tourists here than in Nouakchott, where nobody turned a head. Not in a bad way, just something noticeable. Expect conversation, curiosity, and a general friendliness that makes wandering genuinely enjoyable.
The jewellery stores are worth seeking out. There are several good ones in the central area, and after days in the desert with nothing to spend money on, it’s a pleasant way to pass an hour. Or maybe I’m just materialistic… Actually, I didn’t buy anything, but still.
Port Artisanal
The artisanal fishing port is the most central and accessible part of Nouadhibou’s waterfront. Busy, working, and a good look at how this city actually functions. Fishing boats, activity, the smell of the Atlantic. Worth a visit.
An important note on photography at the port: taking photos in port areas in Nouadhibou is not permitted, and there are no signs warning you. Police will appear and may attempt to confiscate your phone. If you don’t speak French or Arabic, this can escalate quickly. Be discreet with your phone around any port area and do not take any photos. It is just not worth the hassle.
Also worth noting the Port didn’t exactly give off relaxed vibes. It’s not for tourists, so you’re kind of in the way. Go to see it, but don’t hang around, and don’t get in anyone’s way.
Monk Seal Interpretation Centre & Cap Blanc Lighthouse (optional, needs more time)
At the southern tip of the peninsula (around 30 mins from Nouadhibou) is a centre dedicated to the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals. The peninsula and surrounding waters are one of their last remaining habitats. There is also an abandoned lighthouse that gets a lot of love online. I must add that I did not go. But I wanted to. Because who doesn’t want to see seals?! It’s a cool reason to make the drive down to the very tip of the peninsula, which is itself worth doing just to say you’ve stood there.
Honestly though, there is no easy way to do this trip. There are no tours there, and reviews online suggest that you have to get guards to let you in, pay a small entry fee, have your passport, etc. Apparently you technically enter Western Sahara while there though, so that’s cool. You’d also need a 4×4 to cover the last stretch to get there, as the road becomes unpaved. If you really want to go, ask your hotel if they can recommend a reputable driver to take you – specify you want someone who knows how to enter the centre, not just a random taxi.
Where to eat in Nouadhibou
Higher-end dining options are limited (read: non-existent), but there are decent places to get a good meal.
Restaurant AMMOS – on the Boulevard Maritime, serving pizzas, pastas, seafood, and salads. Not exactly what you’d call authentic local cuisine, but solid Mediterranean food options and a reliable choice after days of rice and goat in the desert. Service was pretty quick too. Make this your top pick.
Jaloufa Restaurant – local food, sea food, plus the typical salads/soups/pizzas etc. Comes highly rated (for Nouadhibou) – and option if you’re hungry and passing by.
Casanova – praised for its extensive menu, including arabic mezze, soups, rice dishes, seafood etc. Located between hotels in the south and the city centre, so good option irrespective of where you’re staying/going/coming from.
Merou – Chinese restaurant, hearty food, another solid option giving you an alternative to Mauritanian food.
Where to stay in Nouadhibou
Hotel Delphin – excellent quality, reliable wifi, and a solid location for wandering the suburbs of the city. This really is the place to book – its modern, bright, and feels like 5 stars after a night on the train. They also do not complain when you cover their lounge area in iron ore – bonus.
Valencia Hotel – Highly rated hotel with wifi, comfortable and clean rooms, and super helpful staff. Right in the centre of the city, though not near the places above (but not an issue you can take a cab).
Practical tips for Nouadhibou
Contact your hotel before arriving to arrange early check-in if you’re coming from the train. You will want to shower immediately. And practically speaking – probably do this while still in Nouakchott days before, given you’re unlikely to have connection during Adrar/on the train.
No airport flights. Don’t try to book them.
Be careful with your camera near the port. No photos in port areas – police will act on this without warning. Don’t even get your phone out.
Cash only. As with everywhere in Mauritania, card machines are unreliable. Have local currency – make sure you keep some stashed for this part of the trip.
The peninsula tip requires a 4×4. And someone who knows what they are doing. If you want to reach the monk seal centre and/or just go right to the tip of the peninsula, get your hotel to arrange a driver with appropriate transport can handle unpaved road.
FAQ: Visiting Nouadhibou
Is Nouadhibou worth visiting? As a standalone destination, probably not. As the final stop on a Mauritania trip after the iron ore train – it’s a genuinely pleasant place to decompress, sleep, wander, and ease back into civilisation before heading home.
How do I get from the iron ore train to my hotel in Nouadhibou? The train terminates way south of the city. Your tour operator will arrange a pickup if you’re travelling with one. Independent travellers should arrange this with their hotel in advance.
Can I fly out of Nouadhibou? No. The airport is not currently operational for commercial flights. You’ll need to travel by road to Nouakchott or overland into Morocco.
How long should I spend in Nouadhibou? One day is plenty. Literally the day you arrive on the train, before leaving for Nouakchott early the next day. It’s enough time to recover from the train, see the port, and wander the city before moving on.
Is it safe to photograph in Nouadhibou? In the city generally, yes. At or near the port, no. Photography is prohibited and police enforce this without warning signs.
Also Worth Reading
Planning your wider Mauritania trip? These posts cover everything else you need.
Riding the Mauritania Iron Ore Train – the complete guide to boarding, surviving, and loving one of the world’s most extreme train journeys.
Chinguetti, Atar & the Adrar Region – ancient sand-buried cities, islamic manuscripts, and the geological wonder you can’t see from the ground.
Visiting Nouakchott – an honest guide to Mauritania’s surprising capital, including the rooftop trick that gets you the best view in the city.
Mauritania: A Complete Beginner’s Guide – visas, flights, SIM cards, money, and everything else you need before you arrive.
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