Nouakchott

A BIT OF HISTORY

Nouakchott was a small colonial fort populated by a few hundred souls. From the Thirties with the construction of the Imperial which connected Casablanca to Dakar and the installation of the convoys by the Lacombes Company which made the Saint-Louis-Rosso-Atar trip, Nouakchott, began to develop, modestly, it is true. The place became a relay for the nomads in transhumance and a stop between Atar and Rosso.

In 1950, a flood inundated the village and the inhabitants settled in a new site, a little more in the west.

It is on July 24 1957 that the project to transfer the capital from Saint-Louis to Nouakchott became a fact.

March 5th, 1958, Mokhtar Ould Daddah, Vice-président of the Council and Gerard Jacquet, Ministre of France for Overseas, placed the first official stone of Nouakchott.

It is during the great drought of 1973-1976, which brought to Nouakchott a great mass of rural people. Between 1972 and 1975, the population passed from 40,000 to 145,000 and then to 450,000 ten years later.

In 2003, projections are of a population of 810,000 inhabitants.

From 1973 the Town of Nouakchott was divided into four districts, then with the massive developments, which followed, two other districts, the 5th, and the 6th were created. The city continued to grow and two more were added in 1979 and 1988, Toujounine and Arafat then two others in 1989, Dar Naim and Riad.

Today Nouakchott counts 9 Moughataa
Nouakchott has a lot of charm, and is not a dangerous place. This city, stretching for kilometres in northern direction, has a laid back atmosphere. People are very friendly, and there are almost just as many women in the streets as there are men, and there are few signs of limitations to their freedom

When you're here, you'll end up walking in the streets, and go down to the endless beach. Inside Nouakchott, the city centre is active and with entertaining market activities going on, mainly in the early hours of the day. The Cinquième district is an even better market, where handicrafts can be seen or bought. Prices are high here, and the handicrafts, being of very good quality, are unfortunately not worth the price. Of buildings to be seen, Nouakchott is too young to offer anything of high age. The mosque donated by Saudi Arabia in the town centre, is impressive. So is the Moroccan one, further south.

Nouakchott deserves to have its sunny side exposed as well, and the Tavragh Zayna and Las Palmas areas, less than half a kilometre northwest of the town centre, indicate what the good life in Mauritania can be like. Huge and impressive villas, can be seen from a distance, behind walls and gates

GETTING AROUND

AIRPORT
As you get off the plane porters will approach you. If you do not have cash and if your luggages are light, hold onto them yourselves. If not, conclude a deal with the porter.

From the airport you can travel by a taxi. In Nouakchott, taxis do not have meters. Indicate your direction. Ensure that the requested address was identified and especially inform yourself about the fee, conclude and leave.

IN TOWN
During the cold season, going places in Nouakchott is very pleasant. The distances are often reduced.

You can go by taxi but don’t forget to discuss and agree on the price. In general, they are known. But discuss and agree because an individual can own the taxi and you are alone on board. It can be collective with a fixed rate and you pay a small amount for your part of the ride.

You can be transported by bus. It is a very popular means for the masses. For certain people, it is not practical. These buses are often old and stop at the sight of customers. This really slows down their travel.

Plage des Pêcheurs and the Wharf

 One of the best retreats from dusty Nouakchott, is the beach and the port, Wharf. The main attraction of the small and old port of Wharf is the fisher boats coming in with their catch in the afternoon. They also offer services for those interested in going fishing themselves.

The beach is really good, and unspoilt, and the water is clean, too. This is a place excellent for meeting young people in a relaxed ambience, and the beach becomes almost crowded in the weekends. There is fishing activity here as well, with many Senegalese fishermen, and this would be your best place to eat around Nouakchott. The fish is fresh, and it's grilled on the spot, and sold at sensible prices. 5 km east: Nouakchott

TOWARDS THE INTERIOR OF THE COUNTRY
The interior of the country is well served. Generally by “bush taxis” . They are cars of the limousines type carrying 6 to 8 people and the luggage is in the back trunk or on the roof. These taxis reach most destinations. For the difficult access points, they usually use 4x4, generally Toyota’s, station wagons or pick-up trucks. In this last case, the passengers are at the back on the platform. They can prove to be comfortable and stable if the load is well distributed and you can fit between the luggages and bundles. Avoid pick-up trucks which are overloaded. You can also pay for a place at the front, "in first class".

From Nouakchott the cars go everywhere towards the principal zones.
You have several destinations:

towards "La route de l'espoir" (The road of hope):
Boutilimit-Aleg-Maktaa-Lahjar-Guerou-Kiffa-Tintane-Aioun-Nema
towards Rosso and Senegal
towards Akjoujt-Atar
towards Moudjeria-Tidjikja
towards Bogé-Kaédi
towards Sélibaby
towards Mederdra-Rkiz
towards Keur Macène-Ndiago
towards Nmamghar-Nouadhibou

Nouakchott photos

Presentation

Resources

Culture and the arts

Kiffa beads in Mauritania

The craft industry

History 1960 - 2004

Adrar and Tagant regions

The Arguin reef

Ancient cities

Train of the desert

The south west

Road of hope

The river region

Nouakchott