Overview
Nouakchott is one of the world's youngest capital cities, built where the Sahara meets the Atlantic. It's a low-rise, sandy place where fishing pirogues land their catch straight onto the beach and camels change hands at markets on the outskirts. For UK travellers it is the main gateway to Mauritania, its ancient caravan towns and the Banc d'Arguin bird reserve. There are no direct flights from the UK, so every routing involves one connection, but the trip is very manageable.
Best time to fly to Nouakchott
The comfortable season runs from November to February, when daytime temperatures usually sit in the mid-to-high 20s Celsius and evenings turn cool. From March the heat builds fast, and between May and September it becomes punishing inland, though the Atlantic keeps the coast a little fresher. A short, humid spell can arrive in August and September, and dusty Harmattan winds sometimes cut visibility in winter. Fares tend to ease outside the December holidays and the July to August peak, so check the When to book chart above for the current pattern.
Airlines and routes
No airline flies non-stop between the UK and Nouakchott, so you will connect through a hub. The usual choices are Air France via Paris, Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul; Iberia and Air Europa serve the city from Madrid, and Mauritania Airlines adds regional links. From London or Manchester, allow roughly 8 to 11 hours in total including the connection, with Casablanca and Paris the most common changeover points. The flight from Paris to Nouakchott alone takes about five hours.
Things to do in Nouakchott
A day or two here rewards curiosity more than a tick-list. The highlights:
- Port de Pêche (Fish Market): Hundreds of hand-painted pirogues land the day's catch on the beach at dusk – the city's most memorable sight.
- National Museum of Mauritania: A compact introduction to the country's archaeology, nomadic culture and Saharan trade routes.
- Marché Capitale: The central market for fabrics, silver, mint tea and everyday street life.
- Camel Market: A working livestock market on the eastern edge of town that feels a world away from the coast.
- Saudi (Moroccan) Mosque: One of the largest mosques in the city and a striking landmark.
At Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
The airport opened in 2016 and lies about 25 km north-east of the centre, a 30 to 40 minute drive. There is no rail link. A pre-arranged hotel transfer is the easiest option; otherwise use the official airport taxis and agree the fare before you set off. Ride-hailing is limited, so carry some local cash for the journey.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Nouakchott
- Book around two to three months ahead for the best balance of price and choice; last-minute fares on these routes are rarely a bargain.
- Fly midweek, typically Tuesday or Wednesday, and avoid the December holidays and the July to August summer peak.
- Keep your dates flexible and compare the price charts on this page – shifting by a day or two can make a real difference.
- Compare connecting hubs directly, as Casablanca, Paris and Istanbul often price very differently on the same dates.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa. A visa on arrival is currently available at Nouakchott airport for a fee payable in euros, but check the latest requirements before you fly as rules change. Carry a passport with at least six months' validity. The currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU); Mauritania runs largely on cash and foreign cards are rarely accepted, so bring euros to exchange. A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required on entry, and a travel health appointment is worth booking well ahead. Always read the FCDO's Mauritania travel advice first, as it restricts travel in some parts of the country.
