Book Cheap Flights to Nouakchott

About Nouakchott

Nouakchott is, with its population of around 1 million, the largest city in Mauritania, despite being a mere 60 years old. It serves as the country’s administrative and economic hub. Quiet and humble by the global standard, it is nonetheless an ideal destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in the unique culture of the Sahara.

And for a limited time, cheap flights to Nouakchott are now available; seize your chance to visit this thriving hub of the Sahara today! Nouakchott is home to Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC), located about 45 minutes’ drive from the city, and serves a number of international airlines, including Tunisair and Air France. Popular connecting flights to Nouakchott depart from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Flight duration from Johannesburg is approximately 18 hours, 40 minutes.

Popular flights to Nouakchott

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Why visit Nouakchott

nouakchott market

Sunlit Shopping

Bustling outdoor markets represent a thrilling opportunity to soak up the wonders of the local culture.

nouakchott desert

Sandy Beauty

The sprawling, sandy, rocky expanses of the Sahara will immerse you in a very singular sort of natural gorgeousness.

nouakchott beach

By The Sea

The beaches, wharfs and markets give you a chance to soak up the sun and observe the bustling local fishing industry.

General information

Essential details you need to know before your trip

Country Mauritania
Currency Ouguiya
Exchange Rate 1 ZAR = 27.80 MRO
Language Arabic
Hub Airport Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Airline Mauritania Airlines International
Time Zone GMT + 0
Travel Adaptor Type C

Best time to visit Nouakchott

Though generally as warm all year round as one would expect from a West African capital, the months of December to March are among the more reasonably varied, with highs in the lower 30˚Cs and lows in the lower teens. This, combined with the lack of rainfall, makes this the most popular season among tourists, and the best one to come should you be planning an outdoorsy experience. By contrast, the months of July to September are marked as the least popular, boasting both consistently high temperatures and high levels of rainfall, are the least popular among visitors. This is the best time to come should you wish to avoid the crowds and get the best accommodation deals, but you’d best have your raincoat with you.

Weather & Climate in Nouakchott

Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Low °C 13°C 14°C 16°C 18°C 20°C 22°C 24°C 24°C 24°C 22°C 18°C 14°C
High °C 29°C 30°C 33°C 33°C 35°C 34°C 32°C 32°C 34°C 35°C 33°C 28°C
Rainfall (mm) 0 0 0 1 1 1 18 81 38 10 5 0

Though only a youthful 60 years old, the Mauritanian capital of Nouakchott has grown into one of the largest in the Sahara, and the economic and administrative hub of the country. Though perhaps lacking, to some degree, in traditional tourist attractions, this bustling desert haven offers its guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the tradition and the daily lives of the hardy people of the Sahara. Wander the sun-soaked beaches, admire the gorgeous architecture of the Central Mosque, or peruse the distinctly local handicrafts and the freshly-caught seafood available at the city’s bustling markets. The Nouakchott experience is one steeped in locality.

Compare several airlines, and book your cheap flights to Nouakchott online at Travelstart!

South Africans can be issued a visa upon their arrival in Mauritania. They should ensure that they have a valid South African passport prior to arrival. Should they wish to avoid the delay upon arrival, however, they can also apply for a visa prior to departure. Inquiries can be made at the Mauritanian Embassy, located at 146 Anderson Street in Pretoria.

The South African embassy in Mauritania is located at the following address:

LOT 135/137 Tevragh Zeina Nouakchott

Tel: + 222 4 524 5590

A number of mosquito-borne diseases pose a threat in Mauritania, and in addition to ensuring that you're up-to-date on all routine vaccinations, it is recommended that visitors receive immunisations against malaria and yellow fever. Be sure to consult a health professional on the matter before departing.

Despite some past political tensions, Mauritania is generally acknowledged as one of Africa’s safer nations, and violent crime is scarce in Nouakchott. Petty crime, however, is as much of an issue as anywhere, and visitors are advised to practice common caution, never leaving their valuables unattended or wandering the streets at late hours.

Item Cape Town Johannesburg Nouakchott
Meal, inexpensive restaurant R 90 R 100 R 44
Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught) R 22 R 20 R 72
Cappuccino R 19 R 20 R 22
Taxi 1km (normal tariff) R 10 R 12 R 11
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) R 35 R 35 R 27

Nouakchott boasts a number of highly affordable accommodation establishments, with prices ranging from around under 13761 MRO to over 49540 MRO.

For those who prefer the sleeping-under-the-stars sort of lifestyle, a number of camping sites are also available in the general region.

Taxis are the primary mode of transportation in Nouakchott, though as is often the case in countries without strictly enforced fare rates, negotiating the fare is frequently necessary. In favourable weather, walking is also a pleasant way to take in the local experience.

Main attractions in Nouakchott

Marche Capitale

Marche Capitale

Central Mosque

Central Mosque

Port de Peche

Port de Peche

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