Mauritania in a nutshell Day Tour of Nouakchott

The Marché Capitale is the largest in the most vibrant market in Nouakchott and is an excellent prelude because it is a classic Mauritanian bazaar, where the local population can find everything they need every day, clothing, fresh fish, meat, religious books, household goods.

The place is not curated by tourists, and the atmosphere is dense, lively and impressive : an authentic introduction to the city and at the same time a good opportunity to discover a first souvenir.

The Saudi Mosque (Mosque Saoudienne, also known as Grande Mosque de Nouakchott) is one of the most prominent landmarks of the Mauritanian capital. It is located in the center of the city, not far from the Presidential Palace and the Chamber of Commerce. Its two high minarets serve as landmarks for many travelers and locals in the sprawling city.

Architecturally, it is a spacious building of sand-coloured stone that blends harmoniously into the surroundings. On windy days, its colour almost seems to blend with the dust of the Sahara. The mosque was built with the support of Saudi Arabia and is one of the most important Sunni prayer houses in the country.

Enjoy the sight of this impressive building from an outside perspective.

The fishing port of Nouakchott is one of the most vibrant places in the city : a colourful, intense stretch of the Atlantic coast where hundreds of fishermen land daily in their traditionally colourfully painted pirogen. In the late afternoon, a unique spectacle arises here, when the boats return with the catch of the day and men carry the heavy nets through the surf. The atmosphere is loud, authentic and full of movement – an immediate insight into the life of the Mauritanian coast. The adjacent fish market shows the enormous diversity of local marine fauna, which is central to the city's economy. For visitors, the port is a place of strong impressions, ideal for observing, photographing and immersing yourself in the everyday life of Nouakchott.

Get on a taxi ride through Nouakchott's diverse neighborhoods and experience the city in direct comparison. In Ksar, Nouakchott shows its original side : simple houses, small workshops, quiet everyday life – a glimpse into the early structures of the capital. Sebkha is the lively opposite pole : dense traffic, busy traders, colourful stalls and vibrant street life. Finally, the drive leads to Tevragh Zeina, the modern, affluent district with wide streets, embassies, cafes and elegant shops. This short journey through three worlds makes the contrasts of Nouakchott immediately noticeable and shows how diverse the city really is.

Relax after an intense day with a tea on the beach. Have you heard of the Mauritanian tea ceremony? Your guide will be happy to show you.

In Beila you will find the Marché aux Chameaux, the camel market. This is one of the most impressive and characteristic places in Nouakchott. It is one of the largest camel markets in West Africa, even the second largest after Khartoum according to Petit Futé.

Hundreds of camels and dromedaries arrive here every day, mostly early in the morning, often delivered on trucks. The animals are presented, inspected and traded – a living spectacle of calls, negotiations and dust.

The market is an authentic meeting place for breeders, traders and nomads who negotiate prices, trade animals or sell milk - - which many travelers also taste on site.

Due to its size and dynamism, the market is a place that is best visited with a local guide – not only because of its spaciousness, but also to better understand the social and economic processes.

A fascinating insight into Mauritanian nomadic culture.