Major Highways & Driving Tips in Nouakchott, Mauritania
1. Route Nationale 1 (RN1)
The main north-south highway connecting Nouakchott to the rest of Mauritania. It's crucial for long-distance travel.
- Length: Over 1,000 km long, making it the longest highway in Mauritania.
- Conditions: Paved sections and unpaved sections with varying conditions throughout its length.
- Traffic: Heavy truck traffic, especially around Nouakchott, requires cautious driving.
2. Route Nationale 2 (RN2)
The primary east-west highway, linking Nouakchott to the border with Senegal. It's essential for cross-border travel.
- Length: Approximately 500 km long, connecting Nouakchott to the Senegalese border.
- Conditions: Paved sections and occasional unpaved stretches, with varying road conditions.
- Cross-border travel: Requires documentation checks at the border crossing points.
3. Grand'Place du Marche
A bustling market in Nouakchott, filled with local goods and services. It's an essential stop for supplies.
- Variety: Offers a vast array of local products, including food, textiles, and household items.
- Locations: Situated in the heart of Nouakchott, making it easily accessible for travelers.
- Crowds: Can be busy and crowded, so patience and careful navigation are necessary.
4. Hotel de la Poste
A historic hotel in Nouakchott, offering accommodation, dining, and other services. It's a popular choice for travelers.
- History: Built during the French colonial era, it holds significant historical value.
- Location: Centrally located in Nouakchott, making it easily accessible for travelers.
- Amenities: Offers a range of amenities, including dining options and a business center.
5. Le Marché Central
A modern market in Nouakchott, providing a cleaner and more organized shopping experience. It's a convenient alternative to the Grand'Place du Marche.
- Organization: Separated into sections for easy navigation, such as food, textiles, and electronics.
- Cleanliness: Maintains a cleaner environment compared to traditional markets like the Grand'Place du Marche.
- Prices: Competitive prices for local goods and services.
6. Restaurant Chez N'gone
A popular restaurant in Nouakchott, offering traditional Mauritanian cuisine. It's a great place to sample local food.
- Cuisine: Serves delicious Mauritanian dishes such as Thieboudienne and Mafé.
- Location: Centrally located in Nouakchott, making it easily accessible for travelers.
- Atmosphere: Provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for its customers.
7. Le Parc National du Banc d'Arguin
A nature reserve off the coast of Nouakchott, home to a large bird population and migratory whales. It's a fantastic place for wildlife viewing.
- Wildlife: Home to various bird species, including flamingos, and migratory whales.
- Location: Located off the coast of Nouakchott, requiring a boat tour for exploration.
- Conservation: Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to preserve its rich biodiversity.
8. Mosquée de la Corniche
A beautiful mosque on the coast of Nouakchott, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection. It's an essential landmark in the city.
- Architecture: Features stunning modern Islamic architecture.
- Location: Located on the coast of Nouakchott, offering panoramic views of the ocean.
- Calmness: Offers a tranquil atmosphere for visitors to enjoy and reflect.
9. Le Musée de la Révolution de Nouakchott
A museum in Nouakchott dedicated to the history of Mauritania's independence. It provides valuable insight into the country's past.
- History: Dedicated to the history of Mauritania's independence and its struggles for freedom.
- Location: Centrally located in Nouakchott, making it easily accessible for travelers.
- Displays: Features various artifacts and exhibits related to Mauritania's independence movement.
10. Petrol Stations in Nouakchott
Essential for refueling vehicles during travel. Petrol stations may have varying operating hours and availability of fuel.
- Location: Located throughout Nouakchott and along major highways.
- Hours: Operating hours may vary, so it's essential to check before relying on a specific station.
- Fuel Availability: Availability of fuel can be unpredictable, especially during periods of high demand.
11. Car Rental Services in Nouakchott
Essential for travelers who wish to rent a vehicle. Car rental services may have varying policies and conditions.
- Locations: Available throughout Nouakchott, near popular attractions and hotels.
- Policies: Each car rental service may have different policies regarding age, driver's license requirements, and insurance options.
- Vehicle Options: Various vehicle types available for rent, including cars, SUVs, and minivans.
12. ATMs in Nouakchott
Essential for accessing cash during travel. ATMs may have varying fees and availability.
- Locations: Found throughout Nouakchott, often located near banks, hotels, and shopping areas.
- Fees: Fees may be associated with withdrawals, so it's essential to check before using an ATM.
- Availability: ATMs may not always be available or may run out of cash during busy periods.
13. Taxis in Nouakchott
A convenient way to get around the city. Taxis may have varying fares and availability.
- Locations: Found throughout Nouakchott, often easily identified by their color.
- Fares: Fares may be negotiable or based on a meter, depending on the taxi service.
- Availability: Taxis may not always be immediately available during peak hours or in remote areas.
14. Speed Limits and Road Rules in Nouakchott
Understanding the local traffic rules and speed limits is essential for safe driving in Nouakchott.
- Speed Limits: Varying speed limits should be respected, with a general limit of 50 km/h in urban areas.
- Road Signs: Familiarize yourself with local road signs and traffic signals to ensure safe driving.
- Driving Culture: Be aware of the local driving culture, as it may differ from your home country.
15. Emergency Services in Nouakchott
Knowing how to contact emergency services can be crucial during an accident or medical emergency.
- Police: The police emergency number is 17.
- Ambulance: The ambulance service can be contacted through the same number as the police (17).
- Fire Department: The fire department emergency number is 18.