Nouadhibou

From Halal Explorer

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Nouadhibou is the second largest city in Mauritania. It's a major fishing centre and large industrial port.

Nouadhibou Halal Explorer

Nouadhibou,PortArtisanal1 - Boats in the fishing port A key economic centre, it's home to roughly 90,000 people. Before independence and the town was called Port Etienne by the French colonists after the first boat which arrived here and the Tienne. Since independence in 1960, it has been called Nouadhibou, which means Place of the Jackal. Many jackals used to come and drink water in a well. The town's three main parts are:

  • Cansado: Means tired in Spanish. This area is about 10 kilometers from Keran. It was built by the French in 1960, for the workers of the SNIM mining company. It has a nice hotel, tennis courts and petanque grounds.
  • Keran: The town centre was built in 1958. The central police, customs, banks, office supply and central market are here.
  • Numerowatt: Starts with the area of Socogim and is divided into 6 water taps (robinets). It was built in 1982-83. The water comes from an underground lake in Boulenoir, about 90 kilometers from here. The pipes were laid in 1960. The town has developed quite recently and is growing rapidly. Most of the town lives here.

In 1990 and the tarmac from Keran to Numerwatt was built - a distance of about 13 km. In 2000, The town centre roads were paved and Internet and mobile phones arrived.

In 2005 and the highway between Nouadhibou and Nouakchott was completed. There is now a clean half-way stop at the 235 kilometers mark built by a Moroccan business where you can get a fresh cup of coffee and tasty sandwiches as well as a tajine, a kind of Meat stew. They also have separate toilets for men and women as well as a simple tyre changing shop. Nearby is the entrance to the Banc d'Arguin national park.

Nouadhibou without SNIM or fishing would not be the same. SNIM, the Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière, is the biggest company in Mauritania. The iron began being mined in the 1960s when they began building the railway which carries one of the longest trains in the world (2 kilometers). Passengers can pay to sit inside a rail vehicle or ride for free on top, which is quite the ride.

The other economic engine is the fishing industry. There are 3 ports: a commercial port (Port Autonome), a local fishing port (Port Artisanal) and the private SNIM port at Cansado for iron export. If you like salty air, sea food and fish, checking out the Port Artisanal can be a treat.

How is the Climate in Nouadhibou

{{Climate| units = Metric | janhigh =24.5 | febhigh =25.1 | marhigh =25.9 | aprhigh =26.1 | mayhigh =26.3 | junhigh =27.1 | julhigh =27.9 | aughigh =28.2 | sephigh =30.6 | octhigh =30.3 | novhigh =27.5 | dechigh =24.6 | janlow =13.3 | feblow =13.7 | marlow =14.3 | aprlow =14.7 | maylow =15.8 | junlow =17.0 | jullow =18.6 | auglow =19.6 | seplow =20.1 | octlow =18.7 | novlow =16.5 | declow =14.3 | janprecip =1 | febprecip =2 | marprecip =1 | aprprecip =0 | mayprecip =0 | junprecip =0 | julprecip =1 | augprecip =3 | sepprecip =5 | octprecip =3 | novprecip =2 | decprecip =0 | description = Source:[[:w:Nouadhibou#Climate }}

Travel to Nouadhibou

20.929|-17.033}} Nouadhibou port - Welcome!

By plane

  • Nouadhibou International Airport IATA Flight Code: NDB 20.929184, -17.033492 centrally located - Nouadhibou International Airport Mauritania Airways flies several times a week between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou as well as from Gran Canaria, from where Bintar Canarias also has 1-2 flights per week.

If you need a visa on arrival (€55 for EU Muslims), turn to the right before entering the passport control building. Right next to the departure waiting lounge there is a small office where the visa is issued. Don't let others jump the queue.

Best way to travel in Nouadhibou by a Taxi

From Nouakchott, 470 km away there are frequent collective taxis (Mercedes taking 6 passengers). Prices start from 4500 ougiyas. From Nouadhibou ask for the official taxi station and the Gare Routiere at the town entrance, in Robinet 6. At the first roundabout coming in, turn left and it's 300 m on your left. Taxis like to leave at first light.

From Dakhla in Western Sahara there are collective taxis (11,000 ougiyas) and shuttle vanes (8,000 ougiyas).

By car

There are two sealed roads to Nouadhibou. One connects it with the capital, Mauritania|Nouakchott. The other one goes to the border and further into Western Sahara. There is a 3-km unsealed part between the borders, but it can be passed by a 2WD vehicle without any problems. This is a no-man's land, policed by neither bordering country. Avoid making deals with anyone you might meet there.

Cars and sept-places run from the garage at the exit from town, near the train station. To Mauritania|Nouakchott - from 4,000 ougiya per person in a Mercedes (470 kilometers, about 6 hours).

Due to incidents, foreigners going overland have been advised to travel in groups during daylight hours only.

Travel on a Bus in Nouadhibou

There are no regular bus connections from outside of the nation, however Supratours runs a bus from Marrakech to the Mauretanien border from where is it feasible to arrange independent transport. See Mauritania#By_bus.2Fbush_taxi|Mauritania/Get in.

Between Nouadhibou and Nouakchott, however and there are at least five bus lines that provide daily runs. Most leave about 16:00-17:00 and arrive in the capital between 22:00-23:00. A few bus lines now have mid-day runs which begin around 11:00 to 13:00. Prices range from 3,000-4,500 ougiyas. Some of the better known bus companies are:

  • El-Bouragh, across from the Nouadhibou airport.
  • Global, on the lower road across the street from the FM radio station.
  • Al-Moussavir leaves around 11:00 and is within sight of the As-Salaam bus line on the main middle road leaving town.
  • As-Salaam, on the middle primary street near the 5th Robinet.
  • Somatir, at Robinet 3, uses air-conditioned 20-seater Mercedes mini-vans.
  • Sonef bus line leaves at 12:00 for Mauritania|Nouakchott. It is 200 m on the left from the last roundabout leaving town.

Nouadhibou train-3 - The train at Nouadhibou station

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Nouadhibou

There is only one train line in Mauritania, connecting Nouadhibou to Choum and Zouerat. It is used to carry iron ore from Zouerat mines to Nouadhibou port. Only one passenger vehicle is attached to one of these trains daily in each direction. There is no strict timetable, but the passenger vehicle typically departs Nouadhibou around 15:00. The passenger train station is located between Cansado and the town centre, across from the many coastal shipwrecks. Tickets for the passenger vehicle to Choum cost 250 ouguiya but it's usually overcrowded. Travel in an ore hopper is feasible and free. However, a scarf or other face cover is necessary, as there is lots of dust. The ore is not very dirty stuff. Be careful aboard the train as it lurches violently when accelerating or braking.

How to get around in Nouadhibou

The down town area can be walked in under 15 minutes, so take a walk-about and see the sights.

Taxis are amazingly cheap, easy to get and everywhere. Taxi to the train station should cost around 300 ougiyas per person when it's full. One way taxi fares on the primary streets in town are between 80 and 100 ougiyas. Taxis from the town centre to the Port Autonome area or Cansado are an additional 100 ougiyas. Two passengers are expected to fit in the front passenger seat and four passengers in the back seat. Men may be asked to move should a woman enter the vehicle to help her maintain an appropriate distance.

What to see in Nouadhibou

Ships graveyard, Nouadhibou, Mauritania-2 - The ship graveyard Laguera view - La Guera's ruins

  • Fishing harbour with Senegalese boats. Also and there are many shipwrecks in the Nouadhibou Bay. The biggest and most recent shipwreck lies at the tip of the peninsula.
  • At the absolute southernmost tip of the same peninsula and there is a small national park, where for a small fee you can observe the meeting point between the bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The point is home to several monk seals. Some of them have been aggressive, so keep a safe distance.
  • Between the Port Autonome and Cansado are the ruins of an old French coastal gun emplacement designed in its day to protect the French colony from the Spanish border a few kilometers away. There is no fee and no guide. There are underground tunnels which connect the 15 meter high gun towers. Some tunnels drop off dangerously! A torch or flashlight is helpful.
  • You might be tempted to visit the old Spanish buildings at the little town of La Guera on the southern peninsula. It's not actually in Mauritania, but a Western Sahara|disputed territory just to the west of Mauritania, so exploring the historic site technically requires an official border crossing. There is now a Mauritanian military post nearby. If interested, check with local authorities first.
  • The down town market, in Keran, behind the main middle road, is full of little shops selling a surprising variety of things from all over the world. It has a well stocked chep-chep or second-hand market. You can find prizes for next to nothing.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Nouadhibou

FC Nouadhibou at Nouakchott Olympic Stadium (5786408165) - FC Nouadhibou and the local football team at Nouadhibou's Olympic Stadium

  • Bird watchers can visit the salt marsh estuary next to the bay. It will be on the left as one heads towards the Centre de Pêche. There is occasionally a police check point at the green shipping container on the way there.
  • Fishing for sea trout with spoons or squid can be exciting on the bay. There is a pier at the Centre de Pêche. Look for higher tides for better results. The hotel has a couple of boats to either take people out fishing (you can rent fishing gear as well) or to ferry small groups to a picnic island on the far side of the bay. There is a small cabin structure to shelter you from the often intense sun. Many pelicans and other large sea birds sun themselves on this sandy stretch. The centre has a restaurant with a children's playground. They serve a fresh grilled sea trout and local tea (Arabic: Ataya).
  • Those with kiteboards can take advantage of the steady brisk winds wafting across Nouadhibou bay virtually year round. The bay extends almost 20 kilometers from its northern tip to the Ras Nouadhibou. The shallower small craft portion is much smaller, about 10 kilometers wide. Often the water is only a few meters or less in depth, clear and temperate. Online weather services can provide daily tide and wind details.
  • If you have your own fishing equipment and four wheel drive and there are several places to fish on the very southern tip of the peninsula, known as Cap Blanc, to the right of the SNIM port/refinery facilities. It's wise to go with a local friend as there can be security check points, it's a fairly remote spot and is extremely close to the Moroccan border. Long traces having 2 or more hooks with a heavy lead weight are best for surf cast fishing. If you have a boat and there are Southern Meager (Corbine) to be had in deeper waters. They can reach 50 kg.
  • For young sporting types and there are informal and formal football matches in an indoor size format at the Club Sahel. It's on the lower road not far from the Casa Canaria restaurant. There is a fee or just enjoy the great play. Most matches begin in the late afternoon and early evening well into the night.
  • Spend a relaxing afternoon reading a novel or catching up on the latest news at the Alliance Franco Mauritanienne. They have gardens and trees, a rarity in Nouadhibou. It's behind the Central Bank, which is in front of the Governor's (Arabic: Waly) offices. Most of their material is in French. Their telephone is +222 574 58 71.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Nouadhibou

Nouadhibou,BlvdMedian - Boulevard Median and the main shopping street

The four largest supermarkets are:

  • Carrefour, at the first intersection of down town.
  • Bon Marché
  • 28 Novembre
  • the Cansado grocery store.

The first three stores are on the main street within 200 metres of each other. Bon Marché and 28 Novembre face each other. You can find most things including Cheese and toiletries. Prices are sometimes a bit expensive. Local corner grocery stores, good épiceries, may have everything you need. The market carries fresh vegetables as well as Meat and fish. Staples, such as sugar, Rice, milk, bread, Yoghurt, bug spray, toilet paper, bleach and soap powder can be found in your local corner shop or boutique. Hamburger Meat, and beef fillet can be found at the Tunisian butcher across the street from 28th Novembre.

Several banks in town have ATMs that accept foreign cards. Société generale bank Atms take Mastercard /visa card. There's a decent Forex or bureau de change at the entrance to Keran and the town centre, at the Carrefour crossroads. Ask for a receipt to avoid any problems crossing the borders next time you cross. They will photocopy your passport along with the receipt. Officially, you should leave your local ougiyas currency in Mauritania and not take them out with you. Smaller amounts usually aren't a problem.

Should you need help with your vehicle, look for El-Veteh Siddaty et Freres, a well known vehicle parts store in Keran. Their manager speaks English and French and can help you find specialised mechanics such as for electrical problems. Their telephone is +222 574 5739. There are many other similar shops nearby.

Halal Restaurants in Nouadhibou

As Nouadhibou is gifted with a big commercial fishing and traditional fishing port and there is a lot of fresh seafood and fish available. Many immigrants from Senegal run their restaurants here, serving fish with Rice and other delicious meals. Average price is 200-500 ougiyas. If you like Chinese food and there are several restaurants on the lower road, which cater to Foreign Muslims.

For football and the FC Nouadhibou restaurant serves hamburgers, French fries and other hot sandwiches in front of several large TV screens. It's between the second and third robinets on the middle road.

  • Casa Canaria On lower road past the airport, across the Globale bus station. - A Spanish restaurant
  • La Paillotte 212, Blvd Maritime ☎ +222 45743218 Entrees from 2,000 ougiyas One of the current locations to eat out is this Italian restaurant, which has a new Spanish chef-
  • Madame Souware's 3, Robinet Opening Hours: Lunch betweeen 1:30PM - 3PM A plate is 250 ougiyas Fine example of a Senegalese restaurant serving up excellent seafood.
  • Nomada - Serving European cuisine
  • Pleine de Lune Across the central police station, Commissariat Central - Serves small Snacks, cakes, pastries, mini Pizzas, Meat rolls and sandwiches. A Chicken sandwiches is 700 ougiyas.
  • Fresh camel milk. At the entrance to town where large camel herds are gathered. Herders often sell fresh milk close to evening time. It's amazingly refreshing on a hot day.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Nouadhibou

Nouadhibou - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Nouadhibou, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Nouadhibou. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Nouadhibou and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Nouadhibou. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Nouadhibou. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inNouadhibou: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Nouadhibou.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Nouadhibou: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Nouadhibou, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Nouadhibou.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Nouadhibou, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Nouadhibou, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Nouadhibou and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Nouadhibou, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Nouadhibou, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Nouadhibou without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Nouadhibou is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Nouadhibou.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Nouadhibou is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Nouadhibou, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Nouadhibou Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Nouadhibou

eHalal Group Nouadhibou is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Nouadhibou. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Nouadhibou.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Nouadhibou ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Nouadhibou. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Nouadhibou, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Nouadhibou,NumerowatN - Roofs of Nouadhibou

== Camping Places

  • Camping Abba - 3000 ougiyas
  • Camping Sahara - 2200 ougiyas
  • Inal Camping Auberge Located across the street from the Algerian Consulate and the Notaire office ☎ +222 643-1728, +222 671-5506 Good parking for larger vehicles or caravans and more rooms for bigger groups.

== Budget

  • Auberge Sahara - Across the street from the BMCI bank, not far from the fishing market South of town centre, has passable rooms with clean shared toiled and shower from 2500 ougiyas.
  • Camping Baie du Lévrier - 500 new ougiyas (double) Possibly the best known inn (auberge). Rooms are small but clean. It's close to everything downtown. It's 200 metres from the central police station and Pleine de Lune sandwich/snack shop, 10 metres from a petrol station and boutique.

== Mid-range

  • Hotel El-Aljazeera - 20.924521, -17.041142 On the lower road about 500 metres after the airport going towards town Many rooms.
  • Hotel Sahel - Blvd Maritime 20.922426, -17.041915 ☎ +222 5743858 From €50 Check-in: anytime / Check-out: before noon Well known, international standard hotel.
  • The Oasean Hotel - 20.850677, -17.032962 In Cansado, turn right when the road ends in a T. A more upmarket hotel with restaurant, tennis courts and beautiful ocean side view. It is one of the oldest hotels in town.

Stay Safe

Rue au lever du soleil Nouadhibou - Sunrise in the town

Nouadhibou is a relatively safe city, but there are almost no street lights. Remember to take a torch when going out in the evening.

The biggest danger is undisciplined road traffic. Be careful, especially in the central area.

Do not cross the train tracks as many areas, even fairly close to the town centre, have not yet been entirely cleared of mines. Only surfaced roads past the tracks are absolutely safe. If you must cross the tracks, or do so with a trusted friend who knows the area or with a local authority.

Women generally stay indoors after dark. Going about town in groups is wise for both men and women. Local women are usually escorted by their male relatives at night. During the day, a woman will go about with at least a younger boy or another female friend. It's unusual to find a woman travelling by herself. As in any modern city, stay in places that have night security personnel and lockable doors and windows.

Parts of the town also has a reputation for prostitution, which is illegal in Mauritania.

News & References Nouadhibou


Travel Next

Flying out by plane, your own vehicle in the day (along with other cars recommended) or on one of the nationally run bus lines are all excellent options. If you need professional travel services and there are several good ones in the central area.

  • Bon Voyage Travel are pleasant and know what local transport options are available. Their phone is +222 574 6180. Look for them a few shops down from the 28 Novembre supermarket.


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