Senior travel: Nouakchott
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 3 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 48 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Grande Mosquée (Saudi Mosque), exteriorStep-free: yes · about 15 minSeen from the pavement; no interior access.
- Ibn Abbas MosqueStep-free: yes · about 15 minSeen from the pavement or the car; no interior access for non-Muslims.
- Centre artisanal (crafts centre)Step-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minSandy paths and steps at some workshops.
- National Museum of MauritaniaStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 75 minSteps at the entrance; galleries mostly level (check).
- Cinquième Market (Sebkha)Step-free: no (check before you go) · about 60 minCrowded aisles and uneven, sandy ground.
- Fishermen's Beach (Plage des Pêcheurs)Step-free: no (check before you go) · about 60 minSoft sand and slopes; no step-free route.
Getting around in Nouakchott
Nouakchott is hard going on wheels. Sand, broken kerbs and heavy traffic dominate, and step-free access exists mainly in some newer hotels. Plan door-to-door car rides and pick a hotel with a lift.
- Pavements:
- Sand-covered, broken or missing; the main avenues are smoother in places.
- Getting around:
- Cars from hotels or drivers are the step-free option; minibuses are not.
- Hotels:
- Larger hotels in Ksar and Tevragh Zeina may have lifts and accessible rooms on request.
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets in some hotels; rare elsewhere.
- Fishermen's Beach:
- Soft sand and slopes; no step-free route.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Mauritania guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Malaria:
- Present in Mauritania; take prophylaxis as advised by a travel clinic and use repellent from dusk.
- Yellow fever:
- A vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from an endemic country; check your route.
- Heat:
- Shade and AC every 60–90 minutes, bottled water and no midday exertion.
- Food and water:
- Bottled or filtered water only; busy canteens with fast turnover are generally safer than quiet ones.
- Dust and sun:
- Strong sun and dust: use sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and eye drops.
- Vaccination and clinics:
- Ask a travel clinic at home several weeks before you travel; private clinics in Nouakchott can help on arrival (check).
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.