Nouakchott

13 november 2022

I have spent a blissful day washing clothes, eating wonderful food and relaxing in the garden of this peaceful Auberge. A great Saturday.

Today, is Sunday and I have spent the day at the Sultan beach on the outskirts of the city. It was full of expats and could have been a beach in any European location apart from the colour of the sea, the cleanliness of the sand and the incredible sea food on offer. I spent the day with people from the Auberge, swimming in the sea and reading. Wonderful.

In the evening, as a complete contrast I went to the public beach where the people of Nouakchott hang out in crowds on a weekend. There were numerous games of football going on and a game of quoits with bananas and packet of biscuits to be hooped. Though crowded, the people were oblivious to me and my two companions and left us well alone to wander. Further down the beach the fishermen bring their boats up onto the sand after fishing for the day. An incredible sight of strength, team work and industry. Further along the women are sitting in the market selling produce and the fish. The catch of the day is wide and varied. I was struck by the cleanliness and order of the fish market - it was also quite compact and located around one particular area.

Watching the sun going down on what will probably be my last night in Mauritania, was a memorable scene on this trip.

 Getting a visa for Guinea-Bissua: info. for fellow travellers

There is now an embassy in the city and a contact number: 48728054. The embassy is located in a neighbourhood close to the SNDM - official distribution of water offices.

You need an ID photo, passport copy and 1500Rp in local currency.
The visa application process takes 5 mins.
The visa is for 3 months from date of issue and is multi-entry.