Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Nouakchott
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $15-58 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Nouakchott
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Basic guesthouses, shared rooms, budget auberges in residential areas, simple rooms with shared bathrooms
Food & Dining
$5-15 per day
Street food vendors, local markets, traditional Mauritanian dishes at neighborhood spots, self-catering from local shops
Transportation
$2-8 per day
Shared taxis (taxi brousse), local buses, walking, occasional motorcycle taxis for short distances
Activities
$0-10 per day
Free beach access, walking tours of markets, occasional museum visits, local cultural sites
Currency: MRU Mauritanian Ouguiya (though USD widely accepted at hotels and tour operators)
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Nouakchott
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local neighborhood spots instead of hotel restaurants - typically 60-80% cheaper
Use shared taxis and local buses instead of private transport - saves 70-85% on transportation costs
Stay in residential areas rather than beachfront locations - accommodation typically 40-60% less expensive
Buy bottled water and snacks from local shops rather than hotels - usually 200-300% markup at tourist venues
Visit cultural sites independently rather than with organized tours when possible - can save 50-70% on entrance fees
Negotiate prices for longer stays at guesthouses - many offer 15-25% discounts for week-long bookings
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Only eating at hotel restaurants or tourist-focused venues - typically costs 150-250% more than local alternatives
Taking private taxis for all transportation without trying shared options - can triple daily transport costs
Not carrying small bills for local vendors and shared transport - often results in overpaying or inability to use cheaper services