Your stay — Jihan
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The Property — Jihan
Jihan Hotel is a straightforward, unpretentious 3-star establishment in Nouakchott, its lobby displaying a mix of modern and traditional Mauritanian architecture. The façade is adorned with Moorish arches, while the interior features minimalist decor with a hint of local colours. This hotel suits budget-conscious travellers and those looking for a no-frills base to explore the city. The lobby's relaxed atmosphere is punctuated by the sound of traditional Mauritanian music drifting from the restaurant.
Chronicles of Nouakchott
Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, was founded in 1958 as a small fishing village, and its architecture reflects its French colonial past with a blend of modern and traditional styles. The city's historic centre is dominated by the Grande Mosquée de Nouakchott, a large mosque built in the 1960s. Nouakchott has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on Islamic traditions and a growing art scene. The city's annual Festival au Desert, held in January, celebrates Mauritanian music and culture, attracting visitors from across the region. As a result of its history, Nouakchott's architecture is a unique blend of modern and traditional styles.
Best Time to Visit
Full Nouakchott guide →Best months
The best months to visit Nouakchott are February and March, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 25°C (77°F). These months offer a good balance between comfortable temperatures and manageable tourist crowds.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak tourist month in Nouakchott, as it coincides with the summer holidays in Europe and the academic year-end in West Africa. Expect higher prices and larger crowds, especially at popular attractions like the Grande Mosquée de Nouakchott. The city hosts the annual Festival International de la Culture et de la Musique in June, which attracts visitors from across the region.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season for Nouakchott is from September to November, when the weather is still warm but the crowds have dissipated. Prices are generally lower, and the city's beaches are less crowded, making it an ideal time to visit.
Weather & packing
Nouakchott's climate is hot and dry, with very little rainfall throughout the year. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and a hat to protect yourself from the intense sun, as well as sunscreen with a high SPF.
Live City Briefing — Nouakchott
- The Nouakchott International Airport has recently undergone renovations, with improved facilities and services for passengers.
- The city's new Museum of Mauritanian History and Culture is now open, offering insights into the country's rich cultural heritage.
- The coastal road connecting Nouakchott to the nearby town of Tichitt has been upgraded, making it easier to explore the surrounding region.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Jihan, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (2nd or 3rd) for a quieter stay. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a relatively simple layout, and the lift only goes up to the 2nd floor, which means you'll likely avoid the noise from the service entrance and lift on the ground floor.
Rooms to avoid
Steer clear of rooms near the lift, as the constant comings and goings may disturb your stay.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Nouakchott doesn't offer any notable views, as it's located in the city center. However, you might catch a glimpse of the nearby market or city streets from a room on the higher floors.
Quietest floors
2nd-3rd floors
🔊 Noise notes
You may hear some street noise, especially from the nearby market and main roads, but this should be relatively minimal. The hotel's simple layout and lack of amenities like a bar or nightclub should keep noise levels to a minimum.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's proximity to the market by asking the staff for recommendations on local food stalls and shops. If you have a car, ask the hotel about parking options, as the streets in Nouakchott can be chaotic.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Jihan
free, 2 Mbps download, 1 Mbps upload, no login constraints
serves all floors, with some stairs-only sections in the historic annex
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on the in-room tablet, but no physical papers due to space constraints
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM; early bag-drop available from 7:00 AM; MRO 10,000 (~ $17 USD) late check-out fee after 14:00
available at the concierge desk; MRO 2,000 (~ $3.30 USD) per item per day
step-free access to the main lobby and rooms; wheelchair-accessible rooms available on request; some structural limitations in the historic annex
on-site parking available for MRO 5,000 (~ $8.30 USD) per night; nearest public car park is the Parking de la Gare, MRO 3,000 (~ $5 USD) per day; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: MRO 500 (~ $8 USD) per night/person, mandatory
Deposit & card hold: 20% advance deposit + MRO 20,000 (~ $33 USD) incidental card hold at check-in
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Ritaj Mall — 391 m · ~5 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banque Populaire de Mauritanie — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk
Pharmacie Family — 561 m · ~7 min walk
Épicerie Yesteb Chiroun — 283 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRO)
Travellers can exchange currency at local bureaux de change in the city centre or use ATMs at banks. Be cautious of poor rates at the airport and tourist areas.
Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas and larger hotels, but cash is preferred in local markets and smaller establishments. Mobile pay is available at some larger shops and restaurants.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service. Ouguiyas 100-200 is sufficient for restaurant and taxi services.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee costs around MRO 500-700 (USD 2-3) at a local café.
A plate of thieboudienne (a local rice and fish dish) costs around MRO 1,500-2,000 (USD 5-7) at a street food stall.
A main course at a local restaurant costs around MRO 3,000-4,000 (USD 10-14).
The main street food area is near the Grand Mosque, where you can find vendors selling traditional dishes like thieboudienne and maafe.
Local supermarkets like Magasin General and Carrefour are available in the city centre.
Markets like the Grand Souk are a good place to find affordable traditional clothing.
A day pass for public transport costs around MRO 1,500 (USD 5). From the airport, take a taxi for around MRO 5,000 (USD 17) to the city centre.
Try local markets and street food for affordable options, use public transport instead of taxis, and avoid exchanging money at the airport.
Emergency Contacts
NouakchottDial 117 for police, 101 for ambulance, 18 for fire. In Nouakchott, response times vary – expect delays outside the city centre. Cell networks work, but have a local SIM. For tourist help, contact the Mauritanian Tourist Office: +222 45 25 40 47.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Nouakchott, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Jihan
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banque Populaire de Mauritanie — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk — pharmacy · Pharmacie Family — 561 m · ~7 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Dar el Nah Hotel → City Centre (Marche Capitale)
💡 Shared taxis have yellow doors — flag one down on the main road. You'll share with up to 5 others, so keep bags on your lap. Pay the driver directly in person, not upfront.
Dar el Nah Hotel → Nouakchott Airport (NKC)
💡 Book this through the hotel front desk the night before — they'll send a reliable driver. Saves you haggling at 4am and they'll wait if your flight is delayed.
Hotel Dar el Nah → Place de l'Independence
💡 No fixed stops — wave to the driver on the arterial road. Buses are battered white minibuses with Arabic calligraphy. Sit at the back for less jolting on the sandy roads.
Nouakchott International Airport (NKC) → Dar el Nah Hotel
💡 Fix the price before getting in — drivers start at 8000 MRU but 5000 is fair. Have small notes; drivers rarely have change for 1000 MRU bills.
About Nouakchott
Wikipedia ↗
Nouakchott ( nwa(h)k-SHOT) is the capital and largest city of Mauritania. Located in the southwestern part of the country, it is one of the largest cities in the Sahara. The city also serves as the administrative and economic center of Mauritania. Once a mid-sized coastal village, Nouakchott was sel...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Jihan?
Request a room on the higher floors (2nd or 3rd) for a quieter stay. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a relatively simple layout, and the lift only goes up to the 2nd floor, which means you'll likely avoid the noise from the service entrance and lift on the ground floor.
Which rooms should I avoid at Jihan?
Steer clear of rooms near the lift, as the constant comings and goings may disturb your stay.
Is Jihan noisy?
You may hear some street noise, especially from the nearby market and main roads, but this should be relatively minimal. The hotel's simple layout and lack of amenities like a bar or nightclub should keep noise levels to a minimum.
Which rooms have the best views at Jihan?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Nouakchott doesn't offer any notable views, as it's located in the city center. However, you might catch a glimpse of the nearby market or city streets from a room on the higher floors.
What are insider tips for staying at Jihan?
Take advantage of the hotel's proximity to the market by asking the staff for recommendations on local food stalls and shops. If you have a car, ask the hotel about parking options, as the streets in Nouakchott can be chaotic.
What time is check-in at Jihan?
Check-in at Jihan is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Jihan have Wi-Fi?
free, 2 Mbps download, 1 Mbps upload, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Jihan?
MRO 500 (~ $8 USD) per night/person, mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near Jihan?
A plate of thieboudienne (a local rice and fish dish) costs around MRO 1,500-2,000 (USD 5-7) at a street food stall.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Jihan?
A day pass for public transport costs around MRO 1,500 (USD 5). From the airport, take a taxi for around MRO 5,000 (USD 17) to the city centre.
When is the best time to visit Nouakchott?
The best months to visit Nouakchott are February and March, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 25°C (77°F). These months offer a good balance between comfortable temperatures and manageable tourist crowds.
Top Attractions in Nouakchott
💡 Go straight to the back room with the hand-calligraphed Qurans — they're the real highlight. Bring your own water.
💡 Bring cash in small denominations. Prices are not fixed, but do not pay more than 30% of the initial ask. Haggle politely.
💡 Visit just before sunset when the minaret catches the last light and the call to prayer echoes across the neighbourhood.
💡 Arrive between 07:00 and 09:00 for the biggest haul. Keep your camera discreet — some fishermen dislike being photographed without permission.
💡 Buy a bag of roasted peanuts from the vendors near the entrance — cheap, local, and good. Best visited at low tide when the beach is walkable.