Nouakchott Camel Market
A working camel market on the edge of the capital, trading through the morning.
Updated 3 September 2026
The camel market on Nouakchott's eastern edge is where animals brought in from the interior are traded, a large sandy lot with camels tied in groups, herders squatting beside them and buyers walking the rows through the morning. Sheep and goats are sold in the same area. It is entirely a working market with nothing arranged for visitors, which is the reason to go early and stay out of the way.
What to look for
- The camel rows - animals brought in from the interior and tied in groups.
- The trading - buyers and herders negotiating through the morning.
- The sheep and goat section - the smaller stock traded in the same lot.
- The working scale - a market run entirely for its own purposes.
When to go
Mornings are when trading happens and the market empties by midday. November to February is the cool season. Eid al-Adha brings the heaviest trading of the year.
Things to know
It is dusty, crowded and entirely unstructured for visitors. Photography needs permission and is often refused. Nothing is explained and a local companion makes the difference.
Nearby
Nouakchott's centre is west, and the fish market is on the coast.
What to pack for Nouakchott Camel Market
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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