This road is 1102 km and connects Nouakchott to Nema. Construction of the road began in 1975. It crosses Mauritania from west in to east. Taking this road will help you discover a large part of the country. It is a crossing, which is marked by cities, villages, and townships. The cities are quite busy.
OUAD NAGA is the first Moughataa on the road after leaving Nouakchott, it is a city which emerged from the sands in 1974. Idini is a locality which is 65 km from Nouakchott and provides this one with the water it consumes. Around Ouad Naga there are several localities which have Mahadras (Koranic schools and Centres of Arab and Islamic teaching) such as Oum El Ghoura, Tendekssami, El Mymoune, Noubaghya.
BOUTILIMITT is 165 km from Nouakchott.
It is a significant city, which has sustained a rapid expansion since the middle of the 1970’s. This city, located in the middle of the sand dunes is an old colonial station, which was formerly active. It is the city of the Sheik Sidya, the great “Marabout” (priest) who befriended France and whose influence was very important in West Africa. Its Institute of the High Islamic Studies formed many in management in Mauritania and West Africa during the Fifties and Sixties. It is the town of Mokhtar Ould Daddah, first President of the country. Boutilimit is famous for its manuscripts, its rich private libraries, such as the Sheik Sidya. It is also known for its craft industry, which produces jewels, wool carpets, ebony trunks, leather cushions and bags.
Recommended places to visit: the old Fort, the Library of Sheik Sidya, the craft Centre and the market. It is possible to do camel rides of a few km
with private individuals.
ALEG, 253km of Nouakchott
A crossroad city, the town of Aleg is divided between three influences, that of the River, that of the Desert of Aoukar and that of Aftout. It is a centre of communication between the East towards Nema, the Centre towards Kiffa and the South towards Boghé and Kaédi. Aleg is a stopover city with many restaurants and “gargotes” on the main street. Places to see: the Lake Aleg, which is a few kilometres from the city coming from Boutilimit. In the neighbourhood you will find the locality of Mal, a large village in a rich agricultural zone which produces millet as well as significant bovine breeding. On the “Road of Hope” towards the Northeast there is the locality of Cheggar.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
- Wali: 222-553 7340, fax: 222-5537205
- Hakem (Prefect): 222-553 7349
- Regional police force : 222-553 7363
- Police station: 222- 553 7425
- National education (DREF): 222-553 7333
- Regional direction of Health: 222-553 7401
- Regional hospital: 222-553 7404
- Regional court: 222-553 7450
MAKTAA LAHHJAR, 370 km from Nouakchott
It is a rural city focussed on producing millet, this millet that constitutes the principal food source. Fields of millet are interesting sites to visit. Towards the east, there is a small locality, Sangrava, which is mostly a commercial warehouse for the surrounding villages one of which is Aguerj an arts and religious centre.
GUEROU, 553 km from Nouakchott, 50 km from Kiffa.
After the splendid Pass of Diouk, you arrive at Guerou. A small city with many well built villas. The steep relief is splendid. Here mountains and sands are side by side, with “bat' haa” from date palms.
KIFFA, 603 km from Nouakchott; from Aioun, 210km; from Aoudaghost, 180km
It is a large metropolis, which is developing quickly. It is the second most populated city of the country. Kiffa is large and is experiencing a real urbanization problem, with a high rate of “sedentarisation.”
The city of Kiffa is a true crossroad. It constitutes the centre of the country. It is a connection between the East (Hodh) to the West (Brakna and Trarza) but also the South (Guidimakha, Gorgol) and North (Tagant, Adrar). The town of Tamchekett is 120 km by trail. Towards the South another trail leads to Kankossa andM’Bout then a third one going towards the town of Khayes in Mali.
LODGING:
AUBERGE: LE PHARE DU DESERT (INN:THE LIGHTHOUSE OF THE DESERT)
Tel. 222- 56 32 888; fax: 222- 56 32 999
HOTEL: EMEL
Tel: 2225632637; fax: 2225632638
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
- Wali: 222-563 23 20, fax: 222-563 2382
- Hakem (Prefect): 222-563 2251
- Regional police force: 222-563 2277, 222-563 2214
- Police station of Police: 222-563
- National education: 222-546 4365
- Regional direction of Health: 222-563 2283
- Regional hospital: 222-563 2280
- Regional court: 222563
- Cadi: 222- 563 2227
- Air Mauritania: 222-563 2430
- Dref: 222-563 2286
- Western union, Transfer of money,
downtown area, Essaada, Kiffa
Tel: 222- 563 2663; 222-563 2407
