Nouakchott - Post Report Question and Answers
What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
4Runners seem to be popular here, as are other regional Toyota models like Land Cruiser Prado. Even in the city it’s beneficial to have something with clearance and all wheel/4 wheel drive. Would definitely recommend buying something from a departing officer if you can. - Jan 2023
4x4 is ideal. Smaller cars (Rav4, for example) are fine for the city and going to the main expat beach, but if you have a 4x4 it opens up a lot of options for day trips and weekend camping. Gasoline is not widely available outside of Nouakchott, so diesel is preferred. - Aug 2021
4x4 as a lot of roads are sand. - Aug 2021
An SUV is important so that you can drive to the beach, drive around town and drive through puddles during the six days of rain per year as it does rain heavily for short periods on those days. Good tires are needed, preferable six tires (two spares). Parts are available for most Japanese and European brands, but owners of American vehicles should bring extra engine and cabin air filters, motor oils, wiper blades, tires, oil filters, extra bulbs and maybe even a belt if yours is old. - Sep 2020
A 4x4 is really useful if you want to go to the beach (a good eight minutes on a very bumpy, sandy road) but not necessary. It is necessary if you plan to go on road trips (e.g., Banc d'Arguin). You can buy a sand ladder locally, which will help your car get out of the sand). Best to bring your own spare parts and definitely bring tires. Tires are extremely expensive here! - Apr 2019
4X4 - something like a Toyota is good. Nothing too fancy or electronic. The dust is not good for the cars. Ship extra tires if you can, the dirt and unpaved roads are terrible on tires. If you have any desire to get out of town and travel, you need a big car. - May 2016
4 wheel drive is necessary -- lock your doors! I had a Rav4 - not too difficult to get parts. And getting around was easy. - Dec 2015
You will need an SUV. Toyota is probably the most common. Nissan Exteras seem to be the most problematic vehicles imported from the U.S. - Apr 2014
A 4x4 vehicle for sure; Toyota or Mercedes are most common and so would be more easily serviced. - Aug 2011
4WD is a must. - Dec 2009
