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Flights to Zouérate

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Book flights to Zouérate

Zouerate is a remote town in northern Mauritania, close to the border with Western Sahara. It's the capital of the Tiris Zemmour region and the centre of Mauritania's iron ore industry. The landscape around Zouerate is dominated by the Sahara desert, with rocky outcrops, iron ore mines, and long stretches of sand.

Because of its location and function as a mining hub, Zouerate isn't a typical tourist destination. There aren't many traditional tourist activities available, but there are a few things you can do if you find yourself there. You could visit one of the working iron ore mines, or take a trip on the Mauritania Railway, a long freight train that carries iron ore to the port city of Nouadhibou. The train journey is an experience in itself, travelling for almost 700 kilometres through the desert.

The best time to visit Zouerate is during the cooler months, from November to March. Temperatures can be extremely hot during the summer, making it difficult to be outdoors for long periods. Keep in mind that Zouerate is a fairly isolated town, so amenities and services may be limited compared to larger cities.

At Alternative Airlines, we make it simple for you to book flights to Zouérate - with over 600 airlines to choose from and more than 40 ways to pay, booking flights to Zouérate couldn't be easier.

Airports near Zouérate

You have choices when it comes to reaching Zouérate. Here is a selection of 4 airports you can fly to when travelling to Zouérate.

Nouakchott International Airport

Located in the capital city of Mauritania, Nouakchott International Airport is the closest international airport to Zouérate. It is approximately 450 kilometres (280 miles) away from Zouérate and can be reached by a domestic flight or a long drive.

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Nouadhibou International Airport

Another option for Travellers heading to Zouérate is Nouadhibou International Airport. It is located in the city of Nouadhibou, which is about 500 kilometres (310 miles) away from Zouérate. You can either take a domestic flight or drive from Nouadhibou to reach your destination.

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Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport

If you are coming from a different country and prefer a larger airport, Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport in Senegal is an option. It is approximately 800 kilometres (500 miles) away from Zouérate. From Dakar, you can either take a domestic flight or drive to Zouérate.

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Las Palmas Airport

If you are unable to find a direct flight to any of the above airports, Las Palmas Airport in Gran Canaria, Spain, can be a connecting point. It is a major international airport with various flight options. From Las Palmas, you can then take a connecting flight to either Nouakchott or Nouadhibou, followed by a domestic flight or drive to Zouérate.

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Buy your flights to Zouérate and pay later

Rather than paying for your Zouérate flights upfront, you can instead use Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions to help you split the cost of your flights into more manageable instalments.

You'll get greater flexibility when planning the budget for your trip to Zouérate! You won't need to pay any interest, however, this will depend on the specific terms set by the lending provider.

Enjoy hassle-free travel today when you book your flights to Zouérate and pay later at Alternative Airlines.

Things to do in Zouérate

Zouérate has an abundance of attractions to see - to make things easier, here's our top 3:

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Mauritania Railway

This iconic 700-kilometer railway is the beating heart of Zouerate's economy. It transports iron ore from the mines near Zouerate to the port city of Nouadhibou. Taking a trip on this historic train offers a unique opportunity to experience the vast Mauritanian desert firsthand. The train journey itself is an adventure, with stops at small desert settlements along the way.

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Iron Ore Mines

The reason behind Zouerate's existence, the iron ore mines are a fascinating sight. You can visit one of the operating mines (with permission) and learn about the mining process. The massive red-colored pits and the constant hum of machinery create an industrial landscape unlike any other.

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Explore the Desert

The Sahara Desert stretches for miles around Zouerate. You can hire a guide and take a trip into the desert by jeep or camel. This is a great way to experience the vastness and beauty of the desert, see desert wildlife, and learn about desert life from the nomads who call it home.

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