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NDB → NKC
Which side of the plane to sit from Nouadhibou International Airport (Nouadhibou) to Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (Nouakschott)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a front-row seat to the stunning transition between the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, including the turquoise lagoons of Banc d'Arguin.
Banc d'Arguin
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a maze of shallow sandbanks, islands, and emerald waters.
Cap Blanc
The dramatic tip of the Nouadhibou peninsula where the desert literally falls into the sea.
Coastal Contrast
The incredibly sharp line where the yellow Sahara sands meet the deep blue Atlantic water.
Nouakchott Port
The 'Port de l'Amitié', visible as a major industrial landmark during the final descent into the capital.
Traditional Lanches
Small Imraguen fishing boats can often be spotted in the shallow coastal waters near the national park.
The Banc d'Arguin is the highlight of the trip; look for it roughly 20-30 minutes after takeoff. Polarized sunglasses are highly recommended to cut through the ocean glare and reveal the vibrant colors of the underwater sandbanks.
Sahara Dunes
Endless vistas of longitudinal sand dunes stretching into the deep Saharan interior.
Iron Ore Route
The general corridor where the world's longest train hauls ore from Zouérat to the coast.
White Sebkhas
Dramatic white salt depressions that provide a stark contrast to the surrounding orange sands.
Look for the sharp shadows cast by the dunes during morning flights, which emphasize the desert's unique topography. While more monotonous than the coast, the vastness of the Saharan interior is best appreciated from this side.
Distance: 312 km (194 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 31 min
Departure: NDB (20.9330997467041, -17.030000686645508)
Arrival: NKC (18.31, -15.969722199999998)
Route Type: Domestic
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