From Nouakchott: The RN2 highway runs south from Nouakchott to Rosso — roughly 200 km on a well-maintained paved road. Bush taxis (sept-places) cover the route and depart from Nouakchott's Garage Rosso when full. Expect a journey of three to four hours depending on stops and how quickly the car fills.
Crossing into Senegal: The border crossing uses a vehicle ferry (bac) and smaller pirogues for foot passengers. The ferry is the main crossing and operates during daylight hours; it can be slow, and queues form quickly when a truck convoy arrives. Pirogues are faster for pedestrians and run throughout the day. On the Senegalese bank, shared taxis and minibuses run south to Saint-Louis, around an hour's drive. The border formalities on both sides are generally straightforward but can take time — patience helps.
Visas: Mauritanian visas can be obtained on arrival at Rosso for many nationalities, though the process is less predictable than at Nouakchott airport. Confirm current requirements before travelling.