Mauritania

Mauritania Highlights

Located in West Africa, Mauritania is a country where the desert meets the sea. The capital city, Nouakchott, offers a bustling fish market at the Port de Pêche, a rich display of Islamic manuscripts in the National Museum, and the impressive Friday Mosque. The UNESCO World Heritage site, the ancient city of Chinguetti, is a significant center of Islamic learning. Banc d`Arguin National Park is a birder`s paradise and a haven for migratory birds. The striking landscapes of the Adrar Plateau and the Sahara desert offer exciting adventure opportunities. Mauritanian cuisine features fish, rice, and locally grown dates. Mauritania`s vast desert landscapes, unique culture, and ancient heritage make it a fascinating destination for the intrepid traveler.

Top 10 Attractions

Adrar Plateau

The Adrar Plateau is characterized by its dramatic sand dunes and deep canyons. This beautiful region offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including camel trekking, hiking, and exploring ancient rock art. more

The Adrar Plateau is characterized by its dramatic sand dunes and deep canyons. This beautiful region offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including camel trekking, hiking, and exploring ancient rock art.

Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt, and Oualata

These four ancient towns, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcase the traditional life of the people living in the Sahara. They are recognized for their outstanding universal value, with each town featuring beautiful architecture, historical... more

These four ancient towns, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcase the traditional life of the people living in the Sahara. They are recognized for their outstanding universal value, with each town featuring beautiful architecture, historical libraries, and old mosques.

Arguin Island

Located within the Banc d`Arguin National Park, Arguin Island is a critical nesting ground for migratory birds. It`s also steeped in history, having been a significant hub in the trans-Saharan trade. more

Located within the Banc d`Arguin National Park, Arguin Island is a critical nesting ground for migratory birds. It`s also steeped in history, having been a significant hub in the trans-Saharan trade.

Auberge Le Nomade

Auberge Le Nomade is a restaurant in Chinguetti that offers traditional Mauritanian cuisine. With a cozy ambience, delicious food, and excellent service, it`s a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. more

Auberge Le Nomade is a restaurant in Chinguetti that offers traditional Mauritanian cuisine. With a cozy ambience, delicious food, and excellent service, it`s a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.

Banc d`Arguin National Park

Banc d`Arguin National Park is located in Western Mauritania between the cities of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. The park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most important zones in the world for nesting birds and migratory waders. It`... more

Banc d`Arguin National Park is located in Western Mauritania between the cities of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. The park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most important zones in the world for nesting birds and migratory waders. It`s a paradise for birdwatchers with its diverse bird species and spectacular views.

Dayet el-Dorra

Dayet el-Dorra is a seasonal salt lake in the Adrar Region of central Mauritania. The lake and its surrounding region are a significant hub for migrant bird species, making it a top destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. more

Dayet el-Dorra is a seasonal salt lake in the Adrar Region of central Mauritania. The lake and its surrounding region are a significant hub for migrant bird species, making it a top destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.

Diawling National Park

Diawling National Park is located in the lower delta of the Senegal River. It`s an important site for birdlife, hosting hundreds of species, and it also supports a wide range of mammals and reptiles. Guided tours offer the opportunity to spot and lea... more

Diawling National Park is located in the lower delta of the Senegal River. It`s an important site for birdlife, hosting hundreds of species, and it also supports a wide range of mammals and reptiles. Guided tours offer the opportunity to spot and learn about the diverse fauna and flora.

La Salamandre

Located in Nouakchott, La Salamandre is a popular restaurant known for its delicious Mauritanian and French cuisine. With a lovely ambience and diverse menu, it`s a must-visit spot for food lovers. more

Located in Nouakchott, La Salamandre is a popular restaurant known for its delicious Mauritanian and French cuisine. With a lovely ambience and diverse menu, it`s a must-visit spot for food lovers.

Mederdra

Mederdra is one of Mauritania`s oldest towns, known for its ancient burial mounds and stone circles. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into Mauritania`s ancient history and is a must-visit for archaeology enthusiasts. more

Mederdra is one of Mauritania`s oldest towns, known for its ancient burial mounds and stone circles. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into Mauritania`s ancient history and is a must-visit for archaeology enthusiasts.

National Museum of Mauritania

Located in the capital, Nouakchott, the National Museum of Mauritania houses a collection of archaeological and ethnographic items, including ancient rock art, traditional costumes, tools, and musical instruments. It`s a must-visit for anyone interes... more

Located in the capital, Nouakchott, the National Museum of Mauritania houses a collection of archaeological and ethnographic items, including ancient rock art, traditional costumes, tools, and musical instruments. It`s a must-visit for anyone interested in Mauritanian culture and history.

Nouadhibou Ship Graveyard

Nouadhibou Ship Graveyard, known as the world`s largest ship graveyard, is a fascinating sight where hundreds of rusted old ships can be seen. These abandoned ships create a unique and somewhat eerie landscape that attracts many visitors. more

Nouadhibou Ship Graveyard, known as the world`s largest ship graveyard, is a fascinating sight where hundreds of rusted old ships can be seen. These abandoned ships create a unique and somewhat eerie landscape that attracts many visitors.

Parc National du Banc d`Arguin

Parc National du Banc d`Arguin is a marine park that hosts one of the world`s largest concentrations of migratory birds. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a significant stopover for birds migrating between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa and is a top... more

Parc National du Banc d`Arguin is a marine park that hosts one of the world`s largest concentrations of migratory birds. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a significant stopover for birds migrating between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa and is a top spot for birdwatching.

Port de Peche

The Port de Peche in Nouakchott is an incredibly vibrant and bustling place where you can see hundreds of colorful fishing boats and witness the daily life of local fishermen. It`s a unique experience that offers a glimpse into the local culture. more

The Port de Peche in Nouakchott is an incredibly vibrant and bustling place where you can see hundreds of colorful fishing boats and witness the daily life of local fishermen. It`s a unique experience that offers a glimpse into the local culture.

Richat Structure

Known as the "Eye of the Sahara", the Richat Structure is a stunning circular geological formation that can be seen from space. This unique and mysterious formation offers a remarkable sight, especially from the air, and is a significant attraction f... more

Known as the "Eye of the Sahara", the Richat Structure is a stunning circular geological formation that can be seen from space. This unique and mysterious formation offers a remarkable sight, especially from the air, and is a significant attraction for geologists and tourists alike.

Tagant Plateau

The Tagant Plateau is a range of mountains in central Mauritania. The rugged beauty of the landscape, dotted with deep valleys, gorges, and isolated villages, makes this area a haven for hikers and nature lovers. more

The Tagant Plateau is a range of mountains in central Mauritania. The rugged beauty of the landscape, dotted with deep valleys, gorges, and isolated villages, makes this area a haven for hikers and nature lovers.

Terjit Oasis

A popular tourist destination, the Terjit Oasis is located at the foot of a cliff in the Sahara Desert. This paradise in the desert is known for its palm trees, natural thermal springs, and the unique experience of staying in traditional Mauritanian... more

A popular tourist destination, the Terjit Oasis is located at the foot of a cliff in the Sahara Desert. This paradise in the desert is known for its palm trees, natural thermal springs, and the unique experience of staying in traditional Mauritanian tents.

The Grand Mosque of Nouakchott

The Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Mauritania and one of Nouakchott`s most prominent landmarks. It`s a beautiful example of Islamic architecture, featuring a large dome, two tall minarets, and intricate designs. more

The Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Mauritania and one of Nouakchott`s most prominent landmarks. It`s a beautiful example of Islamic architecture, featuring a large dome, two tall minarets, and intricate designs.

The Maison Bedouine Museum

Located in Atar, the Maison Bedouine Museum exhibits traditional Bedouin artifacts, showcasing the history and culture of the Bedouin people. The museum, housed in a charming traditional building, provides insights into the desert way of life. more

Located in Atar, the Maison Bedouine Museum exhibits traditional Bedouin artifacts, showcasing the history and culture of the Bedouin people. The museum, housed in a charming traditional building, provides insights into the desert way of life.

The Trarza Lake

Located near the capital, Nouakchott, the Trarza Lake is an artificial lake and a popular spot for picnics, boat trips, and bird watching. It`s a tranquil place to relax and enjoy nature`s beauty. more

Located near the capital, Nouakchott, the Trarza Lake is an artificial lake and a popular spot for picnics, boat trips, and bird watching. It`s a tranquil place to relax and enjoy nature`s beauty.

White Dune

The White Dune, or `Dune Blanche,` near Nouakchott is a stunning sand dune that stands out against the surrounding landscape. It`s a popular spot for picnics and offers a unique photo opportunity, especially during sunset when the dune changes colors... more

The White Dune, or `Dune Blanche,` near Nouakchott is a stunning sand dune that stands out against the surrounding landscape. It`s a popular spot for picnics and offers a unique photo opportunity, especially during sunset when the dune changes colors.

More