18 Best Places To Visit Mauritania

Mauritania, a large West African country, is famous for its extensive Sahara Desert and the Nouakchott Grand Mosque, one of the world’s largest. It’s bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Western Sahara, Algeria, Mali, and Senegal, with a population of 3.5 million. The capital, Nouakchott, uses Arabic and French as official languages.

The country boasts a rich cultural heritage, with many residents still donning traditional clothing. Inhabited by Berber people since ancient times, Mauritania saw Arab arrivals in the 7th century and French colonization later. It gained independence in 1960 and offers numerous interesting historical and cultural sites.

Nouakchott

Nouakchott, Mauritania’s capital and largest city, is a bustling urban center on the Atlantic coast. It features modern and traditional architecture, with an economy based on fishing, trade, and agriculture. Notable sites include the Nouakchott Market and the fishing port.

The city is culturally diverse, blending Arab, Berber, and Sub-Saharan influences. It hosts festivals celebrating Mauritania’s heritage and continues to grow despite urbanization challenges.

The city has pleasant weather year-round, with September and October being the warmest months.

Saudi Mosque in Nouakchott

The Saudi mosque in Nouakchott, Mauritania, is known for its towers and intricate interior, though it’s only accessible to Muslims. The Grand Mosque and Ibn Abbas Mosque are also notable for their unique exteriors.

The National Museum of Mauritania, built with China, offers archaeological and ethnographic collections showcasing Mauritanian life from over a century ago.

Banc D’Arguin National Park

Banc d’Arguin National Park is a key site for birdwatching in Western Africa, known for its large variety of breeding and migratory bird species, including terns and sea turtles.

Located between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features one of the richest areas for migratory waterbirds along the Atlantic coast.

Visitors can access the park by renting a boat or driving to Iwik, where sandy tracks lead to the park’s entrance. The area is crucial for bird conservation, hosting the largest concentration of wading birds in the world during winter months.

Banc d’Arguin’s unique marine ecosystem makes it an essential habitat for many species, earning its designation as a significant conservation area in Africa.

Diawling National Park

Diawling National Park is located southwest of Mauritania. It is surrounded by the delta of the Senegal River. The park is known for its large lakes during the rainy season and has over 220 species of birds and fish. Bird watchers and fish lovers will love the wide variety of flora and fauna found here.

Mauritania is home to many Saharan settlements, and industrial pollution, and the Diawling National Park is a small oasis of greenery deep in the southern portion of the country. The park is home to a variety of birds, including pelicans, northern pintails, Sudanese golden sparrows, and pink-hued flamingos.

Atar

Atar, in northwestern Mauritania, is the administrative center of the Adrar Region and a hub for exploring ancient cities and oases. It’s known for its historic Grand Mosque, restored by UNESCO, and its old town with five manuscript libraries.

The city has a desert climate, with average temperatures around 30°C and minimal rainfall. It’s considered a holy site by Mauritanians and is home to camel breeders.

Nouadhibou

Nouadhibou is a coastal city in Mauritania, situated at the edge of the Sahara Desert near the Atlantic Ocean. It serves as the country’s main port and is a key hub for fishing and trade. The city is known for its fishing industry, with many boats operating in the surrounding waters.

Nouadhibou has a diverse population, including many people involved in various trades, as well as a mix of cultures influenced by its maritime history.

The city features sandy beaches and is a starting point for travelers heading to the nearby Banc d’Arguin National Park. Despite facing challenges like infrastructure and urban development, Nouadhibou plays an important role in Mauritania’s economy and connects the country to international shipping routes.

Chinguetti

Chinguetti, once a major pilgrimage and Islamic scholarship center, is now an abandoned desert oasis at risk due to climate change. It still houses five libraries with over 1,300 Quranic manuscripts, attracting scholars.

Despite preservation challenges, UNESCO granted it World Heritage status. Accommodation includes guesthouses and camping, with locals sometimes hosting visitors without expectation of payment.

The Libraries of Chinguetti

Chinguetti, once a center of Islamic learning and trade, now houses private libraries with over 1400 books spanning centuries. This former savannah and pilgrimage destination became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Despite its ruined state, Chinguetti’s libraries preserve ancient books, including a nearly thousand-year-old manuscript. However, desert expansion threatens these collections.

Richat Structure

The Richat Structure, or “Eye of the Sahara,” is a 40-km-wide circular geological formation near Ouadane, Mauritania. It features sedimentary rock from the Late Proterozoic to Ordovician periods, with its outermost peak rising 485 meters above sea level.

Viewable by air or car, the Richat Structure was first photographed by Gemini astronauts in the 1960s. Accommodation options in nearby Ouadane include Auberge Verani and Auberge la gueila.

Marche aux Khaimas

The Marche aux Khaimas (Khaimas market) is the perfect place to buy souvenirs. You can find many different types of khaimas for less than the average price.

As you walk through the market, you may be tempted to check out every tent you see. In this way, you will be able to get a glimpse of different styles and colors.

A visit to Marche aux Khaimas is also an opportunity to get a glimpse of the country’s history and culture. The country is home to World Heritage-listed caravan towns and a National Park. The region is home to diverse wildlife and is popular with nature lovers.

The Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert in Mauritania offers expansive sand landscapes with peaks and dunes. A memorable experience is the free, daily train ride from Nouadhibou to Zouerat, though it’s long and challenging.

From Nouakchott, take a shared taxi to Atar, then a 4×4 ride through the desert to Choum. Visit Banc d’Arguin National Park between Nouakchott and Merzouga for wildlife and bird breeding grounds.

Bibliotheque Habott

Mauritania is a multicultural nation with Arab, Berber, and black African populations. Its economy depends on agriculture, fishing, and mining, with abundant iron ore and coastal fish.

The Institute of Scientific Research, under the Ministry of Culture, preserves Mauritania’s manuscripts. With Spanish aid, 250 manuscripts have been restored, and a microfilm project is underway with the German University of Tubingen.

Ouadne

Ouadane offers a unique Sahara desert experience with dunes and local life, but a guide is essential to avoid getting lost. Travel options include a minibus from Nouakchott or the famous train from Nouadhibou to Zouerat.

Explore Ouadane’s ancient ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Visit the Old City and consider a safari to the Eye of the Sahara mountain range.

Monolith of Ben Amera

Ben Amera is the second largest monolith in the world, rising 633 meters above the desert plain. It is the perfect location for art lovers and photographers. The monolith is off the beaten track in the Adrar region, so access requires 4×4 vehicles and expert desert drivers.

Ben Amera is located near the border with Western Sahara. It is the largest monolith in Africa, and the second largest in the world, after Uluru.

The ranking of monoliths is based on their height, mass, and combination of features. The imposing monolith in Mauritania will definitely inspire you.

Terjit Oasis

Terjit Oasis is located at the end of Route d’Aoujeft in Mauritania and is a unique spot for adventure travelers. Originally a pilgrimage site, it now attracts those looking for a rural experience with options for guest houses and camping.

Travelers can enjoy camel rides and learn about the traditional lifestyles of nomadic people. Nearby, visitors can explore the Portuguese forts of Agwedir and El Ghalaouia, as well as the Gelb El Richat crater and the prehistoric site of El Beyed. The stunning landscapes make it a memorable destination.

Oualata

Oualata, a World Heritage Site in southern Mauritania, was a key trading center in the 13th and 14th centuries. It offers an ancient Islamic center, a market, a museum with manuscripts, and traditional architecture.

Explore the region’s natural beauty via buggy rides or take the iron-ore train journey. The area provides insights into early agrarian communities, with notable stone structures and funerary architecture.

Port De Peche

Port de Pêche is the main fishing port in Nouakchott, Mauritania. It plays a crucial role in the country’s fishing industry, providing a vital source of income and employment for many locals.

The port is bustling with activity, where fishermen bring in their daily catches, including a variety of fish and seafood.

The area around Port de Pêche is lively, with markets and restaurants offering fresh seafood.

It’s a significant hub for both local and commercial fishing, and visitors can see traditional fishing boats and the local way of life.

The port not only contributes to the economy but also highlights the importance of fishing in Mauritanian culture.

Boutilimit

Boutilimit, in Mauritania’s Trarza region, is known for religious training and crafts like silverwork and rugs. It has hot, dry weather, with May being the hottest month.

A former Almoravid capital and caravan base, Boutilimit now produces grains, dates, and sheep. It hosts the Islamic Institute and is near Chinguetti, the seventh holy city in Islam.

Conclusion

Mauritania is a desert country with rich culture, welcoming people, and Atlantic coastlines. Winter is the best time to visit, with cool desert nights, while the rainy season runs from July to September.

The country offers unique cultural experiences, cuisine, and a tropical climate. Highlights include beautiful beaches, historic sites, and water sports. Nouakchott, the capital, is a relaxing destination with friendly locals and delicious food.