Chinguetti Old Town
Region: Adrar Region
Cultural heritage
Center of Islamic scholarship since the 13th century. Sand-buried stone minaret is iconic.
Tourism in Mauritania
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Banc d'Arguin National Park
Region: Dakhlet Nouadhibou/Trarza coastal region
Nature
World's largest tidal flats and seagrass beds. UNESCO Natural Heritage site serving as paradise for dugongs and migratory birds.
Richat Structure (Eye of the Sahara)
Region: Tagant Plateau
Nature
40km diameter concentric circular formation. Distinctive landscape observable from altitude and satellite photography.
Ouadane Ruins
Region: Adrar Region
Cultural heritage
Fortress city ruins that prospered through salt trade. Stone warehouses and minaret remain.
Nouakchott Fish Market (Poissonnade)
Region: Nouakchott
Living culture
West Africa's largest beach market. Evening scenery with colorful wooden pirogues is must-see.
Iron Ore Train Riding Experience
Region: Zouérat–Nouadhibou
Modern industry
Free adventurous travel riding at the back of freight train. Enjoy starry skies and desert.
Terjit Oasis
Region: Adrar Region
Nature
Hidden paradise canyon dotted with palm trees and spring pools.
Ben Amera Monolith
Region: Tiris Zemmour Region
Nature
World's third-largest single-stone monolith. Adjacent Ben Haji is also popular.
National Museum (Musée National de Mauritanie)
Region: Nouakchott
Cultural facility
Exhibits prehistoric stone tools and Islamic manuscripts, providing overview of national history.
Diawling National Park
Region: Southwest Trarza Region
Nature
Senegal River delta wetlands. Observe sitatunga, crocodiles, and pelicans.
Nouadhibou Cap Blanc
Region: Nouadhibou Peninsula
Nature
Photogenic cliffs jutting into Atlantic Ocean with shipwreck scenery.
Tichitt Old Town
Region: Tagant Region
Cultural heritage
Distinctive Sahelian architecture complex built with red, white, and black sandstone.
Suggested itineraries
World Heritage and Oasis Northern Circuit
Duration (days): 7
Highlights: Nouakchott, Atar, Chinguetti, Terjit, Ouadane, Richat Structure scenic flight
One-week course crossing the Adrar Plateau by four-wheel drive, enjoying starry sky camping and ancient city exploration.
Ocean and Desert Wild Experience
Duration (days): 5
Highlights: Nouadhibou, Iron Ore Train, Banc d'Arguin National Park, Cap Blanc
Cross the desert by iron ore train, then experience bird watching and kitesurfing in Ramsar wetlands.
Senegal River Delta and Southern Culture Exploration
Duration (days): 4
Highlights: Rosso, Diawling National Park, Kaédi, Local markets
Ecotour touring wetlands by boat and learning music and cuisine in Fula and Wolof villages.
Travel tips
- Tourist visas available on arrival but require US dollars or euros in cash.
- Public transportation is irregular. Long-distance travel is reliable with 4WD charter.
- Desert areas cool to near 0°C at night, carry warm clothing.
- Mobile service is 4G in urban areas. Satellite phones preferable in rural areas.
- During Ramadan, restaurants close during daytime, so allow schedule flexibility.
- Female travelers advised to wear clothing covering shoulders and knees.
- Credit card acceptance is limited, cash essential.
- Entry prohibited to former Western Sahara border areas due to landmine/unexploded ordnance risks.
- Basic French greetings useful for negotiations.
- Attaya (sweet mint tea) is the ultimate gesture of hospitality; refusing is impolite.
- Camera equipment should have sealing bags for sand protection.
- Street lighting is sparse at night, avoid walking.
- Drone photography requires prior permission.
- Dryness and UV rays are intense; lip balm and sunglasses essential.