Gorgol is a region in northern Mauritania, located in the Sahara Desert. It is home to some of the most stunning and unique landscapes in the world, with its towering sand dunes, ancient ruins, and rugged mountains. From the bustling markets of Nouakchott to the remote oases of Oualata, Gorgol has something for everyone. Here are the top 20 places to see in Gorgol, Mauritania.
1. Oualata: Oualata is a small oasis town located in the southeastern part of Gorgol. It is known for its old mud-brick buildings, colorful bazaars, and beautiful desert landscapes. Oualata is also home to some of the oldest Islamic monuments in Mauritania, including the Great Mosque of Oualata, which dates back to the 11th century.
2. Chinguetti: Chinguetti is an ancient desert town located in the western part of Gorgol. It is home to some of the oldest Islamic monuments in the world, including the Great Mosque of Chinguetti, which dates back to the 13th century. Chinguetti is also known for its traditional mud-brick houses, which have been standing for centuries.
3. Nouakchott: Nouakchott is the capital city of Mauritania and the largest city in Gorgol. It is a bustling metropolis with a rich cultural heritage, and is home to some of the best markets in the region. From traditional handicrafts and spices to modern electronics and clothing, the markets of Nouakchott are a great place to explore.
4. Banc d'Arguin National Park: Banc d'Arguin National Park is a large nature reserve located on the Atlantic coast of Mauritania. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and sea turtles. The park is also known for its stunning beaches and coastal dunes.
5. Tagant Plateau: The Tagant Plateau is a large area of rugged terrain located in the northern part of Gorgol. It is known for its spectacular views of the surrounding desert landscape, and is home to some of the best rock climbing in Mauritania.
6. Adrar: Adrar is a town located in the central part of Gorgol. It is known for its traditional mud-brick buildings and its bustling markets. Adrar is also home to some of the most impressive sand dunes in the region.
7. Kiffa: Kiffa is a town located in the southeastern part of Gorgol. It is known for its traditional mud-brick architecture and its bustling markets. Kiffa is also home to some of the most impressive sand dunes in the region.
8. Tidjikja: Tidjikja is an ancient desert town located in the northern part of Gorgol. It is known for its traditional mud-brick buildings and its bustling markets. Tidjikja is also home to some of the oldest Islamic monuments in Mauritania, including the Great Mosque of Tidjikja, which dates back to the 11th century.
9. Oualata Salt Pans: The Oualata Salt Pans are a series of shallow salt pans located in the southeastern part of Gorgol. They are known for their stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape, and are a great place to spot migrating birds.
10. Terjit: Terjit is a small oasis town located in the northern part of Gorgol. It is known for its traditional mud-brick buildings and its bustling markets. Terjit is also home to some of the most impressive sand dunes in the region.
11. Chinguetti Oasis: The Chinguetti Oasis is a large oasis located in the western part of Gorgol. It is known for its traditional mud-brick buildings, colorful bazaars, and stunning desert landscapes. The Chinguetti Oasis is also home to some of the oldest Islamic monuments in Mauritania, including the Great Mosque of Chinguetti, which dates back to the 13th century.
12. Atar: Atar is a town located in the central part of Gorgol. It is known for its traditional mud-brick architecture and its bustling markets. Atar is also home to some of the most impressive sand dunes in the region.
13. Ouadane: Ouadane is an ancient desert town located in the western part of Gorgol. It is known for its traditional mud-brick buildings, colorful bazaars, and stunning desert landscapes. Ouadane is also home to some of the oldest Islamic monuments in Mauritania, including the Great Mosque of Ouadane, which dates back to the 11th century.
14. Selibaby: Selibaby is a town located in the southeastern part of Gorgol. It is known for its traditional mud-brick architecture and its bustling markets. Selibaby is also home to some of the most impressive sand dunes in the region.
15. Ouadane Oasis: The Ouadane Oasis is a large oasis located in the western part of Gorgol. It is known for its traditional mud-brick buildings, colorful bazaars, and stunning desert landscapes. The Ouadane Oasis is also home to some of the oldest Islamic monuments in Mauritania, including the Great Mosque of Ouadane, which dates back to the 11th century.
16. Aleg: Aleg is a town located in the northern part of Gorgol. It is known for its traditional mud-brick architecture and its bustling markets. Aleg is also home to some of the most impressive sand dunes in the region.
17. Asselar: Asselar is an ancient desert town located in the western part of Gorgol. It is known for its traditional mud-brick buildings, colorful bazaars, and stunning desert landscapes. Asselar is also home to some of the oldest Islamic monuments in Mauritania, including the Great Mosque of Asselar, which dates back to the 11th century.
18. Tidjikja Oasis: The Tidjikja Oasis is a large oasis located in the northern part of Gorgol. It is known for its traditional mud-brick buildings, colorful bazaars, and stunning desert landscapes. The Tidjikja Oasis is also home to some of the oldest Islamic monuments in Mauritania, including the Great Mosque of Tidjikja, which dates back to the 11th century.
19. Timbuktu: Timbuktu is an ancient desert town located in the western part of Gorgol. It is known for its traditional mud-brick buildings, colorful bazaars, and stunning desert landscapes. Timbuktu is also home to some of the oldest Islamic monuments in Mauritania, including the Great Mosque of Timbuktu, which dates back to the 13th century.