Mauritania is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Algeria, Western Sahara, and Mali. It is a vast and sparsely populated country, with a population of just over 4 million. Mauritania is a fascinating country with a unique culture and history, and offers a wealth of activities for travelers to explore. Here are ten of the best things to do in Mauritania.
1. Explore the Old City of Chinguetti: Located in the Sahara Desert, the ancient city of Chinguetti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, and was once an important center of Islamic learning. The city is home to some of the oldest mosques in the world, and visitors can explore the city’s winding streets and ancient architecture.
2. Visit the Banc d'Arguin National Park: The Banc d'Arguin National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Atlantic Ocean. The park is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and sea turtles. Visitors can explore the park’s wetlands, sand dunes, and lagoons, and can also take part in various activities such as bird-watching, hiking, and camping.
3. Visit the Oualata Mosque: The Oualata Mosque is a beautiful and historic mosque located in the town of Oualata. The mosque is an important site for Islamic culture and history, and is home to a number of ancient artifacts, including a minbar (pulpit) that dates back to the 13th century.
4. Take a Tour of the Sahara Desert: Mauritania is home to a large portion of the Sahara Desert, and visitors can take a tour of the desert to explore its vast expanses and unique landscape. Tourists can take a camel ride, explore the desert’s sand dunes, visit nomadic villages, and more.
5. Visit the National Museum of Mauritania: The National Museum of Mauritania is located in the capital city of Nouakchott. The museum houses a wide variety of artifacts, from ancient coins and pottery to traditional clothing and jewelry. The museum also has a library and a cafe, where visitors can learn more about the country’s history and culture.
6. Go on a Bird-Watching Tour: Mauritania is home to a wide variety of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and eagles. Visitors can take a bird-watching tour to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
7. Explore the Ksar of Ouadane: The Ksar of Ouadane is an ancient city located in the Sahara Desert. The city was once an important trading post, and visitors can explore its winding streets and ancient architecture.
8. Visit the Nouadhibou Fishing Port: The Nouadhibou Fishing Port is one of the largest fishing ports in Africa. Visitors can explore the port’s bustling market, watch fishermen unload their catch, and sample some of the fresh seafood.
9. Go on a Safari in the Tagant Region: The Tagant region is a beautiful area of Mauritania, located in the south of the country. Visitors can take a safari tour to explore the region’s stunning landscapes and observe its wildlife, including gazelles, antelopes, and wild cats.
10. Relax on the Beach: Mauritania has a number of beautiful beaches along its coast, where visitors can relax and soak up the sun. The beaches are also a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports.
Mauritania is an incredible country with a wealth of activities for travelers to explore. Whether you’re looking to explore the Sahara Desert, relax on the beach, or visit ancient mosques, Mauritania has something for everyone.