Mauritania feels like stepping onto another planet…in the best way. Traveling there was one of the most surreal experiences I’ve ever had. Imagine endless golden dunes, ancient desert cities frozen in time, and trains so long they vanish into the horizon. It’s raw, intense, and totally unforgettable.
One of the highlights? Riding the iron ore train—an open-air journey across the Sahara that’s as rugged as it sounds. I also wandered through Chinguetti, a once-thriving center of Islamic learning, where ancient libraries still hold handwritten texts in the middle of the desert. Wild.
Here are 12 of the most striking, otherworldly places I saw in Mauritania. They’re the kind of places that make you rethink what “travel” really means.
The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Mauritania
Ready to explore the most enchanting spots in Mauritania? This beautiful place in Africa showcases the country’s most stunning landscapes and cultural gems. Here are the must-see locations in Mauritania that should be on your radar:
1. Banc d’Arguin National Park
- 📍 Location: Western Mauritania, along the Atlantic coast
- 🏆 Best For: Birdwatchers 🐦, eco-travelers 🌱, photography lovers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Spotting flamingos and spoonbills, exploring islets by boat, meeting Imraguen fishermen
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for migratory birds
- 🏨 Where to Stay: El Medina Hotel – Comfortable hotel in Nouadhibou, offering modern amenities and easy access to the city
Banc d’Arguin is where the Atlantic brushes against the Sahara, and it feels like nowhere else on Earth. The park is a huge stretch of wetlands and dunes, home to hundreds of thousands of migratory birds. Bring your binoculars because you’ll spot flamingos, pelicans, and rare waders scattered across the shallow waters.
Locals here still fish using ancient methods passed down through generations. Joining an Imraguen fisherman on a wooden pirogue gives you a glimpse into a lifestyle most people never see. It’s peaceful, raw, and deeply connected to nature.
Boat rides between sandy islets are an adventure on their own. You’ll feel completely off-grid, surrounded by wind, water, and wingbeats. If you’re looking for a place that’s wild but welcoming, this park delivers. Whether you’re into birdwatching or just want to breathe somewhere truly quiet, Banc d’Arguin sticks with you.
2. Chinguetti
- 📍 Location: Adrar Plateau, central Mauritania
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 📚, desert explorers 🏜️, cultural travelers 🕌
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting ancient libraries, exploring the historic mosque, wandering the old ksar
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for cooler temperatures
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Auberge La Gueila – Traditional stone guesthouse just a short walk from the old city center
Chinguetti isn’t just a town, it’s basically a time capsule. This UNESCO-listed site was once a major center of Islamic scholarship, and its ancient libraries still protect centuries-old manuscripts. Wandering the old ksar feels like stepping into a living museum where stone buildings and desert sand blend into one hauntingly beautiful landscape.
You’ll spot the iconic square minaret, one of the oldest in the region, and hear the stories of caravans that passed through this trading hub centuries ago. The quiet atmosphere makes it perfect for slow travel and reflection.
Bring comfortable shoes for climbing dunes at sunset and stick around for the night skies. Chinguetti’s remote location means there’s little light pollution, so you’ll get stargazing like nowhere else. It’s not just about history, it’s about feeling something ancient and enduring in the middle of the Sahara.
3. Diawling National Park
- 📍 Location: Southwestern Mauritania, near the Senegal River delta
- 🏆 Best For: Birdwatchers 🐦, wildlife lovers 🐗, photographers 📷
- 📸 Top Experiences: Birdwatching, boat tours, exploring wetlands and mangroves
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April for bird migration season
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Campement Diawling – Rustic ecolodge close to the park’s entrance with local-guided excursions
Diawling National Park is a wetland gem at the edge of Mauritania, where freshwater meets saltwater in a dynamic ecosystem. It’s especially popular with birders as flamingos, pelicans, and spoonbills are regulars here, especially during the migratory season.
If you’re into wildlife, you’re in for more than just birds. Warthogs, monkeys, and even crocodiles make their home in the park. Local guides can take you on boat rides through mangrove channels, and it’s worth the early wake-up for the sunrise over the river delta.
The park also represents a conservation comeback. Once dried out, it’s been carefully restored and is now thriving again. With peaceful views and low tourist traffic, Diawling offers the kind of calm that makes it easy to connect with nature. It’s the kind of place that’s all about observation, stillness, and those quiet wow moments.
4. Iron Ore Train
- 📍 Location: From Zouérat to Nouadhibou, northern Mauritania
- 🏆 Best For: Adventurers 🚂, bucket-listers 📸, off-the-beaten-path travelers 🧭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the open-air freight cars, chatting with locals, desert photography
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for cooler desert temperatures
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hôtel Esma – A practical, clean stay in Nouadhibou with easy access to the train endpoint
This isn’t your average train ride. The Iron Ore Train is raw, gritty, and unforgettable. You’ll ride in open freight cars filled with iron ore, exposed to wind and dust, but also to the most surreal desert views you’ll ever see. It’s rough around the edges, but that’s part of the thrill.
Locals ride it too, so you’ll probably end up sharing tea and stories under the stars. It’s a long journey, up to 20 hours, but the views of endless dunes and the dramatic Mauritanian landscape make every minute count.
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Make sure you wear layers, bring goggles or a scarf, and protect your gear from dust. Most of all, embrace the chaos. This is one of the most unique travel experiences on Earth, and once you hop off, dusty and tired, you’ll be proud you did it. Few adventures come this raw and real.
5. Mauritania Sahara
- 📍 Location: Spanning central and northern Mauritania
- 🏆 Best For: Desert dreamers 🐪, stargazers 🌌, cultural explorers 📖
- 📸 Top Experiences: Camel trekking, stargazing under clear skies, visiting rock carvings
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for mild weather
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sahara Sky Hotel – A desert-style lodge with guided tours and camel treks in the Adrar region
The Sahara in Mauritania feels like a different planet. Think towering dunes, ancient rock formations, and nights so silent you can hear the wind shifting sand. This part of the Sahara is more than just scenery, it’s a living culture. Join a camel caravan led by local guides and you’ll see how nomadic life still thrives here.
At night, the stars come alive. Without city lights, the sky becomes your planetarium. The Milky Way stretches across the darkness, and it’s not unusual to spot shooting stars as you lie on the cool sand.
You can also find ancient rock carvings and petroglyphs hidden among the cliffs. These desert relics tell stories from thousands of years ago. If you’re looking for something humbling and awe-inspiring, the Sahara delivers. It’s not just a place to see, it’s a place that leaves an imprint on you long after you’ve gone.
6. Nouadhibou
- 📍 Location: Northern Mauritania, on the Atlantic coast
- 🏆 Best For: Shipwreck chasers 🚢, seafood lovers 🐙, laid-back explorers 🎒
- 📸 Top Experiences: Ship graveyard tour, local fish markets, Atlantic beach walks
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for cooler coastal temps
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Sahel – Comfortable rooms near the port with local eats and sea views
Nouadhibou blends gritty industry with wild coastal beauty. It’s a port city, but if you look past the iron ore trains and cargo ships, you’ll find windswept beaches and a raw charm that’s hard to fake. The ship graveyard is its most surreal sight, hundreds of rusting vessels scattered along the shore like a post-apocalyptic art exhibit.
The local markets buzz with fishermen selling the day’s catch. Grilled octopus, fresh shrimp, and steaming bowls of fish stew are everywhere. You won’t leave hungry, that’s for sure. It’s also a chill place to slow down after a dusty desert journey. Grab mint tea, watch the sea, and recharge. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, the energy is relaxed and real.
Nouadhibou isn’t polished, but that’s the point. It gives you the real Mauritania—untamed, unfiltered, and unforgettable.
7. Nouakchott
- 📍 Location: Southwestern Mauritania, along the Atlantic coast
- 🏆 Best For: Culture lovers 🧵, street photographers 📷, market wanderers 🧺
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Port de Pêche, exploring markets, relaxing in local parks
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to February for pleasant weather
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Monotel Dar El Barka – Centrally located with spacious rooms and quiet gardens
Nouakchott might not wow you with skyscrapers, but it offers something much better. Mauritania’s capital hums with energy and contrast. You’ll find mud-brick homes next to modern buildings and street vendors side by side with sleek cafés.
Start at Port de Pêche, where fishermen haul in the day’s catch against a backdrop of colorful boats and crashing waves. The vibe is lively and unfiltered, perfect for getting a feel for daily life.
Markets here are massive and packed with character. Fabrics, spices, silver jewelry… you name it, someone’s selling it. Haggle a little, laugh a lot, and you’ll come away with more than souvenirs.
When you need a breather, parks and open-air cafés give you a slice of calm. Nouakchott isn’t built for tourists, and that’s what makes it special. It’s a city for people living their lives, and they’re happy to let you peek in.
8. Ouadâne
- 📍 Location: Adrar Plateau, central Mauritania
- 🏆 Best For: History lovers 📚, heritage travelers 🕌, desert adventurers 🌄
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring ancient libraries, climbing old fortress ruins, hiking the Adrar cliffs
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for cooler desert days
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Auberge Ouadâne – Traditional guesthouse near the old city with local meals and guided tours
Ouadâne feels like stepping into a forgotten chapter of history. Tucked deep in the Adrar Plateau, this ancient Saharan town is full of crumbling stone buildings, narrow alleys, and one of the oldest mosques in West Africa. It’s quiet, it’s isolated, and that’s exactly why it’s powerful.
The libraries here hold handwritten Islamic texts that date back centuries. Locals still open their doors to visitors, sharing stories passed down through generations. Surrounding the town are rocky cliffs and wide desert views. Sunrise hikes reveal golden light spilling over the ruins, and at night, the stars feel almost too close. It’s a place where silence has a sound and time feels like it’s standing still.
If you want more than photos, Ouadâne delivers. It’s not just a stop on a map. It’s a piece of the past that’s still very much alive.
9. Oualâta
- 📍 Location: Southeastern Mauritania, near the Malian border
- 🏆 Best For: Culture buffs 🎭, architecture lovers 🏛️, artisan seekers 🧶
- 📸 Top Experiences: Seeing Sahelian architecture, browsing local crafts, exploring ancient alleyways
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for cooler weather
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Auberge de Oualâta – Cozy local guesthouse with handcrafted decor and home-cooked meals
Oualâta feels like it was pulled straight from a storybook. Bright red-and-white patterns cover its old Sahelian buildings, and the whole town moves at a slow, thoughtful pace. It’s far from the tourist trail, which makes every interaction feel genuine and personal.
The people here are proud of their heritage. You’ll find artisans creating intricate beadwork, leather goods, and wood carvings. Many are happy to let you watch or even join in. You won’t need a packed itinerary here, just time to walk, observe, and talk. There’s a peaceful rhythm to life here, and it’s easy to get caught up in it.
Evenings are quiet and star-filled, and meals are simple but filling. If you want a deep, off-grid cultural experience that sticks with you, Oualâta offers it in every painted wall and quiet smile.
10. Port De Pêche
- 📍 Location: Nouakchott, west coast of Mauritania
- 🏆 Best For: Foodies 🍤, photographers 📷, culture chasers 🎣
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching the fishing boats come in, seafood feasting, lively market strolls
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for cooler coastal air
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hôtel Semiramis – Mid-range hotel near the port with fresh seafood dishes and easy access
If you want to feel the pulse of Nouakchott, head to Port De Pêche. Fishermen unload the day’s catch right onto the beach, and you’re invited to watch. Wooden pirogues line the shore, colorful and chaotic, with crews shouting directions as they haul in nets.
It’s loud, a little messy, and completely fascinating. The nearby market sells everything from fresh octopus to grilled sardines, and there’s no better lunch spot than one of the seaside stalls.
The port isn’t just for locals, it’s a cultural experience that brings you face-to-face with Mauritania’s coastal life. Kids play by the shore, vendors call out prices, and the scent of the sea hangs in the air.
Bring your camera, come hungry, and be ready to linger. This spot gives you a real look at daily life and makes you feel like you’re part of it.
11. Terjit
- 📍 Location: Near Atar, Adrar Region
- 🏆 Best For: Oasis seekers 🌴, wellness travelers 💦, peaceful escapes 🌞
- 📸 Top Experiences: Soaking in hot springs, hiking canyon cliffs, enjoying palm-shaded picnics
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for mild temperatures
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Terjit Oasis Camp – Simple tents with meals and direct access to the springs
Terjit is one of those rare places where you feel your whole body exhale. It’s pretty much an oasis hidden between cliffs, lined with palms, and fed by natural thermal springs. Water flows through shallow pools you can soak in while staring up at the rock walls above.
You’ll find just a few guest tents here, nothing fancy, but that’s what makes it special. It’s peaceful, quiet, and naturally beautiful. Hike the nearby cliffs for incredible views or just hang back under the palms. At night, the stars reflect in the water and silence wraps around you like a blanket. You’ll sleep better than you have in weeks.
Locals might share tea or stories if you’re open to it. Terjit is less about ticking things off a list and more about just being present in a really beautiful corner of the world.
12. Tichit
- 📍 Location: Tagant Plateau, central Mauritania
- 🏆 Best For: History lovers 🧱, explorers 🧭, off-grid travelers 🌍
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the ancient mosque, hiking to rock art sites, strolling cobbled lanes
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to February for bearable heat
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Maison d’Hôtes Tichitt – Restored stone guesthouse in the historic district with local meals
Tichit is like opening a time capsule. This centuries-old settlement sits isolated on the Tagant Plateau, its stone houses and narrow alleys whispering stories from the days of trans-Saharan trade. The town’s mosque is especially stunning, being simple, sturdy, and steeped in history.
You won’t find crowds or tourist shops here. What you will find is quiet. The kind that lets you focus on every detail: a carved doorframe, the feel of ancient stone underfoot, and the stars spilling over the plateau at night.
The nearby cliffs hide prehistoric rock art, some thousands of years old. If you’re up for a hike, local guides can take you to see these almost-forgotten markings etched into the earth.
Tichit doesn’t entertain. It invites reflection. If you’re looking for an escape that makes you think, slow down, and truly see, this is your place.
