Mauritania · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Mauritania
These are the places worth your time in Mauritania, from Nouakchott's fish market and Nouadhibou's monk seals to the bird islands of the Banc d'Arguin and the libraries of Chinguetti and Ouadane. Classics sit beside quieter oases and desert corners, so every kind of traveller finds something to love.
Places to Visit in Nouakchott
Things to Do
- Port de Pêche (Plage des Pêcheurs)
Watch hundreds of painted pirogues land the catch at sunset in one of West Africa's great spectacles. - Camel ride on the city edge dunes (Outskirts)
A short camel ride at sunset is an easy first taste of the desert. - Ksar old quarter walk (Ksar)
Walk the oldest part of the capital, the original settlement before the city was built. - Taxi ride through the Cinquième (Cinquième)
Shared green and yellow taxis are the cheapest way to see daily life in the busy south.
Shopping and Markets
- Marché Capitale (Ksar)
The city's central market sells fabric, silver, leather, spices and everyday life in a lively maze. - Marché Cinquième (Cinquième)
A huge, busy market where locals buy melhfa and boubou fabric, sandals and household goods.
Arts and Culture
- Musée National de Mauritanie (Centre)
Archaeology, prehistoric finds and nomadic objects give useful context before heading to the desert. - Mosquée Saoudienne (Centre)
The capital's best-known mosque, with tall minarets, is a landmark best admired respectfully from outside. - Mosquée Marocaine (Cinquième)
A handsome mosque near the busy Cinquième market area, a good stop on a market walk. - Institut Français de Mauritanie (Centre)
Concerts, films, exhibitions and talks make this the busiest cultural venue in the capital.
Nature and Outdoors
- Plage de Nouakchott (Tevragh Zeina coast)
A long sandy Atlantic beach for walks, sea breezes and sunset, though the surf is strong for swimming. - Plage des Pêcheurs at sunset (Sebkha)
Stroll the sand as the boats come in and the sky turns gold over the ocean. - Dunes of the Nouakchott outskirts (Route d'Akjoujt)
Golden dunes start just outside the city for a taste of the Sahara on a short trip. - Parc National du Diawling (Near Keur Macène)
A wetland park on the Senegal River delta with flamingos, pelicans and warthogs in winter.
Restaurants
- Grilled fish stalls at the Port de Pêche (Plage des Pêcheurs)
Fresh fish cooked simply beside the beach where it was landed that afternoon. - Thieboudienne at a local gargote (Cinquième)
Eat fish and rice the way locals do, in small family-run canteens around the markets. - Restaurant of Azalaï Hôtel Marhaba (Centre)
A calm hotel restaurant with reliable international and Mauritanian dishes. - Méchoui and grilled lamb houses (Tevragh Zeina)
Slow-roasted lamb and grilled meat are the celebratory food of the capital, shared on big platters.
Cafés
- Mint tea in a Nouakchott tea house (Tevragh Zeina)
The three glasses of sweet mint tea ritual is the best introduction to Mauritanian hospitality. - Camel milk sellers (Marché Capitale)
Try fresh or fermented camel milk, zrig, a staple of nomadic life. - Hotel terrace cafés of Tevragh Zeina (Tevragh Zeina)
Quiet terraces where you can linger over coffee and juice in the evening cool.
Bars and Nightlife
- Evening promenade on the beach road (Tevragh Zeina coast)
Nightlife here means families and friends out on the sand and in juice bars after dark. - Juice bars of Tevragh Zeina (Tevragh Zeina)
Fresh bissap, baobab and mango juices are the go-to evening treat in a dry country.
Events
- Eid al-Fitr in Nouakchott (Citywide)
The end of Ramadan brings new clothes, visits and feasting across the city.
Stays
- Azalaï Hôtel Marhaba (Centre)
A dependable business hotel in the centre with a pool and good security. - Halima Hotel (Tevragh Zeina)
A comfortable, well-regarded hotel in the embassy district. - Hôtel Mauricenter (Centre)
A long-standing central hotel close to the markets and museum. - Auberge Menata (Tevragh Zeina)
A traveller favourite guesthouse with a courtyard, a mix of overlanders and helpful tips. - Auberge du Sahara (Route de Nouadhibou)
A simple overlander stop on the road north, used by trans-Sahara travellers. - Hôtel Tfeila (Tevragh Zeina)
A large hotel with conference facilities and pool, popular with visiting officials.
Places to Visit in Nouadhibou
Nature and Outdoors
- Cap Blanc monk seal reserve (Cap Blanc)
Home to one of the largest remaining colonies of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. - Plage de Cap Blanc (Cap Blanc)
Wild cliffs, crashing waves and big skies at the tip of the peninsula. - Sunset over the Baie du Lévrier (Baie du Lévrier)
Calm bay waters glow at dusk, a quiet end to a day on the coast.
Things to Do
- Ship graveyard of Nouadhibou (Baie du Lévrier)
Rusting hulls in the bay make one of the most surreal sights on the Atlantic coast. - Iron ore train departure (Cansado)
See, or ride, one of the longest trains in the world as it heads inland to Zouérat.
Shopping and Markets
- Marché Central de Nouadhibou (Centre)
A lively market for fabric, spices, mobile phones and fresh produce. - Port artisanal de Nouadhibou (Port)
The fishing port buzzes with boats, buyers and crews from across West Africa.
Restaurants
- Fresh seafood in Nouadhibou (Centre)
Octopus, fish and prawns are the city's pride, cooked in simple local restaurants. - Senegalese canteens of Nouadhibou (Numerowatt)
Hearty thieboudienne and yassa in small canteens run by the West African community.
Cafés
- Pâtisseries of the city centre (Centre)
Bakeries serve fresh bread, croissants and coffee for a gentle start. - Mint tea with fishermen (Port)
Tea is brewed at every corner of the port, and visitors are often invited to share a glass.
Bars and Nightlife
- Evening on the Corniche (Corniche)
Families and friends gather by the water after dark when the heat lifts.
Stays
- Hôtel Al Jazira (Centre)
A well-known central hotel used by business travellers and visitors to the cape. - Camping Baie du Lévrier (Centre)
A long-running overlander campsite and guesthouse with a friendly courtyard.
Events
- Nouadhibou fishing season start (Port)
The opening of the octopus season brings the port to life with boats and buyers.
Places to Visit in Banc d'Arguin
Nature and Outdoors
- Iwik and Tidra islands (Iwik)
Huge winter colonies of flamingos, pelicans, spoonbills and waders in a UNESCO-listed park. - Cap Tafarit (Tafarit)
Red cliffs, empty beaches and an Imraguen fishing village where desert meets ocean. - Sunset over Arkeiss (Arkeiss)
Dunes roll straight into the sea for one of the most beautiful sunsets in the country. - Cap Timiris (Mamghar)
A remote cape with dunes and mangrove relics at the southern edge of the park. - Beach at Arkeiss (Arkeiss)
A wide empty beach for walking, swimming in calm weather and stargazing.
Things to Do
- Lanche sail boat trip (Iwik)
Traditional sailing boats carry visitors close to the bird islands without engines. - Birdwatching walk at low tide (Iwik)
Mudflats teem with migrating waders from Europe and the Arctic in the cooler months.
Arts and Culture
- Imraguen fishing villages (Iwik)
Meet the Imraguen, fishing families famous for working with wild dolphins to drive mullet into nets.
Restaurants
- Dried mullet and poutargue in Imraguen villages (Iwik)
Taste the cured mullet and roe that Imraguen families have made for generations.
Stays
- Campement d'Iwik (Iwik)
Simple tents near the bird islands run with the park, the classic base for boat trips.
Events
- Winter bird migration (Whole park)
From October to April millions of shorebirds winter in the park.
Places to Visit in Atar
Shopping and Markets
- Atar old market (Centre)
The Adrar's main market for dates, blankets, silver and supplies before heading into the desert.
Arts and Culture
- Ksar of Atar (Old quarter)
The old mud-brick quarter shows how the town grew from a caravan stop. - Azougui Almoravid ruins (Azougui)
Traces of the eleventh century capital of the Almoravids, the dynasty that reached Spain.
Nature and Outdoors
- Terjit oasis (Terjit)
A palm-shaded gorge with warm and cool springs, perfect for a midday swim and rest. - Amogjar Pass (Route de Chinguetti)
A dramatic climb through the escarpment with views over the Adrar plateau. - Rock paintings at Agrour Amogjar (Amogjar)
Prehistoric paintings of cattle and people from a time when the Sahara was green. - Azougui (Near Atar)
The historic Almoravid stronghold, now a palm village with ruins and stories.
Restaurants
- Dates and camel meat in Atar market (Centre)
Taste Adrar dates, famous in the region, and grilled camel at small stalls.
Cafés
- Tea houses near the market (Centre)
Sit with locals for mint tea and conversation between errands.
Stays
- Auberge Bab Sahara (Atar)
A long-running guesthouse popular with overlanders and desert travellers. - Auberge de Terjit (Terjit)
Sleep in a simple camp at the mouth of the oasis to swim before the crowds.
Events
- Date harvest, the guetna (Adrar oases)
In summer families gather in the palm groves for the date harvest, a much-loved season.
Things to Do
- Camel trek from Atar (Adrar)
Licensed guides lead treks of a few days through dunes, canyons and oases.
Places to Visit in Chinguetti
Arts and Culture
- Old town of Chinguetti (Old town)
Stone houses, narrow lanes and centuries of scholarship in a UNESCO-listed caravan town. - Friday Mosque of Chinguetti (Old town)
The square stone minaret topped with ostrich eggs is the symbol of Mauritania; admire it from outside. - Al Habott library (Old town)
A family library guarding ancient Quran manuscripts and scholarly texts. - Ahmed Mahmoud library (Old town)
Another family manuscript collection, shown by its keepers with pride.
Nature and Outdoors
- Erg Ouarane dunes (East of Chinguetti)
Golden dunes rise right behind the town for sunset walks and camping. - Sunset on the dunes behind Chinguetti (Erg Ouarane)
Climb a dune with tea as the sand changes colour, the classic Chinguetti evening. - Abweir (Near Chinguetti)
Ruins of the original Chinguetti settlement, a short trip out of town.
Things to Do
- Camel ride into the Erg (Chinguetti)
Short camel rides and overnight camps head out straight from town. - Stargazing night in the desert (Erg Ouarane)
Almost no light pollution means vast, brilliant skies.
Shopping and Markets
- Silver and leather sellers (Old town)
Small stalls sell Moorish silver, leather cushions and tea sets.
Restaurants
- Couscous and camel stew in an auberge (New town)
Hearty home-style meals served on shared platters in the guesthouses.
Cafés
- Tea with a library keeper (Old town)
Many visits end with mint tea and stories of the caravan days.
Stays
- Auberge La Gueïla (Chinguetti)
A well-known guesthouse with rooms, tents and good meals near the old town. - Desert camp in the Erg Ouarane (Erg Ouarane)
A night under canvas or the stars among the dunes.
Events
- Festival des Villes Anciennes (Chinguetti)
The rotating festival of the ancient cities brings music, poetry and camel racing to the ksour.
Places to Visit in Ouadane
Arts and Culture
- Old town of Ouadane (Old town)
Terraced stone ruins tumble down the hillside in this UNESCO-listed caravan city. - Ouadane old mosque (Old town)
The mosque at the heart of the old quarter, still the anchor of the town; respect prayer times. - Ouadane manuscript libraries (Old town)
Family collections of manuscripts that survive from the city's trading heyday.
Nature and Outdoors
- Guelb er Richat, the Eye of the Sahara (Richat Structure)
A vast ring structure visible from space, explored with a local guide. - Ouadane palm grove (Below the old town)
Shady palms and gardens at the foot of the ruins, peaceful in the afternoon. - Sunset over the Ouadane ruins (Old town)
Golden light on the stone walls and plateau is unforgettable.
Things to Do
- Drive from Chinguetti to Ouadane (Adrar plateau)
A rough desert track through plateau and sand, done with a guide and a good vehicle.
Shopping and Markets
- Crafts sellers of Ouadane (Old town)
Small stalls sell stone arrowheads, silver and leather work.
Places to Visit in Ben Amera
Nature and Outdoors
- Ben Amera monolith (Near Choum)
One of the largest monoliths in the world, rising beside the iron ore railway.
Arts and Culture
- Ben Amera sculpture symposium (Near Ben Amera)
Stone sculptures carved by international artists in 1999 sit among the desert boulders.
Places to Visit in Oualata
Arts and Culture
- Painted houses of Oualata (Old town)
Red decorated doorways in a UNESCO ksar, in an area under strict travel warnings, so check advice first.
Places to Visit in Tichitt
Arts and Culture
- Ancient ksar of Tichitt (Old town)
A remote UNESCO stone town, reached only with careful planning and current advice.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Marché aux Chameaux (Route de l'Espoir, Nouakchott)
The camel market on the edge of the city is a slice of nomadic trade few visitors see. - Centre Culturel Marocain (Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott)
Exhibitions, music and talks with a Moroccan accent in a calm, welcoming setting. - Centre Artisanal de Nouakchott (Ksar, Nouakchott)
Silversmiths, leatherworkers and weavers sell boxes, jewellery and cushions straight from their workshops. - Le Prince (Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott)
A long-running restaurant popular for grills, seafood and a relaxed evening out. - Café Tunisien (Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott)
Simple, filling Tunisian and Mauritanian dishes in a friendly local spot. - Pizza Lina (Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott)
A well-known pizza place that pleases families and homesick travellers alike. - Pâtisserie Les Délices (Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott)
French-style pastries and coffee for a gentle breakfast or afternoon break. - Traditional Moorish music evenings (Centre, Nouakchott)
Look out for traditional Moorish music, the tidinit lute and ardin harp, at cultural venues. - Festival Assalamalekum (Nouakchott, Nouakchott)
A hip hop and urban music festival that has showcased young Mauritanian artists. - Iman Hôtel (Tevragh Zeina, Nouakchott)
A mid-range hotel in a handy location for restaurants and offices. - Hôtel Sabah (Beach road, Nouakchott)
Rooms close to the ocean for sea air away from the city centre. - Restaurant Le Méditerranéen (Centre, Nouadhibou)
A long-running spot for fish and seafood with a Mediterranean touch. - Restaurant Pizzeria La Paillote (Centre, Nouadhibou)
An easy-going spot for pizza and grilled fish that suits everyone. - Centre de Recherche IMROP (Cansado, Nouadhibou)
The national fisheries research institute is the heart of the city's ocean science. - Hôtel Sabah Nouadhibou (Centre, Nouadhibou)
Simple, comfortable rooms in the town centre. - Hôtel Oasian (Centre, Nouadhibou)
A modern mid-range option near the centre. - Kitesurfing in the Baie du Lévrier (Baie du Lévrier, Nouadhibou)
Steady trade winds make the bay a spot for adventurous wind sports. - Campement de Tafarit (Tafarit, Banc d'Arguin)
Basic camp living beside the beach and cliffs. - Campement d'Arkeiss (Arkeiss, Banc d'Arguin)
Tents among dunes facing the ocean for unforgettable nights. - Tanouchert oasis (Near Atar, Atar)
A small, quiet oasis of palms and gardens few tourists visit. - Ain Ehel Taya (Near Atar, Atar)
A green oasis and gorge, lovely in the soft light of late afternoon. - Restaurant at Auberge Bab Sahara (Atar, Atar)
A traveller friendly spot for a hearty meal after desert days. - Hôtel Almoravide (Atar, Atar)
A practical town hotel used by charter visitors and tour groups. - Wenane library (Old town, Chinguetti)
One of the smaller family libraries, with manuscripts on astronomy, law and poetry. - Auberge des Caravanes (Chinguetti, Chinguetti)
Simple, friendly rooms used by trekkers and overlanders. - Auberge Abweir (Chinguetti, Chinguetti)
A simple, family-run base for exploring town and dunes. - Auberge Vasque (Ouadane, Ouadane)
A simple guesthouse with views over the old town and plateau. - Camping near the Richat Structure (Richat Structure, Ouadane)
Basic camps let you sleep inside the great rings of the Eye of the Sahara.