DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Diawling National Park

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
park
—°
Diawling National Park (Mauritania)

Weather…

Diawling National Park in Mauritania is a remarkable achievement in ecological restoration and conservation management. Established in 1994 at the mouth of the Senegal River, the park was created to mitigate the environmental damage caused by the construction of the Diama Dam, which threatened the delta's delicate balance. Covering 16,000 hectares of wetlands, lagoons, and salt marshes, it is recognized as a RAMSAR site of international importance. The park serves as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa; it is not uncommon to see vast colonies of Great White Pelicans, cormorants, and various species of ducks inhabiting its waters. For the local communities, the park is a lifeline, supporting traditional fishing, grazing, and craft industries through carefully controlled flooding cycles. Diawling stands as a spirited oasis where the Saharan dunes meet the life-giving waters of the Senegal River, showcasing the resilience of nature when supported by proactive human intervention.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222224242527282929292623
Rain mm392410845102911510

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
The national park is best reached by driving from the capital, Nouakchott, heading south towards the Senegal River delta on mostly paved roads. Once inside the park boundaries, a sturdy 4x4 vehicle is usually required to successfully navigate the unpaved, muddy wetland tracks.
📅
Best season
The prime birdwatching season runs from November to March, coinciding with the arrival of massive flocks of migratory bird species from Europe. Visiting during the wet season (July to September) can be very difficult as many dirt tracks become completely impassable due to flooding.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The park consists of a predominantly flat, expansive wetland ecosystem featuring floodplains, shallow lagoons, and muddy mangrove areas. Walking is relatively easy on the dry embankments, but visitors must be cautious of incredibly sticky mud and waterlogged paths near the shores.
🎒
What to bring
Essential gear includes a good pair of waterproof boots or wellies, potent insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes, and high-quality binoculars for birding. Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing that covers the arms and legs is highly recommended to protect against both sun and bugs.
🅿️
Parking
Visitors generally park their vehicles at designated administrative entry posts or safe, elevated dry patches designated by local park rangers. It is crucial to never park too close to the water's edge, as sudden water level changes or hidden soft mud can easily trap a vehicle.
⚠️
Safety
The primary safety concerns involve aggressive mosquito bites, the potential presence of waterborne diseases, and getting vehicles bogged down in the mud. Swimming in the river or lagoons is strictly discouraged due to hidden currents and the risk of encountering wildlife like crocodiles.
⏱️
Time needed
A meaningful visit to observe the incredible variety of birdlife and explore the various wetland habitats typically takes a full half-day. Dedicated birdwatchers and nature photographers often opt to spend an entire day from dawn to dusk to witness the diverse wildlife activities.

Geography

Coordinates
16.38000, -16.42000

Facts

  • The park was established in 1991.
  • It spans 13,000 hectares.
  • More than 300 bird species have been recorded.
  • Annual visitor numbers exceed 7,000.
  • The park is a Ramsar site since 2000.
  • It lies at an average elevation of 1.5 m.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Diawling National ParkDiawling National Park9 km · NEExplore →
Lake KassackLake Kassack11 km · NEExplore →
National Bird Reserve ZoneNational Bird Reserve Zone14 km · NExplore →
Senegal Delta plainsSenegal Delta plains16 km · NWExplore →
Djoudj National Bird ParkDjoudj National Bird Park16 km · NExplore →
Djoudj bird watchingDjoudj bird watching21 km · NEExplore →
Djoudj National Bird SanctuaryDjoudj National Bird Sanctuary23 km · NEExplore →
Gueumbeul ReserveGueumbeul Reserve25 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How is the wildlife?
It is a bird paradise and rich in fauna.
Can you visit the park alone?
An official guide is mandatory for safety.
When is the best travel time?
Winter months are climatically best.
Are there accommodations in the park?
There are simple camps, no luxury hotels.
Is a special vehicle needed?
Yes, a 4x4 vehicle is absolutely necessary.
Diawling National Park: where is it located?
Diawling National Park is located in Mauritania.
Diawling National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Diawling National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Diawling National Park in Mauritania is a remarkable achievement in ecological restoration and conservation management.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Mauritania →

Nearby cities

Nouakchott Central Market — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Central Market
The central market of Nouakchott is a significant hub for regional trade.
Nouakchott — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Nouakchott
Nouakchott is the capital of Mauritania and lies on the Atlantic coast.
Nouadhibou — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Nouadhibou
Nouadhibou is located on the Ras Nouadhibou peninsula and is the economic center for iron ore exports.
Kiffa-Nord — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Kiffa-Nord
Kiffa-Nord is an expanding part of Kiffa.
Kiffa — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Kiffa
Kiffa is a city in southern Mauritania and capital of the Assaba region.
Market Town Kiffa — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Market Town Kiffa
Kiffa serves as a central hub for trade in the eastern regions of Mauritania.
Nouakchott Wholesale Market — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Wholesale Market
This wholesale market in Nouakchott coordinates the flow of goods in the capital.
Kaedi Distribution Center — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Kaedi Distribution Center
Kaedi serves as an important commercial base along the river course.
Kaédi — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Kaédi
Kaédi is located on the Senegal River and serves as an agricultural hub.
Kaédi-Nord — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Kaédi-Nord
Kaédi-Nord includes residential areas on the northern edge of Kaédi.
Kaedi Agricultural Center — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Kaedi Agricultural Center
Kaedi is situated along the Senegal River and is a center for local agriculture.
Gorgol — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Gorgol
Gorgol is an important settlement area in the region of the same name.
Sélibaby — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Sélibaby
Sélibaby is a city in southeastern Mauritania in the Guidimaka region.
Selibaby Trade Center — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Selibaby Trade Center
Selibaby is strategically located in the south and is a hub for cross-border trade.
Sélibaby-Est — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Sélibaby-Est
Sélibaby-Est forms the eastern part of the regional center Sélibaby.

History & landmarks

Choum — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Choum
Choum is a strategic desert outpost on the route of the famous iron ore train, serving as a gateway to the Adrar Plateau.

Nature

🗺️
Keur Macene Wetland
This area near the border is crucial for biodiversity protection in the lower Senegal River course.
Senegal Delta — Diawling National Park (Mauritania)
Senegal Delta
The mouth area is a highly sensitive wetland for birds and aquatic life.