Attractions in Mauritania
The finest attractions in Mauritania at a glance: castles, natural wonders, historic old towns and more. Each place links to a detailed page with map, tips and photos.
Culture & History
El-Beyed Crater
The El-Beyed Crater, also known as Tenoumer, is a nearly circular impact crater in the Sahara.
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Tagant Caves
In the Tagant region are prehistoric caves.
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Cap Tafarit
Cap Tafarit is a prominent headland along the Atlantic coast in Banc d'Arguin National Park.
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Azefal Dune
The Azefal Dune is a prominent elevation in western Mauritania.
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Kaedi Mosque
The mosque in Kaédi is an architecturally interesting building reflecting the cultural influence of the Senegal River region.
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Nema Market
The market in Nema was historically significant for regional trade.
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Ouadane Historic Mosque
The historic mosque of Ouadane is a spiritual heritage.
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Amogjar Pass
Amogjar Pass is a spectacular mountain pass featuring prehistoric rock paintings and breathtaking views over the Sahara Desert.
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Chinguetti Mosque
This 13th-century mosque is the most significant structure in Chinguetti.
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Choum
Choum is a strategic desert outpost on the route of the famous iron ore train, serving as a gateway to the Adrar Plateau.
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Boutilimit Traditional Building
This traditional building in Boutilimit is a testament to the construction method.
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Tidjikja Historical Wells
The historic wells in Tidjikja are essential components of oasis development.
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Terjit Dune
The Terjit Dune is a large shifting dune near the Terjit oasis.
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Tichitt Traditional Houses
These traditional houses in Tichitt show local construction industry.
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Chinguetti Old Gates
The gates of Chinguetti are witnesses of the fortification culture.
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Tichitt Old Wells
The historic wells in Tichitt were vital for caravans.
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Medina Nouakchott
The Medina in Nouakchott reflects the urban change of the last decades.
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Kaedi Old Quarter
The old quarter of Kaedi shows the development of the river port.
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Tichitt Mosque
The mosque in Tichitt is a historic center of faith.
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Ouadane Market
The market in Ouadane was historically a crossroads for caravans.
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Nouakchott Market Square
The market square in Nouakchott is a center of urban life.
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Tidjikja Old Quarter
The old quarter preserves the original architecture of Tidjikja.
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Boutilimit Market
The market in Boutilimit reflects the trade life of the region.
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Nouakchott Old Quarter
The old quarter of Nouakchott is a historic core of the city.
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Oualata Mosque
The mosque of Oualata is a spiritual monument.
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Ouadane Ksar
The Ksar of Ouadane is a historic fortification.
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Kaedi Historical Market
The historical market in Kaedi is a symbol of trade.
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Ouadane Fortification
The fortification in Ouadane served to protect the caravans.
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Wadan Archaeological Sites
Surrounding Wadan are several sites from the Trans-Saharan trade era.
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Ouadane Ruins
Ouadane was founded in the 12th century as a hub for caravan trade.
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Adrar Plateau Sites
The Adrar Plateau hosts numerous prehistoric rock paintings.
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Banc d'Arguin National Park
This World Heritage site lies on the Atlantic coast between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
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Terjit Oasis
Terjit served for centuries as a resting point for caravans.
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Azougui Palm Groves
The palm groves of Azougui were a historical source of livelihood.
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Guelta of Matmata
A natural rock fissure that fills with water, serving as a watering hole for rare animals.
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Guelta of Kedia
A temporary watering hole in the Kedia d'Idjil mountains.
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Guelta of Archei
Famous watering hole in a deep canyon that serves as a refuge for endangered crocodiles.
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Guelta d'Eli
Guelta d'Eli is a permanent water hole in the Tagant Plateau.
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Mahe Reserve
The reserve supports the conservation of wetland ecosystems along the Senegal River.
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Tidra Island
An island within the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
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Arkin Wildlife Reserve
A coastal area serving as an extension zone for Banc d'Arguin.
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Tagant Plateau
A rugged highland that provides habitat for rare desert antelope and reptiles.
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Kiffa Protected Area
This area includes savannah-like vegetation in southern Mauritania.
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Senegal Delta
The mouth area is a highly sensitive wetland for birds and aquatic life.
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Dhar Oualata
Dhar Oualata is a prominent rocky ridge in southeastern Mauritania.
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El Djouf
El Djouf is a vast, dry basin in the Sahara that covers large parts of northern and eastern Mauritania.
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Dhar Chinguetti
Dhar Chinguetti is a rock formation near the historic town of Chinguetti.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the top attractions in Mauritania?
Among the most popular are Banc d'Arguin National Park, El-Beyed Crater, Tagant Caves, Cap Tafarit, Azefal Dune and many more – the full top 50 list is on this page.
When is the best time to visit Mauritania?
May to October offers the most pleasant weather; July and August are warmest and busiest.