African Things To Do
Mauritania Travel Guide

Things to Do in Mauritania

Mauritania is where the Sahara meets the Atlantic—an unforgettable mix of desert landscapes, oasis stops, ancient caravan towns, and wild coastal nature. Travelers come for the legendary ksour (old desert cities), the peaceful dunes and oases of the Adrar region, and the bird-rich coastline of Banc d’Arguin.

Sahara Desert Ancient Ksour Atlantic Coast Birdlife Road Trips
Important: Travel conditions can change quickly in parts of Mauritania. Always check official travel advisories and local guidance before planning and traveling.

Top Destinations in Mauritania

Build your trip around three zones: the capital, the desert interior, and the Atlantic coast.

Nouakchott

The capital—best for arrival, markets, and experiencing modern Mauritania before heading out.

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Banc d’Arguin National Park

A world-class coastal nature zone—famous for birdlife, sandbanks, and wild Atlantic scenery.

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Nouadhibou & Cap Blanc

Coastal city and peninsula vibes—Atlantic views, sea air, and a different side of the Sahara coast.

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Chinguetti

One of Mauritania’s most iconic desert towns—caravan history, sand, silence, and heritage atmosphere.

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Ouadane

An ancient ksar town with deep Sahara character—best for travelers who want remote heritage stops.

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Adrar Desert Routes (Atar & Oases)

Dunes, desert tracks, and oasis moments—great for multi-day experiences and true Sahara scenery.

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Nouakchott

A practical start point for your Mauritania trip—experience the capital’s daily rhythm before heading into desert or coast.

  • Best experiences
    Markets, city atmosphere, local food, coastal breeze
  • Best for
    Arrival + planning base
  • Recommended time
    1–2 days
  • Good to know
    Ideal place to organize transport and supplies

Banc d’Arguin National Park

One of Africa’s standout coastal ecosystems—famous for wide horizons, sandbanks, and serious birdlife.

  • Best experiences
    Birdwatching, quiet coastal landscapes, nature photography
  • Best for
    Nature travelers
  • Recommended time
    1–3 days
  • Good to know
    Plan routes carefully and follow park rules/authorized tracks

Nouadhibou & Cap Blanc

A coastal change of scenery—Atlantic winds, open horizons, and a strong “edge-of-the-desert” feeling.

  • Best experiences
    Coastal drives, sea views, local port life
  • Best for
    Coast + road trip travel
  • Recommended time
    1–3 days
  • Good to know
    Great pairing with Banc d’Arguin or a desert route

Chinguetti

A legendary Sahara stop—old stone streets, desert silence, and a strong sense of caravan-era history.

  • Best experiences
    Heritage walks, desert atmosphere, sunrise/sunset views
  • Best for
    Culture + desert travel
  • Recommended time
    1–2 days
  • Good to know
    Works best as part of an Adrar multi-day route

Ouadane

A remote ancient ksar town—perfect for travelers who want deep Sahara heritage and less-visited routes.

  • Best experiences
    Historic ruins feel, wide desert views, calm exploration
  • Best for
    Off-the-beaten-path heritage
  • Recommended time
    1–2 days
  • Good to know
    Travel time can be long—plan with buffers

Adrar Desert Routes (Atar & Oases)

For a true Mauritania experience, spend time in the Adrar: dunes, desert tracks, and oasis moments.

  • Best experiences
    Desert drives, oasis breaks, camp-style atmosphere (where allowed)
  • Best for
    Sahara adventure trips
  • Recommended time
    3–7 days
  • Good to know
    Best done with experienced local logistics and a flexible schedule

Top Things To Do in Mauritania

Mauritania is all about big landscapes and deep history—combine coast + desert for the best balance.

  • Explore Nouakchott culture
    Markets, city vibe, and coastal air
  • Visit Banc d’Arguin
    Coastal nature and birdlife experiences
  • See ancient caravan towns
    Chinguetti and Ouadane as iconic heritage stops
  • Plan a Sahara route in Adrar
    Dunes, oases, and desert roads
  • Enjoy the Atlantic coast
    Nouadhibou and Cap Blanc views
  • Travel slow, travel smart
    Long distances and remote areas need buffer time

Sample Mauritania Itineraries

These routes are ideas—choose a simple plan first, then add deeper desert extensions if conditions allow.

Trip Length Route Idea Best For
3–5 Days Nouakchott + coastal day trips + local markets Short visit
6–9 Days Nouakchott → Adrar (Atar, Chinguetti, Ouadane) Desert + heritage
8–12 Days Nouakchott → Adrar route + Banc d’Arguin nature days Desert + coast
12+ Days Coast (Nouadhibou/Cap Blanc) + Banc d’Arguin + deep Adrar desert route Full Mauritania experience

Best Time to Visit Mauritania

For comfort in desert and coastal exploration, many travelers prefer cooler conditions and early starts.

  • Start early
    Best light and cooler temperatures for walking and driving
  • Plan heat-smart days
    Shade and hydration breaks during midday
  • Pack layers
    Desert nights can feel much cooler than daytime
  • Buffer days
    Remote travel can take longer than expected

Mauritania Travel Tips

  • Keep your route focused
    Pick coast + one main desert circuit for a smoother trip
  • Respect local customs
    Ask before photography in villages and markets
  • Bring sun essentials
    Sun protection and hydration are non-negotiable
  • Plan logistics carefully
    Distances are long and some areas are remote
  • Carry offline basics
    Power bank, offline maps, and extra water
  • Check advisories before you go
    Conditions can change quickly in parts of the country

FAQ – Mauritania Tours

What is Mauritania best known for?

Mauritania is known for Sahara desert landscapes, ancient caravan towns (ksour), and wild Atlantic coastline nature—especially Banc d’Arguin.

How many days do I need for a first trip?

For a simple intro (Nouakchott + nearby coast), 3–5 days works. For the Adrar desert circuit and heritage towns, plan 6–9 days. Add Banc d’Arguin for 8–12 days total.

Is Mauritania good for nature travel?

Yes—Banc d’Arguin is one of the standout coastal ecosystems in the region, and the desert interior offers huge landscapes and oasis-style scenery.

Plan Your Mauritania Trip

Share your travel dates, number of travelers, and interests (desert route, ksour heritage, coastal nature), and we’ll help you plan a smooth Mauritania itinerary.

Email

info@mtravelandtoursbi.com

Tell us your dates + your priorities (Nouakchott, Adrar, Chinguetti, Ouadane, Banc d’Arguin, Nouadhibou).

M Travel and Tours Burundi

Official website: https://mtravelandtoursbi.com

African Things To Do is owned and operated by M Travel and Tours Burundi.