Tourism in Mauritania: 10 eye-catching destinations ..

The sweeping desert dunes and coastal fringes of Mauritania should be on every traveler's map.

Why? Well, because the ancient Berber settlements of the desert, dotted with ancient sandstone mosques and mud-brick villages, are now ghost towns.

Because there are cities like Nouakchott and its vibrant fish markets to explore.

Because some of Africa's most impressive bird populations are waiting to be seen along the salty edges of Banc d'Arguin National Park.

Because there are wild desert plateaus to be seen, and dusty cities for the camel trade over the centuries. For all this let's explore Best tourist destinations in Mauritania :

Tourism in Mauritania: 10 eye-catching destinations

1. Chinguetti

Chinguetti literally emerges from the shifting sand dunes of the great desert that have taken over some of the residential areas on the edge of the settlement.

A place of eerily empty streets carved and cut by the wind, it was once an important trading stop between the Mediterranean to the north and the Sahara Desert to the south.

Today, it draws some of the country's largest crowds, who flock to marvel at the brick towers and ancient medieval Berber and Almoravid fortresses.

The place is also part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage Site; one that also includes a number of other historic desert towns in the Adrar region and beyond.

Old mosque in Chinguetti

2. Nouakchott

Nouakchott is a curiously endearing place, a sprawling, dusty smog of a traffic-filled capital and low-rise, dilapidated houses.

It may be because of the heavenly comfort compared to the sun-drenched Berber caravan settlements of the Sahara. But it could also have something to do with the city's earthy feel and humble character as well.

While the city was built for only 15,000 people, the population here is estimated to be around two million people now.

This brings a hectic life to the shantytowns and nomads, while the fish market in Nouakchott is undoubtedly the place to be.

Here, salt-washed boats lift in from the Atlantic Ocean loaded with fish and seafood every morning.

Nouakchott

3. Trijet Oasis

Located 45 km by road south of Atar, the oasis town of Triguet remains one of Mauritania's most interesting tourist attractions.

It springs from the dry, cracked desert lands on the edge of the desert in a mix of green palm trees and scattered streams.

This means it is a patch of tropical greenery surrounded by a sea of sand.

It lies between a series of steep valleys, which rise to meet the slopes of the Adrar Plateau in a dramatic manner.

There are on-site camping spots under the palm branches, a petting zoo with camels, and even a history of royal coronations to uncover!

One Trijet from the top

One Trijet from inside

Read also: Huacachina Oasis - Peru's Enchanting Desert Oasis

4. Banc d'Arguin National Park

Banc Dar Guen National Park is the only large-scale national park in Mauritania.

It is a vast mixture of low sandy beaches and rocky shores that slope down to the waters of the Gulf of Arguin on the northernmost tip of Mauritania.

It is famous for its thriving biodiversity, highlighted by the huge number of migratory birds that pass through this area.

It is also home to Imraguen people Traditionalists, who can often be seen bobbing on their dugout canoes between sandy islands and lapping waves.

Banc d'Arguin National Park

5. Waddan City

At the end of a long and winding road leading from the capital in Nouakchott deep into the heart of the Mauritanian desert is Ouadane.

The dusty city of Waddan is an interesting and fascinating place.

It well reveals the harsh realities of life in this barren, desolate land.

Although it is still officially inhabited, most of the locals have packed up and left for more hospitable climbing.

And when the dust winds blow and the midday heat hits its peak, it's easy to see why!

Waddan city

6. Tichit city

Tichit still clings to life from its remote location deep in the Sahara Desert.

As one of the UNESCO World Heritage cities in the country, it is a truly amazing place.

Look up and you'll see the soaring tower of the Tichit Mosque, topped with inlaid decorations and interesting triangular window spaces (perhaps the most famous mosque in the country).

Afterwards, take some time to wander around the old town and see the curious use of coloured quarry stones – it's unique to Tichit alone!

Traveler from Tichit

7. Town and oasis of Walata

Part of Mauritania's acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sahara (the ancient Ksour of the Sahara).

There is no doubt that Walata is one of the most magical and impressive wonders in the country.

Head to wander among the ancient sandstone facades, where elegant Berber and Moorish patterns are painted on the lintels and fireplace mantels.

The earthy arabesque designs mimic the elegance of the great Moroccan kasbahs in cities such as Fez and Marrakech.

But don't leave without taking a stroll through the crumbling old town, or taking in the towers of the Great Mosque of Oualata.

Tourism in Mauritania: 10 eye-catching destinations

House in Walata

8. Kadi town

The town of Kadi offers a rare spot of urban greenery, for which you'll need to travel to the far south of the country. The Senegal River curves and winds around the country itself.

The architecture of the place is a strange mix of styles. It is easy to see the mingling of Moorish and Sub-Saharan traditions between the old low-rise country houses and the magnificent hospital built on a beehive.

Like many of the country's border towns, there's also a wonderful market here, filled with colorful goods from the fertile south and earthy crafts from the desert north alike.

Kadi town

Kadi Hospital

9. City of Seely Baby

Another city with its feet firmly planted in the more tropical regions of the African coast.

Deep in the southern reaches of the nation and close to the border with Senegal, Selebi is a wreck of narrow lanes and dilapidated bars.

But thanks to its university and brand new regional hospital facility, the place has a certain energy to it.

City of Seely Baby

10. Diaoling National Park

A small pocket of deep greenery on the southern edge of Mauritania.

Diaoling National Park is another birding hotspot in the country.

It is full of pelicans, northern pelicans, Sudanese goldfinches and pink flamingos.

It is a great place to come and discover the exotic flying creatures of West Africa.

It is also famous for its sweeping acacia forests and golden wolf packs.

Diaoling National Park