UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Book Attractions in Advance
Skip the lines at Mauritania's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, ksour, and experiences across Mauritania.
Chinguetti Ancient Ksour
Explore this "Seventh City of Islam" with ancient mosques and libraries housing rare manuscripts.
Sand-swept streets and nomadic heritage make it a timeless desert pilgrimage site.
Ouadane Historic Site
Discover 11th-century ruins and caravanserai along ancient trade routes in the Adrar desert.
A blend of Islamic architecture and Saharan history that captivates explorers.
Tichitt Stone Circles
Uncover prehistoric settlements with megalithic structures dating back 5,000 years.
Archaeological wonders offering insights into early Mauritanian civilizations.
Oualata Painted Houses
Admire traditional geometric murals on mud-brick homes in this Saharan oasis.
Cultural hub for Berber art and women's decorative traditions in a remote setting.
Banc d'Arguin National Park
Visit this coastal wetland teeming with migratory birds and marine life.
Essential stop for ecotourists with boat tours and flamingo-filled lagoons.
Amogjar Prehistoric Site
Explore rock engravings and ancient tools from the Neolithic era in the Adrar region.
Fascinating for those interested in Africa's prehistoric art and human migration.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
Richat Structure (Eye of Sahara)
Hike the massive eroded dome with concentric rings visible from space, ideal for geology enthusiasts.
Remote 4x4 access with stunning aerial views and ancient mystery vibes.
Adrar Plateau Dunes
Trek golden sand dunes and oases, perfect for camel safaris and stargazing.
Adventure seekers' paradise with multi-day desert camps and nomadic encounters.
Tagant Mountains
Climb rugged escarpments and explore wadis with diverse flora and fauna.
Serene spot for rock climbing and birdwatching in a dramatic Saharan landscape.
Banc d'Arguin Coast
Relax on pristine Atlantic beaches with opportunities for fishing and seal spotting.
Family-friendly marine adventures with fresh seafood and coastal breezes year-round.
Akchar Salt Flats
Traverse vast white expanses and salt mines, ideal for photography and off-road drives.
Hidden gem for scenic 4x4 tours and surreal desert mirages.
Gorgol River Valley
Discover green oases and wetlands with canoeing and wildlife viewing.
Agricultural tours connecting to Mauritania's Sahelian heritage and riverine charm.
Mauritania by Region
🏜️ Adrar Region (North)
- Best For: Desert ksour, ancient cities, and sand dune adventures with sites like Chinguetti.
- Key Destinations: Atar, Chinguetti, Ouadane, and Terjit Oasis for historic and natural sites.
- Activities: Camel treks, ksour explorations, manuscript library visits, and dune boarding.
- Best Time: Winter for cooler weather (Nov-Feb) and festivals, with mild 15-25°C days.
- Getting There: Well-connected by 4x4 from Nouakchott, with private transfers available via GetTransfer.
🌊 Coastal Zone (West)
- Best For: Marine parks, birdwatching, and Atlantic beaches as a natural coastal escape.
- Key Destinations: Nouadhibou, Banc d'Arguin, and Nouakchott for wildlife and urban vibes.
- Activities: Boat safaris, fishing trips, beach camping, and seafood markets.
- Best Time: Year-round, but spring (Mar-May) for bird migrations and events like coastal festivals.
- Getting There: Nouakchott International Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.
⛰️ Tagant Region (Central)
- Best For: Mountain treks and prehistoric sites, featuring rugged Saharan terrain.
- Key Destinations: Tidjikja, Moudjeria, and Tagant Plateau for nature and ancient ruins.
- Activities: Hiking escarpments, rock art viewing, oasis visits, and local camel markets.
- Best Time: Dry season (Oct-Mar) for activities, with autumn foliage in wadis (Sept-Oct), 10-25°C.
- Getting There: Rent a 4x4 car for flexibility in exploring remote plateaus and villages.
🌾 Hodh Region (East)
- Best For: Sahelian oases and cultural markets with a mix of desert and savanna.
- Key Destinations: Néma, Ayoun el Atrous, and Oualata for painted houses and trade hubs.
- Activities: Market browsing, Berber village tours, salt mining visits, and stargazing camps.
- Best Time: Cool months (Nov-Feb) for travel, with warm 20-30°C and minimal rain.
- Getting There: Overland buses or 4x4 from Nouakchott, with guided convoys for safety.
Sample Mauritania Itineraries
🚀 7-Day Mauritania Highlights
Arrive in Nouakchott, explore the National Museum, visit bustling markets for camel meat and crafts, and experience the Grand Mosque.
4x4 to Adrar for dune treks, then Chinguetti for ksour tours and ancient manuscript libraries.
Travel to Banc d'Arguin for birdwatching boat trips, with a day in Nouadhibou for ship graveyard views and seafood.
Final day in Nouakchott for silver markets, last-minute nomad crafts shopping, and departure.
🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer
Nouakchott city tour covering markets, mosque visits, and coastal fishing ports with local mint tea tastings.
Adrar for oasis hikes including Terjit, then Ouadane for ancient ksour ruins and desert caravan history.
Off-road to the Eye of the Sahara for geological wonders, then Akchar dunes for camel safaris.
Full adventure with escarpment climbs, Tichitt stone circles, and stays in remote mountain villages.
Banc d'Arguin relaxation with marine tours and beach camping before returning to Nouakchott.
🏙️ 14-Day Complete Mauritania
Comprehensive exploration including museums, food tours, market walks, and day trips to nearby wadis.
Chinguetti for manuscripts and mosques, Ouadane for trade route history, Atar for oases and dunes.
Tagant mountain treks, Tidjikja markets, prehistoric sites, and oasis camping experiences.
Oualata painted houses and markets, followed by Banc d'Arguin for birdwatching and Nouadhibou ports.
Gorgol Valley for river oases and wildlife, final Nouakchott experiences with shopping before departure.
Top Activities & Experiences
Camel Treks in Adrar
Embark on multi-day desert journeys with nomadic guides for authentic Saharan immersion.
Available year-round with evening camps offering traditional music and stargazing.
Nomadic Tea Ceremonies
Participate in three-round mint tea rituals in desert tents across Mauritania.
Learn hospitality customs from Berber hosts and savor sweet Saharan flavors.
Coastal Fishing Trips
Join local fishermen on pirogue boats in Banc d'Arguin for fresh catches and marine insights.
Discover sustainable practices and traditional seafood preparation techniques.
4x4 Desert Safaris
Navigate dunes and plateaus with expert drivers on routes to the Richat Structure and ksour.
Popular for adrenaline and photography with guided convoys throughout the year.
Rock Art Tours
Discover prehistoric engravings at Amogjar and other sites with archaeological guides.
Insights into ancient Saharan life with drawings of giraffes and hunters.
Market Explorations
Browse vibrant souks in Nouakchott and Néma for silver jewelry, carpets, and camel trading.
Many markets offer haggling sessions and cultural performances for immersive experiences.