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
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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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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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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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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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 Chinguetti
Dhar Chinguetti is a rock formation near the historic town of Chinguetti.
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Adrar Plateau
The Adrar Plateau is a vast sandstone plateau in the western Sahara.
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Tiris Plain
The Tiris Plain is located in the far north of Mauritania.
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Inchiri Region
The Inchiri region is a dry lowland in western Mauritania.
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Trarza Dunes
The Trarza Dunes are a vast sandy area in southwestern Mauritania.
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Adrar Dunes
The Adrar Dunes are a vast dune field in the north of the Adrar Plateau.
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Tagant Escarpment
The Tagant Escarpment is a steep rock wall that demarcates the plateau.
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Assaba Hills
The Assaba Hills form a gentle mountain landscape in southern Mauritania.
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Baba Mountains
The Baba Mountains form a range of hills in southeastern Mauritania.
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Tiris Zemmour Plateau
The Tiris Zemmour Plateau is an isolated, rocky highland in the far north.
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More highlights
Frequently asked questions
What are the top attractions in Mauritania?
Among the most popular are Banc d'Arguin National Park, Cap Tafarit, Azefal Dune, Kaedi Mosque, Nema Market 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.