Famous Landmarks in Mauritania
Mauritania, officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is located in Northwest Africa, bordered by Western Sahara to the north, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The capital city is Nouakchott, with other major cities including Nouadhibou, Kiffa, and Atar. Mauritania’s economy is based on agriculture (millet, wheat, and dates), mining (iron ore), and fishing. Key landmarks include the Adrar Desert and the Port of Nouadhibou. Mauritania is a member of the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), and the Arab League. The country faces challenges related to poverty, human rights issues, and political instability. (Source: intershippingrates.com)
Top 10 Landmarks in Mauritania
1. Chinguetti (Ancient City of Chinguetti)
Overview
Chinguetti is one of the most famous and historically significant cities in Mauritania, known for its role as a medieval Islamic center of learning and commerce. Founded in the 13th century, Chinguetti was a vital stop for caravans traveling across the Sahara Desert and became known as one of the most important centers of Islamic scholarship. Today, Chinguetti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to ancient libraries that house manuscripts dating back hundreds of years. Its beautiful desert architecture, narrow streets, and stone houses offer visitors a glimpse into its rich past. Chinguetti is also known for its stunning mosque, built from sandstone, which remains a symbol of Mauritania’s Islamic heritage.
Location
Chinguetti, Adrar Region, Mauritania.
Ticket Price
- Entry to Libraries: Around USD 5–10 per person, depending on the library.
Nearby Airports
- Atar International Airport (ATR): Located about 90 km from Chinguetti, serving as the main access point for travelers to the region.
Nearby Railway Stations
- None: Mauritania’s railway system does not extend to Chinguetti. The city is accessible via 4×4 vehicles or organized tours.
Special Attention
Sandstorms are common in the region, especially during the Harmattan season, so be prepared with protective clothing and goggles. It’s also important to respect the privacy of the local residents and seek permission before photographing them.
2. Banc d’Arguin National Park
Overview
Banc d’Arguin National Park is one of the most important national parks in West Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located along Mauritania’s Atlantic coast, it is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, particularly its birdlife. The park is a vital stop for millions of migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and terns, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Banc d’Arguin is also home to the Imraguen people, who have a unique fishing tradition using traditional sailboats. The coastal waters are rich in marine life, and visitors can explore the park’s wetlands, sandbanks, and islands, which are some of the most ecologically significant habitats in the region.
Location
Mauritania’s Atlantic coast, between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
Ticket Price
- Park Entry Fee: Around USD 15 per person. Guided tours and boat trips are available for an additional cost.
Nearby Airports
- Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC): Located about 150 km from the park, providing access to the region.
Nearby Railway Stations
- None: There is no railway access to the park. Visitors usually travel by road or by boat for excursions within the park.
Special Attention
Visits during the migratory season (October to April) offer the best birdwatching experiences. However, the area is remote, so plan your visit carefully, including arranging transport and guides in advance.
3. The Richat Structure (Eye of the Sahara)
Overview
The Richat Structure, also known as the “Eye of the Sahara,” is a massive circular geological formation in the Sahara Desert, visible from space. Spanning over 40 kilometers in diameter, this mysterious natural wonder was originally thought to be the result of a meteor impact but is now considered a highly eroded dome of rock. The Richat Structure has long intrigued geologists and travelers for its unusual concentric rings, which resemble an enormous eye in the desert. While it is not easily accessible, adventurous travelers can embark on guided 4×4 tours to explore this fascinating landmark up close.
Location
Adrar Region, central Mauritania, near Ouadane.
Ticket Price
- Entry: Free. However, guided tours can range from USD 50 to 200, depending on the duration and level of service.
Nearby Airports
- Atar International Airport (ATR): The nearest airport, about 150 km from the Richat Structure.
Nearby Railway Stations
- None: The area is remote and only accessible by 4×4 vehicles or organized desert tours.
Special Attention
Due to its remote location, proper preparation is essential. Ensure you travel with a knowledgeable guide and bring sufficient water, food, and emergency supplies, as the desert conditions can be extreme.
4. Nouakchott Fish Market
Overview
The Nouakchott Fish Market is one of the most vibrant and colorful places in Mauritania, offering visitors a glimpse into the daily life of the country’s coastal communities. Located along Nouakchott’s Atlantic coast, this bustling market is the center of the local fishing industry. Every day, traditional wooden pirogues (fishing boats) return with fresh catches, which are then sold directly at the market. The market offers a unique sensory experience, with the sights, sounds, and smells of freshly caught fish and the lively negotiations between vendors and customers. It’s also a great place to witness the traditional fishing methods used by the Mauritanian fishermen.
Location
Nouakchott, Mauritania.
Ticket Price
- Entry: Free.
Nearby Airports
- Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC): Located about 5 km from the market.
Nearby Railway Stations
- None: Nouakchott does not have a railway system. The city is well-connected by taxis and buses.
Special Attention
Be mindful of the intense heat if visiting during the middle of the day, and remember that the market can be overwhelming due to the crowds and smells. It’s advisable to visit early in the morning when the fishing boats come in with their fresh catches.
5. Ouadane
Overview
Ouadane is an ancient desert city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in the 12th century as an important stop on the trans-Saharan trade routes. Once a bustling center of commerce, today Ouadane is a partially abandoned town known for its historical ruins and traditional stone houses. The city’s old quarter is particularly captivating, with its maze of narrow streets, crumbling buildings, and the remains of ancient mosques. Ouadane was also an intellectual center, attracting scholars and traders from across the Islamic world. Visitors can explore the ruins, learn about the town’s history, and take in the surrounding desert landscapes.
Location
Adrar Region, Mauritania.
Ticket Price
- Entry: Free, though local guides are recommended, and their services cost around USD 20–50.
Nearby Airports
- Atar International Airport (ATR): Located about 90 km from Ouadane.
Nearby Railway Stations
- None: The city is accessible only by road, often requiring 4×4 vehicles.
Special Attention
The town is remote, so visitors should be prepared for basic conditions, and it’s essential to have a guide to navigate the ancient ruins and understand the history of this desert city.
6. Terjit Oasis
Overview
The Terjit Oasis is one of the most picturesque and tranquil spots in Mauritania, offering a stunning contrast to the harsh desert environment. Nestled in a valley at the base of towering cliffs, the oasis is famous for its natural spring water, palm trees, and refreshing pools. For centuries, Terjit has been a place of refuge for travelers crossing the desert, providing a welcome break from the heat and arid landscape. The oasis is still used by local nomads, and visitors can camp under the stars, swim in the cool waters, or simply relax in the shade of the palm trees.
Location
Adrar Region, near Atar, Mauritania.
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: Around USD 5. Camping fees can range from USD 10–20 per night.
Nearby Airports
- Atar International Airport (ATR): Located about 30 km from Terjit.
Nearby Railway Stations
- None: Terjit is accessible only by road, typically by 4×4 vehicles.
Special Attention
Terjit is a peaceful retreat, so it’s best to keep noise levels low and respect the natural environment. Be sure to bring all necessary camping supplies, as there are few facilities available.
7. Nouadhibou Ship Graveyard
Overview
The Nouadhibou Ship Graveyard is one of the most unusual landmarks in Mauritania, located along the coast near the city of Nouadhibou. Once the world’s largest ship graveyard, it is home to hundreds of abandoned and rusting ships, which were left to decay in the bay. The ships, which range from fishing vessels to large cargo ships, were abandoned due to the collapse of the shipping industry in the region. While some ships have been removed in recent years, the graveyard remains an eerie yet fascinating attraction, offering a haunting reminder of Mauritania’s maritime past.
Location
Nouadhibou, Mauritania.
Ticket Price
- Entry: Free, though guided tours cost around USD 20–50.
Nearby Airports
- Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB): Located about 10 km from the ship graveyard.
Nearby Railway Stations
- None: There is no direct railway access, though Nouadhibou is a hub for the iron ore train route between Zouérat and the coast.
Special Attention
The area is largely unregulated, so visitors should exercise caution when exploring the ships, as they are in varying stages of decay. Wear sturdy footwear and avoid climbing on unstable structures.
8. Iron Ore Train
Overview
The Iron Ore Train in Mauritania is one of the longest trains in the world, stretching up to 2.5 kilometers in length. It transports iron ore from the mines in Zouérat to the port in Nouadhibou. While it primarily serves as a freight train, it has gained popularity with adventurous travelers who ride in the open carriages, experiencing one of the most extreme train journeys in the world. The journey offers breathtaking views of the vast Sahara Desert and provides a raw, unfiltered experience of life in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
Location
The train runs between Zouérat and Nouadhibou, Mauritania.
Ticket Price
- Ticket for Passenger Carriage: Around USD 10. Riding in the open ore wagons is free, but not officially sanctioned.
Nearby Airports
- Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB): Located near the port terminal of the train.
Nearby Railway Stations
- Nouadhibou Railway Station: The terminus of the train route.
Special Attention
Riding in the open ore cars is not for the faint-hearted. Be prepared for extreme temperatures, wind, and dust. Bring protective gear, food, water, and a sleeping bag if you plan to ride the full 700-kilometer journey.
9. Ksar el Barka
Overview
Ksar el Barka is an ancient fort located in the Tagant region of central Mauritania. The fort dates back to the Almoravid period in the 11th century and was once an important trading post along the trans-Saharan trade routes. Today, the ruins of Ksar el Barka provide a glimpse into the region’s medieval past, with remnants of walls, watchtowers, and dwellings still visible. The site is relatively unexplored, making it an intriguing destination for history buffs and archaeologists interested in the rise of Islamic empires in West Africa.
Location
Tagant Region, Mauritania.
Ticket Price
- Entry: Free.
Nearby Airports
- Tidjikja Airport (TIY): Located about 80 km from Ksar el Barka.
Nearby Railway Stations
- None: The site is accessible by road.
Special Attention
The site is remote, and facilities are limited, so plan your visit carefully. Bring plenty of water and a local guide to navigate the area and ensure you don’t miss the key ruins.
10. Guelb er Richat (Guelb el Richet)
Overview
Guelb er Richat, also known as the “Structure of Richat,” is a unique geological formation in Mauritania that forms an enormous bullseye-like feature in the middle of the desert. The structure is roughly 30 miles in diameter and is often referred to as the “Eye of the Sahara.” Though once thought to be a crater from a meteor impact, scientists now believe it to be a geological dome that has eroded over time. Despite its size, the structure is difficult to see from ground level but can be appreciated in its full glory from aerial views.
Location
Adrar Region, Mauritania.
Ticket Price
- Entry: Free.
Nearby Airports
- Atar International Airport (ATR): The nearest airport is located about 150 kilometers from the site.
Nearby Railway Stations
- None: Accessible by road via 4×4 vehicles from Atar or Ouadane.
Special Attention
The Guelb er Richat is located in a remote desert area, so traveling with a guide is recommended. Ensure that you bring adequate supplies for the journey, as the desert climate can be unforgiving.
