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Discovering the Hidden Treasures of Mauritania: Top Things to Do

Mauritania, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara Desert, may not be on everyone’s travel list. Mauritania is worth considering for adventurous travelers seeking a unique experience. From its rich cultural heritage to its stunning natural landscapes, this country has plenty to offer visitors. We’ll explore Mauritania’s top attractions in this post. Mauritania has something for everyone—history, nature, or culture! Here are Top Things to do in Mauritiana.

1. Explore the Port de Pêche

Starting off the list of things to do in Mauritania, exploring Port de Pêche is an undeniably interesting experience. As one of the biggest fishing ports in West Africa, a visit to this working port is a must. The lively and colorful atmosphere is filled with hundreds of teams of mostly Wolof and Fula men, who can be seen dragging in heavy fishing nets filled with their bounty. Arrive in the late afternoon to catch the hustle and bustle of the daily fish auction. Continuing on with the blog’s suggestions, there are many other hidden gems to discover in Mauritania, such as Chinguetti, a historical city with stunning architecture, and Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, which is home to a diverse array of bird species. Guided tours offer a stress-free way to learn about the nation’s history. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting markets, mosques, and enjoying Mauritanian mint tea. At the end of the day, relaxing at the beach and appreciating popular tourist spots make for a complete experience.

2. Discover the hidden gem of Chinguetti

After exploring the Port de Pêche, the next stop on the list of things to do in Mauritania should be discovering the hidden gem of Chinguetti. In the Sahara desert, this 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site is located. Visitors can marvel at the ancient libraries and manuscripts that hold some of the world’s most important medieval Quranic texts. Chinguetti was once an intellectual hub and is still a fascinating destination for those interested in history and culture. Make sure to bring sun protection as the temperature can rise quite high in the afternoon. Chinguetti may not be as popular as other cities in Mauritania, but don’t let that fool you. It’s a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination with a lot to offer.

3. Bird spotting at Parc National du Banc d’Arguin

After exploring the Port de Pêche and discovering the hidden gem of Chinguetti, one must not miss the opportunity to go bird spotting at Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, which is one of the most important zones in the world for nesting birds and Palearctic migratory waders. As the park is located along the Atlantic coast, it offers an unparalleled birdwatching experience. From flamingos and pelicans to terns, visitors can witness various exotic bird species in their natural habitat. Joining a guided tour is recommended for a stress-free and knowledgeable experience. In addition to birdwatching, tourists can visit local markets and mosques, relax at the beach, drink Mauritanian mint tea, learn about the country’s history at the National Museum of Mauritania, and experience local culture. With several popular tourist spots to enjoy, Mauritania offers a unique and unforgettable vacation experience.

4. Join a guided tour for a stress-free experience

For a stress-free and fulfilling experience while exploring Mauritania, it is recommended to join a guided tour. Not only will this take the burden off finding your way around, a guide provides valuable insight and information about the country’s history, culture, and traditions. From visiting local markets and mosques to uncovering hidden gems such as Chinguetti, a guided tour allows for a greater appreciation of the places visited. It also ensures you make the most of your time, particularly when visiting must-see tourist hotspots such as Parc National du Banc d’Arguin and the National Museum of Mauritania. Plus, let’s not forget the benefit of sampling local delicacies such as sipping on Mauritanian mint tea. Taking a guided tour is definitely a perfect way to maximize enjoyment of Mauritania.

5. Visit local markets and mosques

Visiting local markets and mosques in Mauritania is a great way to immerse oneself in the rich local culture. The busy marketplaces offer a fantastic opportunity to stock up on trinkets and souvenirs, while also interacting with friendly locals. Additionally, the mosques in Mauritania are breathtaking works of art, with intricate designs and beautiful architecture that speaks to the country’s traditional style. One of the most interesting places to visit is the Port de Pêche in Nouakchott, where the colorful pirogues stand out against the blue sky. Don’t forget to check out the camel market, where you can experience a unique and chaotic scene unlike anywhere else. By taking a guided tour, visitors can enjoy a stress-free and informative experience that will make their time in Mauritania even more memorable.

6. Relax at the beach

After exploring the cultural side of Mauritania, it’s time to relax at the beach. With nearly 500 miles of picturesque coastline, Mauritania boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Visitors can indulge in a range of activities, including swimming, windsurfing, and fishing while sailing in traditional boats. The beaches offer a serene and calming atmosphere that is perfect for anyone looking to unwind. So, pack your swimsuits and sunscreen, and enjoy the sun, sand, and clear waters of Mauritania’s beaches. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and let the waves wash your worries away. Finding tranquility and relaxation by the beach is a must-do on any trip to Mauritania.

7. Sip on Mauritanian mint tea

After exploring the stunning beaches and historical sites of Mauritania, it’s time to sit back and sip on some Mauritanian mint tea. Known as the national drink, this tea is a cultural experience in itself. The process of brewing and serving the tea is considered an art form and takes practice to get it just right. Whether it’s enjoying a cup with locals in their tents or sipping on it while watching caravans go by on a sand dune, this tea is not to be missed. Plus, rejecting the tea in Mauritanian culture is considered unacceptable. So why not relax and enjoy a cup while immersing yourself in the local culture of Mauritania?

8. Learn about the country’s history at the National Museum of Mauritania

After exploring the vibrant Port de Pêche and discovering the hidden gem of Chinguetti, visitors to Mauritania may be interested in learning about the country’s rich history and culture. The National Museum of Mauritania, located in Nouakchott, offers just that. This well-preserved two-storey building, constructed in 1972 by the Chinese, houses notable archaeological and ethnographical collections. The museum contains two galleries that showcase collections of sherds, arrowheads, and local artifacts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the multi-tiered exhibits for insight into the history and culture of Mauritania. Kids will also enjoy exploring the museum’s collections. Whether you’re a history buff or just interested in learning more about Mauritania, a visit to the National Museum is a must-do activity during your visit. Don’t miss the chance to gain insight into this fascinating country.

9. Immerse yourself in the local culture

After exploring the natural wonders and historical sites in Mauritania, it’s time to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes, or participate in cultural activities such as scarf-making and language immersion trips. Stay in a homestay to experience local hospitality firsthand. Don’t forget to visit local markets and mosques to get a feel for daily life in Mauritania. And of course, sip on a cup of Mauritanian mint tea while chatting with friendly locals. By truly engaging with the culture, you will gain a deeper appreciation for this fascinating destination.

10. Enjoy popular tourist spots in Mauritania

Mauritania has plenty of popular tourist spots for visitors to enjoy. After exploring the hidden gems of Chinguetti and bird spotting at Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, tourists can still indulge in the country’s most frequented attractions. Joining a guided tour is highly recommended for a stress-free experience. Tourists can also visit the local markets and mosques to immerse themselves in the local culture. For those wanting to take it easy, Mauritania’s beaches are the perfect place to relax, sip on Mauritanian mint tea and soak in the beauty of the country. Don’t forget to visit the National Museum of Mauritania to delve into the country’s rich history. Mauritania is full of popular tourist spots which can guarantee a memorable experience.