With a massive size of Saharan dunes and the exotic touch of ancient cities throughout the place, Mauritania is very appealing for most travelers in the world.
Different from what we could see around West Africa, Mauritanian dunes are very unique. Some of them can even be found near the ocean. Enjoying the calm scenery, you can feel the peace and the sea breeze while you could run along the Mauritanian coastline without seeing any resort in sight.
Ranked as the best place for bird-watching lovers, Nouâdhibou is an excellent example of a fishing port located on the Atlantic Coast. As a major fishing center and the central place of an important industrial port, this city is a very busy and highly populated place where 90,000 people are living their daily life.
There is a fishing harbor where we could see the Senegalese boats. Nouâdhibou is also rich in culture and old buildings including a French coastal gun emplacement which was designed to protect the French soldiers.
Feel the beat of your heart as there is no tour guide to accompany you exploring the underground tunnels all connected with a single 15 meter high of gun towers.
Mauritania is all about the exotic dunes. At Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania, you will find sparkling Best beaches and fishing wharf ‘port de peche’.
If you travel around the beaches during evenings, especially on weekend, you will see the Nouakchottois having fun all night long. Although swimming is not recommended due to your own safety, the beaches are wonderful and allow you to do some surf-casting.
If you are traveling around Atar, be ready to feel amazed of the desert in Adrar and Tagant areas where rocky desert and dunes can be found everywhere. Ride on the hot-air balloon to travel around the areas and get the special view from the above or simply try riding the camel and exploring the magical endless ergs.
Mauritania has both the beauty of landscapes and the beauty of dessert culture. As you are trying to know more about Mauritanian’s culture, don’t hesitate to communicate with local people, the Mauritanians.
Most Mauritanians are friendly and welcome the tourists with a smile. Keep in mind that their main language is Hassaniya Arabic, and their second official language is French.
You can get around using public transportations like the train to explore various parts of Mauritania but note that there is only one train track that connects Nouadhibou, Zouerat, and Choum, into one perfect harmony.
Photo Credit: John Spooner
