Sights in Mauritania
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Ouadâne
The first glimpse of Ouadâne, a Unesco World Heritage site is arresting. The old quarter that stretches atop the hill is one of the most enchanting semi-ghost towns of the Sahara. As you arrive across the sands or plateau from Atâr or Chinguetti, the stone houses of Le Ksar al Kiali (old quarter) seem to tumble down the cliff like an apparition.
From the base of the town, the lush gardens of the oasis stretch out before the desert again takes hold. The top of the hill is dominated by the minaret of the new mosque, a mere 200 years old. At the western end, at the base of the town, is the 14th-century old mosque.
Ouadâne was founded in 1147 by Berbers, and sits on the…
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Parc National du Banc d'Arguin
The Parc National du Banc D'Arguin is a must-see for any bird watcher. It is an important stopover and breeding ground for multitudes of birds migrating between Europe and Southern Africa. The park extends 200km (124mi) north from Cape Timiris. Most birds are found on sand islands in the shallow ocean.
The feathered residents include broad-billed sandpipers, over two million of which have been recorded here in the winter. Other species include pink flamingos, white pelicans, grey pelicans, royal terns, gull-billed terns, black terns, white-breasted cormorants, spoonbills and several species of herons, egrets and waders.
The best viewing time is December and January, which…
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Chinguetti
This sleepy date-palm oasis, once a splendid Saharan trading city, is the seventh holiest city of Islam and is situated at the edge of fat, rolling dunes that fill the horizon. It's Mauritania's biggest tourist destination, mainly because it's the most accessible of the desert towns, with the most to see, and a popular starting point for desert treks.
The highlight of any visit is a wander through the labyrinthine lanes of Le Ksar (the old town). The modern town, which has a delightful market (remarkable for how little produce is available), is separated from the old town by a broad, flat wadi where palm trees grow. Other curios include tiny libraries housing ancient,…
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Port de Pêche
The Port de Pêche is an absolute must-see, and is by far Nouakchott's star attraction. It's incredibly lively and extremely colourful. You'll see hundreds of teams of men, mostly Wolof and Fula, dragging in heavy hand-knotted fishing nets. Small boys hurry back and forth with trays of fish, which they sort, gut, fillet and lay out on large trestles to dry. The best time is in the late afternoon, when the fishing boats return. It's a fantastic experience and not to be missed.
It's pretty safe as long as you're vigilant and sensible (wear a money belt). Take a taxi to get there from the centre.
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A
Musée National
Anyone with an interest in Moorish culture shouldn't leave Nouakchott without a visit here. On the first level is a prehistoric gallery with archaeological exhibits while the second level is taken up with more recent ethnographic displays from Moorish society. The building is labelled as the Ministry of Culture.
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Grande Mosquée
Dominating the city's skyline, the Grande Mosquée, better known as the Mosquée Saudique, is right in the centre. It's not exactly a model of architectural magnificence but it's worth a couple of pictures for its slender minarets.
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Friday Mosque
The Friday Mosque is notable for its blindingly white façade. Visitors aren't allowed inside during prayer times. Located on the road to the airport.
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Mosquée Marocaine
The large Mosquée Marocaine is a precious landmark in this bustling area. Located south of Ave Abdel Nasser, towards the Cinquième Quartier.
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