Attractions in Mauritania (44 total · 4 regions)
Showing 44 attractions · Sorted by importance
Al Habott Library
📍 Chinguetti
🏰 CastleA historic family manuscript library in Chinguetti housing over 1,400 ancient manuscripts dating back to the 11th century, covering Islamic studies, astronomy, mathematics, and literature — one of several celebrated private libraries that earned Chinguetti its status as a centre of Saharan scholarship.
Amogjar Pass Scenic Road
📍 Atar
🚗 Road Trip90km graded mountain road (3-4 hours) requiring 4WD or high clearance. This spectacular route ascends the Adrar Plateau via the winding Amogjar Pass, offering views of dramatic cliffs and the 'Fort Saganne' film set. It passes the Neolithic rock paintings of Agrour before reaching the UNESCO town of Chinguetti.
Ancient Ksour of Chinguetti
📍 Chinguetti
🏰 CastleA UNESCO World Heritage site featuring remarkably preserved 13th-century dry-stone architecture and a labyrinth of desert alleys.
Ancient Ksour of Ouadane
📍 Ouadane
🏰 CastleThe dramatic ruins of a 12th-century fortified hilltop town that once served as a vital hub for the trans-Saharan salt trade.
Eye of the Sahara (Richat Structure)
📍 Ouadane
🏛 LandmarkA massive, 40-kilometer-wide geological wonder of concentric rings visible from space, serving as one of the world's most unique natural landmarks.
Friday Mosque of Chinguetti
📍 Chinguetti
🏰 CastleAn iconic 13th-century place of worship known for its unmortared stone masonry and landmark square minaret.
Chinguetti to Ouadane Desert Route
📍 Chinguetti
🚗 Road Trip120km desert track (4-5 hours) strictly for 4WD vehicles. This iconic Saharan 'piste' traverses the golden dunes of the Erg Ouarane. It is the primary overland link between the two UNESCO-listed medieval caravan towns and provides the only access to the Richat Structure (Eye of the Sahara).
Chinguetti to Ouadane Desert Trek
📍 Ouadane
🥾 Hiking & CyclingA 90-100km challenging 5-7 day trek across the Erg Ouarane sea of dunes. The route features shifting sands, nomadic camps, and minimal elevation gain but high difficulty due to heat and terrain. Equipment and camel support: Chingi Tours (chingitours.com).
Amogjar Pass
📍 Atar
🏔 Scenic ViewA dramatic mountain pass through the Adrar Plateau offering prehistoric rock paintings and stunning panoramic views of the canyon below.
Terjit Oasis
📍 Atar
🏘 Town / VillageA stunning natural and cultural area where thermal springs and palm groves are tucked into a deep desert canyon.
Al Ahmed Mahmoud Library
📍 Chinguetti
🏰 CastleA historic private library housed in a traditional stone building, protecting centuries-old Islamic manuscripts and scientific texts.
Amogjar Pass and Fort Saganne Route
📍 Atar
🥾 Hiking & CyclingA 23km moderate hiking route ascending the dramatic escarpment of the Adrar Plateau. The trail passes prehistoric rock art sites and the ruins of the Fort Saganne film set, with roughly 300m of elevation gain through rocky canyons.
Terjit Oasis Access Road
📍 Atar
🚗 Road Trip45km route (1 hour) comprising paved highway and a final gravel access road suitable for most vehicles. The drive is famous for the dramatic transition from the scorched, rocky Adrar plateau into a deep, lush canyon filled with date palms and natural thermal springs.
Terjit to Mhaireth Oasis Trail
📍 Terjit
🥾 Hiking & CyclingA 10km moderate day hike or overnight trek connecting two of the most iconic oases in the Adrar region. The route features narrow canyons, palm groves, and freshwater springs with approximately 150m of elevation gain. Local guides available at Terjit auberges.
