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Banc d'Arguin National Park

Mauritania, Africa

Banc d'Arguin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its stunning landscapes where the Sahara meets the Atlantic. It is a sanctuary for migratory birds and offers incredible opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and exploring unique salt flats and lagoons. Visitors can experience traditional Moorish culture through coastal fishing villages, making it a perfect blend of nature and heritage. The mesmerizing sunsets over the dunes make it a photographer's paradise, and its serene beauty is exceptionally appealing to nature lovers.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Nature Reserve

Vibe

Other

Airport

Nouadhibou

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit

11 Best Things to Do in Banc d'Arguin National Park

1. Explore the dunes

Experience the breathtaking sand dunes of Banc d'Arguin.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

2. Bird watching

Witness unique bird species in their natural habitat.

Seasonal

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

3. Visit the fishing villages

Discover local culture in traditional fishing villages.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

4. Take a boat tour

Cruise through the park's stunning coastal waters.

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Booking required

3 hrs

5. Camping under the stars

Sleep under a starlit sky in the desert.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

1 hr

6. Experience local cuisine

Taste traditional Mauritanian dishes at local eateries.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

7. Photography at sunset

Capture stunning sunset views against the dunes.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

8. Visit Arguin Island

Explore the unique wildlife and landscapes of the island.

Available all year

Adults only

Booking required

3 hrs

9. Learn about conservation efforts

Understand the importance of wildlife preservation here.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

10. Experience local music

Enjoy traditional music performances in surrounding areas.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

11. Stargazing

Marvel at the clear night sky full of stars.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~12-15%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-12 (#174 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Ouguiya

Majority religion

Muslim

Language

Arabic

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Thieboudienne (Cheb-u-jin)

Fish and rice with vegetables (National dish)

Couscous

VE

Steamed semolina with vegetables

Méchoui

Roasted whole lamb or sheep

Mafé

VE

Peanut stew with meat or vegetables

Cherchem

Spicy meat and vegetable stew

Phrases to learn

English

Arabic

Hello

Marhaban

(Mar-ha-ban)

Yes/No

Naam / La

(Nah-am / Lah)

Thank you

Shukran

(Shook-ran)

Excuse me

Afwan

(Ahf-wan)

How much?

Kam?

(Kam)