Chinguetti

Mauritania, Africa

Chinguetti, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its stunning ancient architecture and as a historical center of Islamic scholarship. Surrounded by mesmerizing sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, it showcases well-preserved medieval libraries, traditional mud-brick houses, and the incredible beauty of the desert landscape. Visitors can explore the vibrant local culture, hunt for ancient manuscripts, and enjoy camel trekking, making it a unique destination for those seeking adventure and history.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Town

Vibe

History

Airport

Atar

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

7 Best Things to Do in Chinguetti

1

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Adults only

Explore the Ancient Libraries

Visit the historic libraries housing ancient manuscripts.

No booking required
2

Est. < 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Great Mosque

Admire the stunning architecture of this ancient mosque.

No booking required
3

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Adults only

Sand Dune Trekking

Experience the majestic Sahara on a guided trek.

Booking required
4

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Old Town

Wander through the ancient streets and mud-brick houses.

No booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend a Local Festival

Immerse yourself in vibrant local culture and traditions.

No booking required
6

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Museum of Chinguetti

Learn about the history and culture of Chinguetti.

No booking required
7

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Camel Rides

Enjoy a traditional mode of transport through the desert.

No booking required

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)