Things to do in Sahara Desert (northern Mauritania)
Discover the best attractions and experiences Sahara Desert (northern Mauritania) has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore the desert’s ancient cities where caravans once paused on their way across Mauritania.
Chinguetti Old Town
A UNESCO-listed ksar with centuries‑old mosques, towers and dusty alleyways that evoke caravan-era Mauritania.
Ouadane Old Town
A remote hillside town of ancient mosques and caravan traces, preserved in stark desert beauty.
Tichitt-Walata ruins
Ancient cliff dwellings and stone walls marking one of the Sahara’s oldest urban landscapes.
Museums
Dip into the desert's cultural memory through manuscripts and small heritage centers.
Chinguetti Manuscripts Library
A renowned collection of medieval manuscripts preserved by desert families.
Ouadane Heritage Center
Exhibits and displays on the region’s caravan routes and historic towns.
Religious Monuments
Visit the spiritual centers that have anchored desert communities for centuries.
Chinguetti Mosque
An ancient mud-brick mosque that stands as a spiritual heart of the town.
Ouadane Mosque
Historic mosque in the old quarter, reflecting traditional Mauritanian architecture.
National & Theme Parks
Natural wonders and protected landscapes that frame the Sahara.
Banc d'Arguin National Park
Coastal national park famed for its birdlife, mangroves and desert-adjacent landscapes.
Richat Structure (Eye of the Sahara)
A colossal circular geological formation that dominates the Mauritanian Sahara.
Neighborhoods
Wander the quarters that preserve traditional life and desert rhythms.
Chinguetti Medina (Old Town)
Winding alleys and mud-brick houses that tell the town’s centuries of history.
Ouadane Medina (Old Town)
Rugged hillside quarters with historical mosques and caravan-era ruins.
Terjit Oasis Approach
A remote oasis area where palm groves meet the desert.
Free Things to Do
Experience the desert with no admission costs.
Stargazing in the Sahara
Clear desert skies make for spectacular star views after sunset.
Walks to Terjit Oasis
Short, scenic walks to a palm-fringed oasis.
Sunrise over dune fields near Atar
Watch the desert come alive with color as the sun rises.
Gastronomy
Savor simple, hearty flavors that echo desert hospitality.
Mint tea ceremony
Hospitality ritual of strong green tea poured in a distinctive three-pour style.
Couscous with lamb
Hearty desert staple served with tender lamb and vegetables.
Dates and desert fruit
Sweet local dates and other dried fruits harvested from oases.
Nightlife
Evenings in the desert unfold with music, campfires and stars.
Desert camp evenings with traditional music
Camp gatherings feature simple songs and drumming around a fire.
Starlit campfire storytelling
Local storytellers share legends beneath a sky full of stars.
Entertainment
Cultural performances that bring nomadic heritage to life.
Nomad storytelling circles
Evenings of oral storytelling that reveal desert life and history.
Traditional music performances
Live performances by nomadic musicians in camps or towns.
Sports
Active ways to explore the dunes and desert.
Camel trekking
Unforgettable rides through dunes with a patient camel guide.
4x4 desert safari
Thrilling off-road drive across wind-sculpted sand and rocky flats.
Sandboarding
Glide down sunlit dunes on a board for a quick adrenaline rush.
Off the Track
Delve deeper into the Sahara’s hidden corners.
Tagant Plateau viewpoints
Ride up to high viewpoints over rugged desert plateaus.
Ancient caravan route walk
Follow historic paths once used by caravans between towns.
Terjit Oasis visit
A secluded oasis retreat with palms and a refreshing pool.