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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Mauritania

10 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Mauritania

Updated February 25, 2022

Cities

Unusual Attractions in Mauritania

Choum, Mauritania

Mauritania Railway

Climb atop one of the world's longest and heaviest trains for an unbelievable journey across the Sahara Desert.

Mauritania

Richat Structure

A geological bull's-eye visible from outer space.

Chinguetti, Mauritania

The Libraries of Chinguetti

Five ancient libraries, little changed for centuries, preserve a medieval archive of Quranic lore and civic documents

Ouadane, Mauritania

Ouadane Mosque

This remarkably well-preserved mosque stands amid an 11th-century caravansary.

Kaédi, Mauritania

Abandoned Resort

The beehive-like buildings of this abandoned resort reside near the border of Mauritania and Senegal.

Nouakchott, Mauritania

Port de Pêche

Thousands of colorful pirogues showcase ingenious craftsmanship at the largest fishermen port in Nouakchott.

Nouakchott, Mauritania

Galerie Zeinart

The quaint gallery displays works by artists from all across Mauritania.

Mauritania

Moroccan Western Sahara Wall

This fortified sand barrier dividing a contested territory is the longest minefield in the world.

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