SEASON 5, EPISODE 10
Mauritania, which is one of the countries with the lowest population density in the world, is home to some adventurous places that one can visit to explore its treasures and natural wonders, including the Sahara desert.
On today's episode of Learn Africa, we journey through some of Mauritania's enchanting destinations, where you can unravel a new chapter when visiting.
Ben Amera
An adventurous place to visit on the route of the desert in Mauritania is Ben Amera. It is a natural geological rock formation found in the Atar, in the northern part of Mauritania, inside the Sahara Desert.
Chinguetti, Mauritania (Credit: Team hazard Rides Again)
It is the largest monolith, i.e., single rock formation in Africa and the second-largest in the world after the Uluru monolith, Australia. It stands approximately 400 feet tall and has a circumference of over 1 km.
Chinguetti
Chinguetti,a red-stone desert oasis located deep in the Sahara Desert, Mauritania, is known to be one of the oldest desert towns. It was once a vibrant and popular trading and religious hub where pilgrims and scholars visited. This town is home to vital mediaeval Quranic texts, historical manuscripts, and scientific studies that can be dated back between the 13th and 17th centuries, making the town have an increased number of libraries.
Chinguetti, Mauritania (Credit: BBC Travel)
Chinguetti boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, with towers built with bricks and old fortresses of the Berber tribes. It became one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in 1996 with efforts to conserve and protect its architectural, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations, as one can now find its streets empty as a result of sand and wind from the Sahara Desert.
Banc d'Arguin National Park
Banc d'Arguin National Park is located in the western part of Mauritania along the Atlantic coastline. This park comprises coastal swamps, islands, sand dunes, and shallow coastal waters. It serves as a site for tourism, as people can be seen observing diverse marine life, taking boat tours, camping, hiking, and watching birds, including flamingoes, pelicans, and terns, among many other bird species.
Banc d'Arguin National Park (Credit: Flickr - Christophe Andre)
Banc d'Arguin National Park serves It is managed and protected by the Mauritanian government to conserve its biodiversity, which consists of marine and bird species. In 1989, it was designated as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
Nouakchott
Nouakchott, in the Hassaniya language, means 'Place of Winds'. It is the capital city of Mauritania and is situated along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, on the western coast of the country. This city boasts an estimated population of over 1 million people.
Nouakchott, Mauritania (Credit: Sergey Mayorov – Dreamstime.com)
Nouakchott is a melting pot of various ethnic groups and cultures, reflecting the diverse Mauritanian society. There are a lot of landmarks and attractions in Nouakchott, including the bustling fish market, the National Museum, where you can find historical and cultural artefacts on display, and the notable Ould Abas Mosque.
The city is also known for its industrious state, from gold mining to copper and factories that produce goods including cement, textiles, insecticides, and embroidery, among many others.
Terjit Oasis
Terjit Oasis is a natural wonder in the Sahara. It is known to locals as 'paradise in hell' and is nestled in the heart of the Adrar region in Mauritania. It boasts clusters of thick green date palms that form canopies and freshwater springs bubbling from inside the earth, which keep people hydrated from the harsh conditions of the desert sun.
Nouakchott, Mauritania (Credit: Sergey Mayorov – Dreamstime.com)
It is a charming and relaxing site for tourists who want to experience nature. One can find on-site camping spots to stay during the period of visit and also get to see camels.
Written and edited by Ebby
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