Things to do in Chinguetti: must-sees and where to stay

In short: Chinguetti, a UNESCO-listed former caravan town, is best explored on foot: its stone mosque, its manuscript libraries and its old town threatened by the sand. In the evening, climb the dunes for sunset and sleep in a desert camp under the stars.

The historic mosque

Its square dry-stone minaret is the emblem of Chinguetti and of all Mauritania. The interior is reserved for Muslims: admire it from outside, ideally in the soft morning or evening light.

The manuscript libraries

Chinguetti was a great centre of learning. Local families still keep libraries of ancient manuscripts, some of which open their doors to visitors. A rare moment, to be shared respectfully: ask before taking photos.

The old town

Sandy lanes, dry-stone houses with wooden doors: the old town (ksar) is part of the Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. The sand is slowly creeping into some houses.

The Adrar dunes

The great dunes begin at the edge of town. Set off on foot or by camel for sunset, and spend a night in a desert camp: the desert sky is exceptional.

Day trips

• Ouadane: another UNESCO-listed ksar, on the edge of the plateau.
• The Adrar oases, around Atar, and their palm groves.

Getting to Chinguetti

Chinguetti is reached by road from Atar, the capital of the Adrar, often by 4x4 with a driver, after the drive from Nouakchott. See also our guide Things to do in Nouakchott.

All our tips for the country: Travel in Mauritania.

Where to stay in Chinguetti?

• Old town (ksar). Stone houses, the mosque and the manuscript libraries, all within a short walk. Ideal for: culture, couples.
• New town. Across the wadi, with simple guesthouses and shops. Ideal for: arriving, budget.
• Desert camps. Organised tented camps in the dunes around the town. Ideal for: adventure, nights under the stars.

The areas and useful services are on our Chinguetti page.