Banc d'Arguin National Park

Banc d'Arguin National Park is one of the most important natural sites in West Africa, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the Sahara Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. The park encompasses vast tidal flats, coastal lagoons, sandbanks, and islands that provide breeding and feeding grounds for millions of migratory birds — including flamingos, great white pelicans, terns, herons, and waders. The Imraguen people have lived in harmony with this ecosystem for centuries, fishing using traditional methods including a unique symbiotic relationship with dolphins. For nature lovers and birdwatchers, Banc d'Arguin is an extraordinary destination.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Nouadhibou (NDB, 60 km north) and Nouakchott (NKC, 240 km south).

By Car / Road

The park is accessible by 4×4 from Nouadhibou (60 km, 1.5 hours) or from the RN2 highway via a piste south of Chami. All visitors must register at the park headquarters. A guide is mandatory for park entry. Entry fee: MRU 1,000 for non-residents.

4×4 on the mainland, pirogue (motorised canoe) for the coastal lagoons and islands. Guided boat tours are necessary and cost MRU 3,000–6,000 per hour.

• The lagoons at low tide — When the tide recedes, thousands of birds feed on the exposed mudflats.

• Bird islands — Small islands within the park host dense colonies of pelicans, terns, and flamingos.

• Imraguen villages — Traditional fishing communities at Iouik and other small settlements.

• Birdwatching pirogue tour — The main activity: a guide takes you through the channels and lagoons.

• Photography — The combination of desert, ocean, and thousands of birds is unique.

• Imraguen cultural experience — Learn about the local fishing community's traditional lifestyle.

No restaurants. Arrange meals through your accommodation. Fresh fish is the staple.

Bring all drinking water from Nouadhibou.

Accommodation is inside the park at basic campements (Iouik, Mamghar). Simple huts or tents, MRU 1,500–3,000 per person. Meals included with advance booking.

Nothing available within the park. Bring all supplies from Nouadhibou or Nouakchott.

• Nouadhibou (60 km north, 1.5 hours) — Fishing port, ship cemetery, seal colony.
• Chami (40 km south) — Supply village on the highway.
• Nouakchott (240 km south, 3 hours) — National capital.