The most beautiful natural sites to discover Mauritania

Sultanas, Bahamas, Oceanides... No, you are not in Istanbul, nor in the West Indies, nor in Greece, but on the Mauritanian coast, less than 20 kilometers north-northwest of downtown Nouakchott. Although the capital enjoys a charming shoreline, a strip of sand sand wedged between the concrete and the bitter wave, its most popular beaches are located away from the city. To the south, the edges, wild as can be, stretch (almost) uninterrupted to the Senegal River delta. In the north, the nearest beaches do not have the (almost) virginity of their southern counterparts, but they are equipped with infrastructures making them more attractive. If you opt for the north, take the N2 from Nouakchott to the international airport and to Nouadhibou. To reach the Bahamas beach, don't miss the directional sign, near the asphalt, marking the starting point of the access track. For the Sultanes and Océanides beaches, take the asphalt road leading to the Al Salam Resort, 2 kilometers further north (PK 13). These three beaches, although geographically very close, are unique in their atmosphere and sociological composition. Generally very busy on weekends, the Sultanes beach, with its restaurant, its fine sand, its volleyball court and its umbrellas topping transatlantic boats, is particularly popular with expatriates. The friendly owner of the place, Nicolas (+222 44 33 22 53), who is both in charge of the place and the mill, had the judicious idea to install equipped cabins (refrigerator, air conditioning, shower...) and tents in order to hear the surf during the night. Count 5 000 MRU for 24 hours for the first ones, 1 000 MRU per night for the second ones. Much quieter and less crowded, the Océanides beach (+222 22 91 91 52) has khaimas, ideal for families to enjoy a mechoui. Here, you can eat (fish, shellfish ...) and find inspiration, like the writer Beyrouk who wrote two of his novels in this place. Finally, the popular Bahamas beach (+222 20 75 77 77) is characterized by its local color: twirling pitchouns, dromedaries (50 MRU for a very short ride along the waves), effluent of food concocted under the canvas, music without mute ... This beach is also equipped with a paddling pool and swings for the youngest. Whichever beach you choose, you will have to pay 100 MRU for parking.

Just before reaching the economic capital of Mauritania, the Etoile bay is astonishing by the shape of the rocks sculpted by erosion that surround it. It is almost closed and is an ideal shelter for passing sailboats or kitesurfing. This bay has revealed many archaeological sites, unfortunately very degraded since the expansion of Nouadhibou. For the amateurs, Adama (+222 465 307 23) manages an oyster farm, where you can taste excellent oysters. It is located in front of the Auberge des Dolphins.

North of Nouadhibou, until 1997, around 300 monk seals had been counted here and along the Western Sahara coast. When you consider that the world population of this species has dwindled to just 500 individuals, it's easy to see how vital the Cap Blanc reserve is, especially as the remaining monk seals are scattered in several small colonies and therefore not very viable. In 1997, the authorities found 150 monk seals stranded on the beach, not counting those that may have died at sea. The cause of this catastrophe has never been fully elucidated... There have been suggestions of a virus or the animals ingesting toxic algae.

In any case, the current political situation in Western Sahara prevents any reliable census of the surviving monk seals.

Several dozen are present on the Atlantic coast, 30 km north of Nouadhibou, but in the Western Sahara. A Spanish NGO, in cooperation with Mauritania, is working to protect the species. Today, meeting a monk seal at the foot of the Cap Blanc cliff is utopian, even if the museum's janitor keeps the legend alive. If you'd like to take up the challenge, arm yourself with patience, a good camera and a stroll along the wind-sculpted coastline. If you can't spot a monk seal, you'll probably see plenty of birds, and be able to pick up a nice harvest of shells!