CAP BLANC RESERVE (PNBA SATELLITE)

Cap Blanc and its mythical lighthouse are on the postcard and on the itineraries of the majority of those who visit, or shall we say, explore Mauritania. Located to the south of Nouadhibou, at the end of the peninsula, reached by a 7 km track passing behind the SNIM, it was however banned from access during 2025 (May-June) by the authorities, to step up controls on migrants wishing to embark on a crossing to the Canary Islands. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it's a good idea to contact Mr. Abdel Rahim (+222 44 40 91 88) to find out more about the situation at the time of your trip. In addition to its lighthouse, cross, cliffs, beach and fishermen, Cap Blanc is home to a population of monk seals, a species classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Knowing this, it's easy to appreciate the vital importance of the Cap Blanc reserve (a satellite of the Banc d'Arguin), all the more so as the other monk seals are scattered in several rather small and therefore unviable colonies. A Spanish NGO, in cooperation with Mauritania, is working to protect the species. Nowadays, it's rare to come across a monk seal at the foot of the Cap Blanc cliff. If you'd like to take up the challenge, arm yourself with patience, a good camera and explore the coast. If you don't spot one, you'll probably see plenty of birds, and be able to pick up a nice harvest of shells!