Ile d' Arguin Travel Guide

  Banc d'Arguin National Park Mauritania
by johnsakura
 
  • Banc d'Arguin National Park Mauritania
      Banc d'Arguin National Park Mauritania
    by johnsakura
  • Banc d'Arguin National Park Mauritania
      Banc d'Arguin National Park Mauritania
    by johnsakura
  • Banc d'Arguin National Park Mauritania
      Banc d'Arguin National Park Mauritania
    by johnsakura
  • Banc d'Arguin National Park Mauritania
      Banc d'Arguin National Park Mauritania
    by johnsakura
  • Banc d'Arguin National Park Mauritania
      Banc d'Arguin National Park Mauritania
    by johnsakura
 

Explore Ile d' Arguin

Things to Do  

National Park offices in Nouamghar

National Park offices in Nouamghar, Ile d' Arguin

 johnsakura Says:  The Banc d'Arguin is a crossroads for aquatic birds migrating between Europe, northern Asia and Africa. Over two million sandpipers have been recorded in the winter, and many species use the national park for breeding also. The sea is crystal clear and shallow (no more than... 

The beach coast

The beach coast, Ile d' Arguin

 johnsakura Says:  The beach coast is also another wonderful aspect of this Banc d'Arguin National Park. After El Manghar you have at leat 180km of sandy beaches with dunes aside. Remember that 40% of the country is covered by sand. 

Sunset

Sunset, Ile d' Arguin

 johnsakura Says:  A sunset in the Sahara desert is in fact one of the most unforgettable things one can experience. The dunes along with the vast empty spaces in ocre color are something you'll remeber forever. 

The Imraguen

The Imraguen, Ile d' Arguin

 johnsakura Says:  Some 1,000 Imraguen fishermen carry on the tens of thousands of years of documented human population. Earlier, due to a more humid climate, population was higher and remnants from the Almoravide civilisation are found on a number of the park's islands. The Imraguen, or... 

Atlantic hump-backed dolphin, Cameroon dolphin

Atlantic hump-backed dolphin, Cameroon dolphin, Ile d' Arguin

 johnsakura Says:  Sousa taxonomy is based largely on small sample sizes for most populations. The several different nominal species are distinguished on several primary characters. Characters include tooth counts; number of vertebrae; form of the dorsal fin base and especially colour patterns... 

Banc d'Arguin National Park

Banc d'Arguin National Park, Ile d' Arguin

 johnsakura Says:  In 1989, the Mauritanian national park Banc d'Arguin was admitted to the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. Fringing the Saharan desert's Atlantic coast, the park is made up of sand dunes, coastal swamps, small islands and shallow coastal waters. It is however even more... 

Dunes

Dunes, Ile d' Arguin

 johnsakura Says:  The park provides an unique example of a transition zone between the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic Ocean.Big dunes can be found all the way. You can imagine this place can get really warm during the summer.The area is of great meteorological interest with a contrast between... 

Ocean vs Desert

Ocean vs Desert, Ile d' Arguin

 johnsakura Says:  The park provides an unique example of a transition zone between the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a vast area of islands and coastline, largely composed of windblown sand of Saharan origin, together with a large expanse of mudflats, with particularly well... 

Camel Herds

Camel Herds, Ile d' Arguin

 johnsakura Says:  This place is just a few kms away from Nouadhibou it self. After passing all the construction site of the possible new road NDB-NKT you have this type of terrain. Herds of camels are somehow common. 

Fishermen Settlements

Fishermen Settlements, Ile d' Arguin

 johnsakura Says:  On your way from Nouadhibou to El Mamghar you have at least 3 fishermen settements. Just 2 or 3 houses and some boats.On the picture you can see some boats on the water.This was the first kilometres we made after the big truck tracks of the inland region after Nouadhibou. 

Hotels  

Camping site: The Sahara

Camping site: The Sahara, Ile d' Arguin

 johnsakura Says:  We had to stop for a night in the middle of the desert. The way from Nouadhibou to ELMamghar was a bit hard and lots of hard tracks had to be done.After our guide got lost, we settlet before light went out completely.For more information on which animals you may find... 

Transportation  

4WD
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johnsakura 3944 reviews
mauritania

4wd cars are pretty much better to drive these regions. We stoped at least twenty times to help our friends driving a Peugeot 505.

Written Jan 16, 2004

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Local Customs  

Meet the locals
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johnsakura 3944 reviews
Banc d'Arguin National Park Mauritania

This fishermen wanted to make a picture with me.
People somehow are more receptive to photograph that I thought before. Many people came to me in Mauritania and asked to be photographed.

Those boats are the local boats for artisanal fishing.

Written Jan 16, 2004

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Warnings and Dangers  

Overfishing
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johnsakura 3944 reviews
Banc d'Arguin National Park Mauritania

The most obvious threat to the Banc d'Arguin park has however been overfishing by international fleets in the waters just off the park - probably a direct cause behind the cultural and manageral transition of the Imraguen. Overfishing by mostly European Union vessels is severely depleting fish resources within the park as well and causes a decline of the breeding colonies of fish-eating bird species.

The coast of West Africa is very rich in fish, which makes it a prime target for trawlers from Russia, Japan and European nations. The Banc d'Arguin is a vital spawning ground with significant economic implications for Mauritania, which derives the bulk of its income from selling fishing licences to foreign countries. Local small fishing boats, on the other hand, are forced to fish further and further out to sea or to concentrate their activities in sensitive coastal areas.

Written Jan 17, 2004

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Tourist Traps  

Sahara
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johnsakura 3944 reviews
Banc d'Arguin National Park Mauritania

The Great Sahara desert, a region of shifting sand dunes, forms the northern two thirds of the country. In fact some 40% of the country is covered by sand. Towards the south, the Sahara loses its intensity to the Sahelian steppes which receive a fairly low annual rainfall.

Unique Suggestions: The GPS (Global Positioning System by Satellites) is a good friend on these stretches.

Updated Jan 17, 2004

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Favorites  

The desert

The desert, Ile d' Arguin

 johnsakura Says:  Another view of the desert. On this way you'll find kms and kms of void, sand and ocasionely some trees or bushes. 

Desert truck tracks

Desert truck tracks, Ile d' Arguin

 johnsakura Says:  Usualy theres 3 main roads that connect Nouadhibou to Nouakchott. 2 inland roads one for 4WD and another for trucks, and the third road on the coast line only suitable for 4WD cars. To go from NDB to NKT you have to pass the park. There are some tracks only used by heavy... 

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Map of Ile d' Arguin