6 days
from $1,500
Iron Ore Train & Banc d'Arguin
The full iron ore train expedition, extended with two days in the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
View itineraryAtlantic coast, Mauritania
Banc d'Arguin National Park Tours
Where the Sahara meets the Atlantic: flamingos, pelicans and Imraguen sailing boats.
Why Banc d'Arguin is unique
The Banc d'Arguin National Park stretches along Mauritania's Atlantic coast between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, where desert dunes run straight into shallow seas, islands and tidal flats. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most important places on Earth for migratory shorebirds, which arrive in their millions from Europe and the Arctic to spend the winter.
Flamingos, pelicans, spoonbills, herons and terns gather on the mudflats and islands, and dolphins are often seen in the channels.
The Imraguen fishermen
The park is also home to the Imraguen, a fishing community famous for their traditional sailing boats (lanches) and for a centuries-old fishing technique in which dolphins help drive fish toward their nets. Motorised fishing boats are restricted inside the park, so the sailing tradition lives on. Visiting an Imraguen village such as Iwik, and sailing on a lanche, is the highlight of any Banc d'Arguin tour.
Best time to visit
Bird numbers peak from about October to March, which is also the most comfortable season for the rest of Mauritania — making it easy to combine the park with the desert, Chinguetti or the iron ore train.
Banc d'Arguin National Park in Photos
Banc d'Arguin National Park: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Banc d'Arguin National Park?
The park lies between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou along the coast. Access is by 4x4, and park entry fees apply. Our tours arrange transport, permits and a local guide.
How long should I spend in Banc d'Arguin?
Two days lets you visit an Imraguen village, sail on a lanche and watch birds at different tides. Both of our 6-day tours include two days in the park.
Can I combine Banc d'Arguin with the iron ore train?
Yes. The train ends in Nouadhibou on the coast, so our 6-day Iron Ore Train & Banc d'Arguin tour continues south into the park on the way back to Nouakchott.
Mauritania Tours That Visit Banc d'Arguin National Park
6 days
from $1,300
Chinguetti & Banc d'Arguin
Our Chinguetti heritage tour extended with two days in the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
View itineraryMore places to discover in Mauritania
Tailor-made trips
Want a tour built around you?
Every itinerary here can be changed: your own dates, a private departure for your family or friends, more days in the desert, or extras like the Eye of the Sahara and Ouadane. Tell us what you want to see and we will design it.