The Blanc d’Arguin National Park is found on the west coast of Mauritania near the towns of Nouadhibou and Nouakchott.  The park is a world heritage site and a breeding ground for the Mediterranean monk seal and a breeding ground for many birds in West Africa.

The Mediterranean Monk Seal, which is one of the most critically, endangered mammals in the world that habits the park among other mammals, birds, and insects. This Mauritania National park boasts one of the most important populations of the monk seal in the Peninsula. Some of the birds in the park include broad-billed sandpipers, pelicans, flamingos, waders, and many other water birds.

Size of Blanc d’Arguin national park

Blanc d’Arguin national park covers a total area of 11,200 km² of which half is terrestrial and the other half coastal and marine, the Park is one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa. The natural reserve of Cap Blanc is legally and administratively attached to the national park.

Location of Blanc d’Arguin national park

The Blanc d’Arguin National Park of Bay of Arguin lies in Western Africa on the west coast of Mauritania between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. The World Heritage Site is a major breeding site for migratory birds, including flamingos, broad-billed sandpipers, pelicans, and terns.

How to get to Blanc d’Arguin national park

Blanc d’Arguin national park is located 290 km from the main capital Nouakchott and it can be accessible by 4×4 safari vehicle but ensure you hire a driver or book a tailor-made safari with us.

Things to do in Blanc d’Arguin national park

Boat safari

Nice boat safaris can be arranged on the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy the fantastic Azzur waters of Mauritania and ensure you take your camera with you as the birdlife is incredible

Fishing

Fishing can great in the waters and Anglers bring their own equipment and hire a local boatman to take them to the best fishing places

Birding

A lot of birds are seen here as it’s a breeding ground for the birds ensure you take binoculars as some times the birds are far away for eyes but with binos, it can be a perfect sighting

Diving

There are hardly any established diving sites in the country. Water temperatures fall to a chilling 20 degrees Celsius between February and May but rise to 28 degrees by August. Mauritania has seen political upheaval and unrest since the 2008 military coup and caution is advised before planning a diving trip to the country.

When to visit Blanc d’Arguin national park

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Blanc d’Arguin national park are February, March, and then April. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early January.

Where to stay in Blanc d’Arguin national park

Camping is the best option here as each village has its own campsite, the faculties are very basic and in some places we were not sure what we were paying for they are not too happy about wild camping. Take everything with you plus a full tank of fuel!