Chinguetti
Chinguetti is a city in Saharan Mauritania. It contains a noted Islamic scholarly centre sometimes called the library in the desert and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Get in
Cars go from Atar to Chinguetti for 2,000 UM per person. Be at the place at around 08:00 as they depart at different times each day.
Get around
Chinguetti is easily covered by foot.
See
The Old town of Chinguetti is noted for its style of indigenous Saharan architecture, featuring reddish dry stone and mud-brick houses.
- 🌍 Friday Mosque of Chinguetti. Built in the thirteenth or fourteenth century, this mosque includes what is believed to be the second oldest continuously used minaret in all of the Muslim world. The mosque consciously lacks extensive adornment, in line with Maliki school of Islam. It's considered the national emblem of Mauritania. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque but may view the exterior.
Do
Chinguetti has some of the more postcard perfect sand dunes in the Sahara. You can hire a camel and guide to walk you and your things around the desert, but you won't be actually riding the camel. You can also hire a 4-wheel drive. A better option might be to hike on your own.
Eat
- Naitil, Route vers Chinguetti (Next to the gendarmerie). The only restaurant in town. A decent sandwich shop popular with young people. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 30-60 UM.
Drink
According to Michael Palin's book Sahara he was offered a drink called zrig which is a mixture of goat milk, water, millet and sugar.
Sleep
There are plenty of auberges, with beds for as little as 1,500 ouguiya. Camping just outside the city is also a popular option. Unfortunately, with the collapse of tourism in the Sahel, many hotels have been forced to close. If you wander around the city (preferably in the evening) you'll be likely invited by the locals to sleep at their family house. They will probably refuse any payment.
- 🌍 Auberge La Gueïla, ☏ +222 2205 5056, info@lagueila.com. A small, charming, auberge with just six rooms and a small courtyard. On-site restaurant and library, and it's even possible to get a massage.
- 🌍 La Rose des Sables, ☏ +222 27466763. A clean auberge with hot water showers and a friendly host.
Go next
To go to Atar be prepared to leave early in the morning as the locals need to catch a bus to Nouakchott and tend to leave at 05:00 or 06:00..