Banc d'Arguin National Park
Location: North West Mauritania
Year of Inscription: 1989
Criteria:(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Banc d'Arguin National Park is a unique ecosystem that encompasses a wide range of habitats, including coastal sand dunes, islands, tidal flats, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. The park is home to a large variety of bird species, including migratory birds from Europe and Siberia, as well as several endangered species such as the Atlantic humpback dolphin and the Mediterranean monk seal.
Prominent Features: The Banc d'Arguin National Park is notable for its diverse and abundant birdlife. The park is home to over 2 million migratory birds, including sandpipers, flamingos, and pelicans, which use the area as a breeding ground, feeding station, or stopover site during their migration. The park is also home to a number of marine species, including several species of sharks, turtles, and fish.
History: The Banc d'Arguin National Park has a rich cultural and historical significance, having been inhabited by the Imraguen people for centuries. The Imraguen are a semi-nomadic fishing community that has lived in the area for generations, and their traditional fishing practices are still in use today.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take guided boat tours to explore the park and see the diverse wildlife. The park also offers opportunities for snorkeling and diving, as well as camping on the beach.
Fun Fact: The Banc d'Arguin National Park is home to the largest breeding colony of the lesser flamingo in the world.
Entry Fees: There is an entrance fee of 5,000 Mauritanian Ouguiya (approximately 14 USD) per person for visitors to the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
Entry Fees: Visitors to Banc d'Arguin National Park must pay a fee of 5,000 Mauritanian Ouguiya per person. This fee allows visitors to access the park for up to three days.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest airport is Nouakchott International Airport, which is located approximately 50 kilometers from the park.
By Road: The park is accessible by road from Nouakchott, which is the capital city of Mauritania. Visitors can take a taxi or hire a car to reach the park.
By Boat: It is also possible to reach the park by boat from Nouakchott or other coastal towns, but visitors should be prepared for a long and potentially rough journey.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options near the park, including lodges and guesthouses. Some popular options include the Auberge du Banc d'Arguin, the Camping International de la Plage, and the Banc d'Arguin Lodge.
Next Stop: Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata
Year of Inscription: 1989
Criteria:(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Banc d'Arguin National Park is a unique ecosystem that encompasses a wide range of habitats, including coastal sand dunes, islands, tidal flats, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. The park is home to a large variety of bird species, including migratory birds from Europe and Siberia, as well as several endangered species such as the Atlantic humpback dolphin and the Mediterranean monk seal.
Prominent Features: The Banc d'Arguin National Park is notable for its diverse and abundant birdlife. The park is home to over 2 million migratory birds, including sandpipers, flamingos, and pelicans, which use the area as a breeding ground, feeding station, or stopover site during their migration. The park is also home to a number of marine species, including several species of sharks, turtles, and fish.
History: The Banc d'Arguin National Park has a rich cultural and historical significance, having been inhabited by the Imraguen people for centuries. The Imraguen are a semi-nomadic fishing community that has lived in the area for generations, and their traditional fishing practices are still in use today.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take guided boat tours to explore the park and see the diverse wildlife. The park also offers opportunities for snorkeling and diving, as well as camping on the beach.
Fun Fact: The Banc d'Arguin National Park is home to the largest breeding colony of the lesser flamingo in the world.
Entry Fees: There is an entrance fee of 5,000 Mauritanian Ouguiya (approximately 14 USD) per person for visitors to the Banc d'Arguin National Park.
Entry Fees: Visitors to Banc d'Arguin National Park must pay a fee of 5,000 Mauritanian Ouguiya per person. This fee allows visitors to access the park for up to three days.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest airport is Nouakchott International Airport, which is located approximately 50 kilometers from the park.
By Road: The park is accessible by road from Nouakchott, which is the capital city of Mauritania. Visitors can take a taxi or hire a car to reach the park.
By Boat: It is also possible to reach the park by boat from Nouakchott or other coastal towns, but visitors should be prepared for a long and potentially rough journey.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options near the park, including lodges and guesthouses. Some popular options include the Auberge du Banc d'Arguin, the Camping International de la Plage, and the Banc d'Arguin Lodge.
Next Stop: Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata