Cycling in Mauritania
Including Adrar Plateau and Banc d'Arguin National Park. On the map.
The vibe
Pedaling here is an extreme endurance test against relentless headwinds, deep sand tracks, and immense distances between sparse settlements. The cooler winter months are essential, though winds remain a constant, brutal companion across the empty expanses. You roll completely unsupported through tiny villages, turning every journey into a remote expedition.
Adrar Plateau
Adrar
NASA / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
The Adrar Plateau offers an otherworldly gravel and adventure-touring experience through ancient desert landscapes, canyons, and historic oasis towns like Chinguetti. It is a premier destination for self-supported desert expeditions, featuring vast plateaus and dramatic escarpments that challenge even experienced endurance riders.
Access. Access is typically via Atar, which serves as the primary hub for logistics and supplies. Travelers usually arrange 4x4 support vehicles for long-distance desert crossings.
Notes. Best visited between November and February to avoid extreme heat. Requires high-level navigation skills and self-sufficiency; sand conditions vary significantly.
Banc d'Arguin National Park
Mauritania
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
This UNESCO World Heritage site offers unique coastal riding along the Atlantic, where the Sahara meets the ocean. The flat, hard-packed sand and coastal tracks provide a surreal experience for fat-bike enthusiasts and long-distance touring cyclists looking for remote, wind-swept landscapes.
Access. Accessible via the coastal road from Nouakchott or Nouadhibou. Local guides from the park headquarters in Iwik are recommended for navigating the protected zones.
Notes. Strong coastal winds are common. The route is flat but requires a bike capable of handling soft sand and salt spray.