Dakhlet Nouadhibou

Dakhlet Nouadhibou is a long peninsula separating a calm bay from the open ocean. Its capital, Nouadhibou, is the country's second city and first port.

The major site is **Banc d'Arguin National Park**, a World Heritage Site: vast tidal flats that host millions of migratory birds each winter from northern Europe. Here are the Imraguen villages, whose fishermen work with nets aided by dolphins — a practice rare anywhere in the world.

At **Cap Blanc**, on the point, survives one of the last colonies of **Mediterranean monk seals**, among the most endangered marine mammals.

The **desert train** leaves Nouadhibou for Zouerate, one of the longest trains in the world. Riding an ore wagon is an experience some travellers come specifically to have.

The climate is milder here than inland thanks to the cold current, so a visit works year-round.