Parc National du Banc d'Arguin

[LandJ]

Has anyone been here in Mauretania? I've read some reviews that the boat trip is a must but was wondering if driving through the park is just as good? Any thoughts would be fantastic!

[Chris Scott]

Don't know about the boat trip but I would not put too much into it's 'NP' designation other than having to pay someone a fee to be there.
It was the old beach route to NKT before they built the inland road: low dunes, sea shore, bird colonies and fishermen, some who (used to?) use dolphins to help 'herd' shoals of fish to the shore.
You'll need to be self sufficient if you want to linger there, rather than shoot through as most did, AFAIK.

If you're in Mori I would say the Adrar region out towards Chinguetti or Terjit is more interesting.

Ch

[LandJ]

Was planning on going to Chinguetti as well. Need to buy the Sahara Overland book me thinks

[priffe]

Fishing, bird watching, swimming, 4x4 in the sand. N.P.status yes, it is protected and they do have rangers and guides who are very knowledgeable about the park.
There's a new center and entrance to the park at Ghomi on the main road

From there a 40 kms circa drive through the sand to the villages of Arkeiss or Iwik. You stay in designated areas in large tents.
Arkeiss where you can swim with a million fish

Better bring your own supplies (water, bread), although you can buy food from the locals. Anything from grilled fish to dried camel meat. But the boulangerie is no more

The old N.P. entrance was farther south at Mamghar

I haven't been to the islands, but there is even more abundant wildlife there, such as gazelles. Since the arrival of Kalashnikovs there are few mammals on the mainland.

[moggy 1968]

personally, if I want a package tour I'll take one.

hate to be a luddite but I preferred this area the way it was before the road opened it up to the campervans and the tourists.

[priffe]

I don't think you will find campervans in the park, it is mostly 4x4.
If you want to go the old way, just continue south on the beach all the way to Nouakchott.

[Quintin]

Campervans and overland trucks are actually forbidden in the Banc d'Arguin not that I would advise anything other than a 4x4 to try and get there as the route I took was a tad 'tricky'.

In fact I went there in my Merc 917 a good few years ago not knowing of the ban. But the warden, a really nice and utterly honest guy let me stay for from memory 4 days. I had a great time, did loads of swimming and fishing and ate like a king. I don't think I even knew there was a bakery.

It's a lovely spot.

[spektakl]

Hi!

Just been there this past Christmas. Amazing place and a bit remote, too. A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory as you will drive over dunes depending on the route taken. Locals are friendly. Bring your own food, as it may be complicated to buy some sometimes. And driving to Nouakchott along the beach is a must, one of the best driving experiences I've ever done!

If you can read spanish, here is a blog post I made about Banc d'Arguin: http://www.1001experiencias.com/expe...o-paris-dakar/

[LandJ]

I know this doesn't really belong here but as we're all conversing....

I really want something with a shower and loo and where I can cook and relax in so a campervan is what I really think we need but I also want it to be able to go anywhere...is there anything that's an option other than a unimog type truck? That is too big!

I've decided to miss this particular park and go to Ben Amira, Atarr, Chinguetti. Tidjikja down to St. Louis. And we will be driving through the Western Sahara....am I just going to have to bite the bullet and rid myself of my luxuries and get a 4x4?

[priffe]

Many cool bushcampers out there
https://www.google.se/search?q=landcruiser+camper+hzj78
a combo
http://crossamerika.files.wordpress....pg?w=450&h=300
U don't really need a loo in the desert..

Last trip there we talked to the gendarmes at Ghomi and they asked if I really wanted to go to Arkeiss in the dark (it was around 8 p.m.) and I said yes, and to my surprise they okayed it, found me a guide and off we went. Taking a longer route to avoid the soft sand spots - no fun getting stuck at night.
We arrived around 10 p.m. and were greeted by the guard who gave us a big tent for ourselves. I asked if they had any food for the kids (we came straight from the border crossing after a very long day) and they made us a big meal, more than we could eat.
Glorious feeling waking up with the sun for a morning swim, rather than parked by the gendarmerie on the highway.

[moggy 1968]

you don't need a 4x4 to travel in the desert

[priffe]

Hehe right you are.....but people do get stuck. The park is mostly flat with spots of loose sand.

Tell me, you who drove to Nouakchott before there was a highway, at what point did you get on the beach? There's one big dune in the park, a mile or so wide, north of Mamghar, that is a challenge to cross even in a 4x4.
So I suppose you came on to the beach south of the park?

The only obstacle from there to Nkt is the rocky outcrop where you can go in the sea at low tide.

[Chris Scott]

When I did it (in a local pickup taxi) we took to the beach at Nouamghar (Mamghar?) once the tide dropped.

Ch

[spektakl]

Originally Posted by priffe

Tell me, you who drove to Nouakchott before there was a highway, at what point did you get on the beach? There's one big dune in the park, a mile or so wide, north of Mamghar, that is a challenge to cross even in a 4x4.
So I suppose you came on to the beach south of the park?.

There's a big one just oustide a small town south of Mamghar, as far as I remember. We got stuck there for about an hour and a half. Locals are there to help. Anyway, it's all sand and dunes if you go close to the sea until you reach the beach near Mamghar, so be prepared! Easy dunes, but dunes after all

[gvdaa]

I remember we had to cross three dunes stretches not far before Nouamghar. The longest one a couple of kilometres. With a guide and low tyre pressures not too difficult in a normal car.