An Ancient Desert Town with Significant Historical and Religious Importance
Chinguetti was once an important trading post along the ancient trans-Saharan caravan trade route. The city was also established as a centre of Islamic scholarship, and also became a gathering place for pilgrims on the trans-Saharan Hajj route to Mecca.
Ancient Libraries of Chinguetti
A large, stone mosque was built in the 13th century for the pilgrims and city dwellers. Small town libraries were also established to collect and preserve the number of religious texts left behind. These old town libraries remain today with a collection of rare Islamic manuscripts on astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and theology. Some of these manuscripts date back to the 9th century.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
This remarkable desert city is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a window into Mauritania’s spiritual and intellectual past, standing as a living museum amid the shifting sands of the Sahara.
Itineraries That Include Chinguetti
- 8 Days
This tour is the perfect choice for those looking to experience all the best of Mauritania in as short a time as reasonably possible for appreciation.
- 10 Days
Experience the majestic Sahara Desert like never before with climbing massive dunes, camel riding, and swimming in a desert oasis.
- 14 Days
Travel across Mauritania with a guided private tour that blends historical and cultural discovery with epic rustic adventure.
