Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE ATLANTIC COAST
No tacky resorts. No pollution. This coastline is a rapturous place for tranquillity seekers
and nature lovers. It's mostly occupied by the Parc National du Banc d'Arguin, something
of a pilgrimage site for birdwatchers.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Nouâdhibou
POP 80,000
With the new tar road connecting the Moroccan border to Nouakchott, the fishing port of
Nouâdhibou has lost much of its raison d'être for travellers, who prefer to dash to the cap-
ital or to the Adrar region. It's a good base, though, if you plan to visit Banc d'Arguin. The
setting is also appealing: Nouâdhibou is on the Baie du Lévrier , in the middle of a narrow
35km-long peninsula.
Sights & Activities
Réserve Satellite du Cap Blanc WILDLIFE RESERVE
(admission UM2000; 10am-5pm Tue-Sat) A small nature reserve with an excellent information
centre, dedicated to the colony of endangered Mediterranean monk seals (phoque moin)
that live here. Resembling elephant seals, these grey-skinned animals were hunted since the
15th century for their valuable skins and oil. The protected colony here of roughly 150
seals is one of the last on earth. The colony is at the foot of the cliffs; you have a reasonable
chance of seeing them swimming offshore.
The reserve is near the lighthouse at the southern tip of Cap Blanc. To get there, cross the
railtracks near the SNIM refinery on the edge of Nouâdhibou; the piste (track) is rough.
Also near the lighthouse is the spectacular wreck of the United Metlika, a cargo ship
beached on a wide sandy beach and looking all the world like the set of a Hollywood
movie.
 
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