Best Tourist Places to Visit in Mauritania, Nouakchott, Western Africa, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Mauritania, Nouakchott, Western Africa, Africa

Mauritania is a western African country geographically positioned at 19.5667° N, 10.6500° W. It shares its borders with Algeria towards the northeast, Western Sahara towards the north, Senegal towards the southwest and Mali towards the east. Nouakchott is the capital and largest city of Mauritania, situated on the coastline of the country. In terms of area, Mauritania is the 29th largest country in the world, covering a land of 1,030,700 sq. km.

The five major cities of Mauritania are:

  • Nouadhibou
  • Kaédi
  • Aleg
  • Kiffa
  • Atar

 

History of Mauritania:

Before coming under the European power Imperial France in the late 19th century, Mauritania was ruled by many Arab kingdoms, including the renowned Moorish Empire. The independence of Mauritania was declared from the French on 28 November 1960 and the current constitution of Mauritania was formed on 12 July 1991.

 

Getting Mauritania:

The Nouakchott International Airport is the most important airport of Mauritania, situated only 1 km away from the heart of the capital city, Nouakchott. Mauritanian Airlines is the national airline and the airport offers flights to Casablanca, Istanbul, Dakar, Gran Canaria, Madrid, Abidjan, Bamako, Brazzaville, Casablanca, Conakry, Algiers and Paris.

There is no international railway connection but Mauritania is connected by bus to nearby Moroccan and Senegal cities.

The local transportation in Mauritanian cities is catered by buses, rental cars and taxis.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Mauritania:

Arabic is the official and widely spoken language in Mauritania and other highly used languages in Mauritania are Pulaar, Soninke and Wolof.

Marche Capital and Marche Sixieme in Nouakchott are the two important markets of Mauritania and the city of Nouakchott also houses dozens of international food corners with pizzas, hamburgers, sandwiches and salads.

Some reputed food corners in Nouakchott in Mauritania are as follows:

  • La Grillade
  • Huzur Restaurant
  • Restaurant Al Fantasia
  • Le Mediterraneen

 

Things to do in Mauritania:

  • Beach exploration
  • Visiting archeological sites
  • The city tour of Nouakchott

 

Places to see in Mauritania:

 

Oualata:

The city of Oualata in Mauritania is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holding numerous imposing historical budlings as well as a manuscript museum. The city is situated in the southeastern part of the country.

National Museum of Mauritania:

The National Museum of Mauritania is situated in the capital city, Nouakchott. The museum was founded to showcase the archaeological and ethnographical features of the country and the collections are stored at two galleries that include traditional clothes, sherds and arrowheads.

 

Mosque Ould Abas:

The Mosque Ould Abas is a magnificent historic mosque, situated in the midst of the markets Marche de La Viande and Marche Capitale in Nouakchott. The striking Mosque Saudique is located in the vicinity of Mosque Ould Abas.

 

Chinguetti Mosque:

The Chinguetti Mosque is an excellent historic mosque, located in the ancient city of Chinguetti in Mauritania. Minaret tower is its highlight, which is considered as the 2nd oldest in the Muslim countries in continuous operation.

 

List of other places of interests in and around Mauritania include:

  • Plage de Nouakchott
  • Marche aux Khaimas
  • Port de Peche
  • Terjit
  • Nouakchott Silver Market
  • Nouakchott Stadium
  • Cathedral of St. Joseph
  • Centre culturel francais St Exupery
  • Marche Capitale

 

Best time to visit Mauritania:

Mauritania features a hot desert climate with relatively hot weather throughout the year and the best time to visit Mauritania is from January to May.

 

Accommodation Options in Mauritania:

Hotels in Mauritania range from budget guesthouses to star rated hotels and the most high end hotels in the Mauritanian’s hospitality industry are located in the capital city, Nouakchott and of which many hotels offer advance booking facility through online for visitors convenience. Facilities include spa, sauna, fitness centre, internet, doctor on call service, food on request and TV. Some recommended hotels in Mauritania, located in Nouakchott are as follows:

  • Hotel Emira
  • Hotel Tfeila
  • Residence IMAN
  • Hotel Semiramis Nouakchott
  • Hotel Halima
  • Hotel Atlantique Nouakchott
  • Hotel Ikrama
  • Auberge Menata
  • Hotel Mouna
  • Mauricenter Hotel
  • Maison d’hotes Jeloua
  • Monotel Hotel
  • Boudarge & Inimich Apart-Hotel
  • Chambres d’Hotes Naga
  • Auberge Diaguili

Places to Visit in Yekepa, Nimba, Liberia, North Africa, Africa

Places to Visit in Yekepa, Nimba, Liberia, North Africa, Africa

Yekepa is a town located in the Nimba County in Northern Liberia, around 35 km from the county capital Sanniquellie and 330 km from the national capital, Monrovia. Yekepa is famous as the major gateway to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Liberia’s one of the prominent tourist destinations, the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve. Yekepa is geographically positioned between 7°35′ N latitude and 8°32′ W longitude.

Yekepa was once the site of an iron ore mining operation of Lamco but it was heavily devastated during the First Liberian Civil War. Guesthouse Hill, in the vicinity of Yekepa, measures amongst highest elevation in Liberia. The African Bible College University is located in Yekepa.

 

Connectivity to Yekepa:

Yekepa is catered by Nimba Airport with occasional flights. As flights are not guaranteed, international tourists are suggested to board flights to Roberts International Airport first, where buses are generally available to the national capital Monrovia. From central bus stand of Monrovia, buses regularly depart to Yekepa during peak season and the number of buses may decline during low season.

There are many tour operators in Yekepa and in nearby Sanniquellie, conducting tour to the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve and also offering rental cars and bikes for local travel.

 

Food and Shopping in Yekepa:

Yekepa’s itself houses many nice traditional food corners and shops and for more options, the nearby city Sanniquellie is a great option.

 

Things to do in Yekepa:

  • Visiting nearby nature reserve
  • Walking
  • Bike riding

 

 

Tourist Attractions in Yekepa:

 

Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve:

The Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve is the reason most tourists coming to Yekepa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering areas of Guinea, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. Dominated by the Mount Nimba, the reserve is home to many typical African animals, including Chimpanzees, duikers, big cats and civets. Yekepa is situated in the proximity of the reserve and can be reached by foot or rental vehicle.

 

African Bible College University:

The African Bible College University is one of the identities of Yekepa, offering several latest courses and also organizing concerts showcasing the importance of local culture, history and biodiversity.

 

Sanniquellie:

Sanniquellie is a tourist favor city, located around 35 km from Yekepa. The city is packed with plenty of shops and restaurants and also houses a club named Sanniquellie – Club Universe and an artificial lake in the city centre, Lake Teleh.

 

List of other places of interest near Yekepa include:

  • Sanniquellie – Club Universe
  • Lake Teleh
  • Public Market of Sanniquellie
  • Beaches of Monrovia
  • Monkey Island
  • Liberian National Museum
  • Ce Ce Beach
  • Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve
  • The Kendeja Cultural Center
  • Providence Island
  • Liberia’s Centennial Pavilion
  • Sky Bar Entertainment Center
  • Kpa-Tawe Waterfalls
  • Gertylue Floral Park

 

When to visit Yekepa?

Yekepa is a year round destination, though the real experience of Yekepa’s tour can be enjoyed during the months between December and March when the weather remains dry and well supports for outdoor activities.

 

Hotels in Yekepa:

Yekepa is home to few tourist favor hotels, so it would be better if one reach the nearby city Sanniquellie, where all sorts of hotels can be found. The below list includes hotels in Sanniquellie (around 35 km from Yekepa) and Monrovia (330 km from Yekepa):

  • Red Cross Guest House in Sanniquellie
  • ARS Guest House in Sanniquellie
  • Post Motel in Sanniquellie
  • Jackie Guest House in Sanniquellie
  • Thomas Motel in Sanniquellie
  • Royal Grand Hotel in Monrovia
  • Mamba Point Hotel in Monrovia
  • The Cape Hotel in Monrovia
  • Liberia Golden Gate Hotel in Monrovia
  • GMJ Hotel in Monrovia
  • Golden Key Hotel in Monrovia
  • Palm Spring Resort in Monrovia
  • RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas in Monrovia
  • Atlantis Beach Hotel in Monrovia
  • Bella Casa Hotel & Suites in Monrovia
  • El Meson Hotel in Monrovia

Tourist Places to Visit in Sanniquellie, Nimba, Liberia, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Sanniquellie, Nimba, Liberia, Africa

Sanniquellie is the capital city of Nimba County in Liberia, lying between 07°21′44″ N latitude and 08°42′22″ W longitude. Sanniquellie is situated in the northeastern part of the country, at an elevation of 420 metres. Surrounded by tropical rain forests, Sanniquellie is one of the best natural tourist destinations in Liberia. Except bank, Sanniquellie nearly has all basic and modern amenities like a hospital, several primary and secondary schools, dozens of shops, many motels and a disco club as well. Rubber production is the major economy activity in the surrounding areas of Sanniquellie.

 

History of Sanniquellie:

Mano and Gio are the two major communities forming the population of Sanniquellie, as of their words they migrated to what is today’s Sanniquellie between 1450 and 1650 A.D. Sanniquellie had seen substantial part of its development in the 1950s and 1960s, when the city’s major landmarks like Public Market, Old Presidential Palace and Queen’s Theatre were built.

 

Connectivity to Sanniquellie:

The Nimba Airport is the airport serving Sanniquellie but only few airlines serving airport. It would be better if visitors first reach Roberts International Airport near the capital Monrovia and then they can use bus service or hire car to get Sanniquellie.

There is no public bus service in Sanniquellie, but private cars, taxi cabs and motorcyclists fulfill the lack of bus service. These private travel options can also be booked in advance.

 

Food and Shopping in Sanniquellie:

Sanniquellie is an active city with vibrant shopping sector, dominated by the Floyd General Merchandise Store, which is located on the Main Street, near the city’s administrative office. There are plenty of modernized restaurants in Sanniquellie. Some popular dishes among locals are fufu, bread, eggs, pepper soup, potato green, palava sour and roasted cassava.

 

Things to do in Sanniquellie:

  • Visiting club
  • Shopping at public market
  • Exploring lake

 

Tourist Attractions in Sanniquellie:

 

Lake Teleh:

The Lake Teleh is a manmade lake in the centre of Sanniquellie city. Apart from offering different recreational activities, the lake is also famous as a great relaxation point.

 

Nimba Nature Reserve:

The Nimba Nature Reserve is a paradise for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts.  The reserve is located few kilometers east of Sanniquellie and houses around 200 endemic animal species, highlighted by Chimpanzees and viviparous toads. The park is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site.

 

Sanniquellie – Club Universe:

The Sanniquellie – Club Universe is a place, where youths surely forget themselves in live music, dance and many other colorful entertainments. Apart from activities, visitors can also have mouthwatering Liberian dishes in Sanniquellie – Club Universe. It is worth a visit.

 

List of other places of interest in and around Sanniquellie include:

  • Public Market of Sanniquellie
  • Beaches of Monrovia
  • The Kendeja Cultural Center
  • Providence Island
  • Liberia’s Centennial Pavilion
  • Sky Bar Entertainment Center
  • Kpa-Tawe Waterfalls
  • Gertylue Floral Park
  • Monkey Island
  • Liberian National Museum
  • Ce Ce Beach
  • Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve
  • Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex

 

Best time to visit Sanniquellie:

Probably from December to May is the most preferred time to visit Sanniquellie as when the city receives relatively no rainfall.

 

Hotels in and around Sanniquellie:

Compared to other Liberian cities except the capital Monrovia, Sanniquellie houses a larger number of accommodation centres. Generally mid range hotels in Sanniquellie charge around 35 USD per night, which includes A/C and 24 hour water. In below list, the first 5 hotels are in Sanniquellie and the rest of the hotels are in Monrovia (around 300 km from Sanniquellie):

  • Jackie Guest House
  • Red Cross Guest House
  • ARS Guest House
  • Post Motel
  • Thomas Motel
  • Royal Grand Hotel
  • Mamba Point Hotel
  • The Cape Hotel
  • Palm Spring Resort
  • RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas
  • Atlantis Beach Hotel
  • Bella Casa Hotel & Suites
  • El Meson Hotel
  • Liberia Golden Gate Hotel
  • GMJ Hotel
  • Golden Key Hotel

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Robertsport, Cape Mount, Western Africa, Africa

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Robertsport, Cape Mount, Western Africa, Africa

Robertsport is a town situated on the Atlantic Ocean in the western part of Liberia. It is the administrative centre of Grand Cape Mount County, located around 100 km north of the national capital, Monrovia.  Robertsport is also called as Robert’s Port and Roberts Port. Robertsport lies near Liberia’s border with Sierra Leone, on the peninsula of Cape Mount. Robertsport is one of the prominent tourist destinations of Liberia, especially famous as a heaven for surfers. Robertsport receives around 5,200 millimeters of average annual rainfall and its coordination measures 6°45′ N 11°22′ W.

 

History of Robertsport:

Robertsport got its name from Liberia’s first president Joseph Jenkins Roberts. It is believed that Cape Mount at Robertsport was named by the Portuguese navigator Pedro de Sintra during his voyage in the mid-15th century. Robertsport was also used as Allied Forces Air Force base in World War II.

 

Conenctivity to Robertsport:

The major international airport of Liberia, Roberts International Airport, is located around 170 km from Robertsport. The airport handles flights from London, Brussels, New York, Freetown and many European and African cities.

Robertsport has good road connectivity to Monrovia, Harbel (where RIA airport is located) and all the major Western Liberian cities.

There are many tour operators in Robertsport, where cars and bikes are available for local travel and sightseeing purposes.

 

Food and Shopping in Robertsport:

Robertsport is one of the best places to taste genuine Liberian seafood. Restaurants and shops are spread up all around the town, mainly on the beach line, but generally credit cards are not accepted there. So visitors have to keep some local currency in pocket.

 

Things to do in Robertsport:

  • Swimming
  • Canoeing
  • Water skiing
  • Fishing

 

What to see in Robertsport?

 

Beaches of Robertsport:

Beaches are the prime attractions of Robertsport, among them Fisherman’s Point, which is the nearest beach to the town and other popular beaches are Cassava Point and Cotton Trees. Most famous activity can be enjoyed at beaches are surfing, which draws tourists from all around the country.

 

Lake Piso:

Largest lake in Liberia, the Lake Piso covers a surface of 103 sq. km with a maximum width of 16 km and length of 31 km. The lake lies close to Robertsport, where visitors can involve themselves in swimming, canoeing, water skiing and many other water sport activities.

 

Monrovia:

Monrovia is the capital and largest city of Robertsport, located around 100 km southeast of Robertsport. Being the capital, Monrovia houses a wide range of renowned tourist attractions, including Liberian National Museum, Liberia’s Centennial Pavilion and Sky Bar Entertainment Center.

 

List of other places of interest near Robertsport include:

  • Liberian National Museum
  • Ce Ce Beach
  • Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve
  • Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex
  • Monkey Island
  • Beaches of Monrovia
  • The Kendeja Cultural Center
  • Providence Island
  • Cuttington University
  • Lofa-Mano National Park
  • Kpa-Tawe Waterfalls
  • Gertylue Floral Park
  • Liberia’s Centennial Pavilion
  • Sky Bar Entertainment Center

 

 

Best time to visit Robertsport:

The tour of Robertsport can be enjoyed best during the months between December and March when the weather in condition.

 

Hotels in and around Robertsport:

As a seaside town, Robertsport houses many modernized tourist favor accommodation centres like lodges, resorts, hotels and campgrounds. Advance booking is advised for visitors as hotels fill up quickly during dry season. The below list includes hotels in Robertsport (first 4) and Monrovia (around 100 km from Robertsport, the rest of the hotels):

  • Kwepunha Surf Retreat
  • Nana’s Lodge
  • Robertsport Community Campground
  • Gertrude’s Oceanview Resort
  • Golden Key Hotel
  • Hotel Provident
  • Palm Spring Resort
  • RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas
  • Atlantis Beach Hotel
  • Royal Grand Hotel
  • Bella Casa Hotel & Suites
  • El Meson Hotel
  • Mokos Bed and Breakfast
  • Krystal Oceanview Hotel
  • Tilda Guest House
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