If you’re heading to Mauritania, you’ll want to take some amazing photos and videos. It’s a stunning, underrated destination that combines desert landscapes, ancient cities, and unique cultural traditions.
From golden dunes to colorful markets, there’s so much to capture. But knowing where, when, and how to shoot can make a real difference in your content. Let’s break it down, so you can get the best shots possible on your trip.
Best Locations for Photography
Sahara Desert
The Sahara is a must for any photographer visiting Mauritania. You’ll find surreal landscapes: endless golden dunes, camels trekking slowly by, and vast empty horizons. The best spot is near Chinguetti and Ouadane, two old trading towns surrounded by the sands.
Visit early in the morning for soft light and fewer shadows. Sunset is also incredible. The dunes change color from yellow to orange and even pink. You’ll want to take your time here and capture different angles as the light shifts.
Chinguetti Mosque
Chinguetti is rich in history. Its mosque dates back to the 13th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The architecture is simple but striking with its minaret standing tall against the desert. It’s one of the most iconic sights in Mauritania.
If you’re here in the afternoon, try capturing the mosque as the sun starts to drop. The golden light works beautifully with the old stone.
Banc d’Arguin National Park
If you’re into wildlife photography, this coastal area is the place to go. You’ll find thousands of migratory birds, including flamingos and pelicans. It’s wild and untouched, so if you have the patience, it’s worth spending a few hours here to photograph these amazing creatures.
Drones are not allowed inside the park. Stick to your regular camera or smartphone for this place. Being respectful to wildlife is key, so keep a safe distance when capturing your shots.
Nouakchott Fish Market
Nouakchott’s fish market is a chaotic scene full of color and energy. Fishermen bring in their catch from the Atlantic, and the beach is lined with brightly painted wooden boats. Capture the busy action, the fishermen hauling nets, and the freshly caught fish being sold and weighed.
Late afternoon is the best time when the market is in full swing, but don’t wait too long; the light fades fast. Try using a wide-angle lens or your smartphone’s wide setting to capture the energy of the scene.
Atar and the Adrar Mountains
The Adrar region is rocky and dramatic. If you’re heading to Atar, explore the surrounding mountains that offer fantastic scenery. The rugged cliffs and canyons are perfect for landscape photography. You can also get stunning views of the desert stretching into the distance.
Visit during the “golden hour”—the hour after sunrise or before sunset—for the best colors. Bring a tripod if you’re shooting longer exposures to capture that soft, early morning or evening light.
Best Times of Day for Shooting
In Mauritania, you have to consider the strong sunlight. The middle of the day can be harsh, creating deep shadows and overly bright highlights. Instead, aim to shoot during the “golden hour.” This is the window just after sunrise and just before sunset when the light is softer and warmer.
If you want a bright, well-exposed landscape or portrait, early mornings and late afternoons are your best bets. This not only gives you great lighting but also avoids the hottest part of the day, which can make shooting uncomfortable.
Of course, some spots—like the fish market—are liveliest in the middle of the day. In those cases, aim to position the light behind you and use a lens hood (or your hand) to avoid lens flare.
Cultural Considerations When Taking Photos
Ask for Permission
In Mauritania, it’s polite to ask for permission before taking someone’s photo, especially with locals. People here can be wary of being photographed without their consent, so take a moment to approach them with respect.
A simple gesture or smile can go a long way. Don’t be offended if someone says no. It’s not personal, so just move on and respect their privacy.
Be Respectful in Religious Places
Mosques and religious sites like Chinguetti’s mosque are special places. While it’s okay to take photos of the architecture from a distance, avoid photographing people as they worship. This is seen as intrusive and disrespectful.
If you’re unsure, ask a local guide or someone nearby if it’s appropriate to take pictures. It only takes a second, and it’s a good way to show respect for the culture.
Crowded Spaces
Markets and other busy places are great for candid shots, but always be mindful of getting in people’s way. Avoid being too obvious—sometimes it’s better to stand back and capture the scene as an observer. This keeps you from disturbing the flow of day-to-day life, and your photos will look more natural.
Mauritania is not as used to tourists as some other countries, so a little extra thoughtfulness goes a long way here.
Equipment Recommendations
Camera
If you’re packing a DSLR or mirrorless camera, bring a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto for wildlife and street scenes. A 24-70mm or 16-35mm lens covers most scenarios. If you want to zoom in on wildlife at Banc d’Arguin, a 70-200mm lens will help you get those close-up shots without disturbing the animals.
Smartphone
If you’re using a smartphone, don’t worry—you can still get great photos. Most of today’s phones have excellent cameras. Use the portrait mode for street and market photography or to capture people from a respectful distance.
For desert shots, switch to panorama mode. This will help you capture the vastness of the dunes. If your phone supports RAW format, shoot in that setting; it will give you more flexibility when editing your images later.
Drone
Mauritania’s landscapes are dramatic, and a drone can add an exciting aerial perspective. But it’s important to check where drones are allowed. Most of the time, flying near airports or inside natural reserves (like Banc d’Arguin) is restricted. Check local guidelines before you fly.
If flying a drone, sunset provides the best lighting for sweeping shots of sand dunes or mountain ranges. Use filters such as ND (neutral density) filters to reduce glare and get smoother footage.
Extra Tips for Shooting in Mauritania
Protect Your Gear from the Sand
The desert can be brutal on your gear. Sand has a way of getting everywhere, and it can damage your camera or smartphone. Use lens caps whenever you’re not shooting, and carry a microfiber cloth to wipe off sand from your lens.
Bringing a camera bag with good seals or a dry bag is a good idea to keep your equipment safe during sandstorms or windy days in the desert.
Battery Backup
Mauritania is remote in many places. If you’re heading to the desert or outside of larger towns, it’s smart to bring a portable power bank to keep your phone or camera topped up. Temperatures can drop at night, which can drain your batteries faster than usual, so having a spare can save the day.
Edit After Shooting
When you get back from your trip, use a photo editing app like Lightroom or Snapseed for some basic color correction. Don’t go overboard—it’s better to keep things natural. Slight tweaks to brightness, contrast, and sharpness can help bring out the details you may have missed in the field.
For video, apps like Adobe Premiere Rush or InShot are great for easy editing on the go. Trim excess footage, adjust the exposure, and you can quickly create something worth sharing without needing a full editing system.
Final Thoughts
Shooting photos and videos in Mauritania can be a truly rewarding experience. It’s a place that feels untouched by mass tourism, which means you’ll get unique and authentic shots.
Remember to be mindful of the light, your surroundings, and the people you meet. Pack light, shoot often, and you’ll have memories to last a lifetime.
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