Quote from Lonely Planet

"For many travellers Mauritania is a revelation, a place of such natural beauty that it can substantially change your way of thinking. Spiritual seekers swear by the humungous sand dunes, giddily deep canyons and eye-popping plateaus of the Adrar or the Tagant. History buffs rave about the World Heritage-listed caravan towns of Chinguetti, Ouadane and Oualata, all testifying to former flourishing civilisations. Sure, there may be similar landscapes in other parts of West Africa, but few are on the same scale or as overpowering as those in Mauritania. But wait! There's more to Mauritania than grandiose sand fields, millenarian cities and enchanting oases. The country is blessed with a wild stretch of coastline, with Parc National du Banc d'Arguin ranking as one of the best bird-watching venues in the world.
Culturally, Mauritania is a place apart. The population is almost equally divided between Moors of Arab descent and Black Africans. It's a Muslim country with a Black African twist. Although it's a transition between the North African Arab world and Black Africa, it doesn't really belong to either. This striking combination is part of its appeal.
A lot to love, a whole lot to see and do. Mauritania is much more than a gentle introduction to sub-Saharan Africa - it's a magnetic playland for mystical types."
Written in WEST AFRICA by Lonely Planet page 547.

Feel free to visit my playland...