The Adrar plateau holds two of UNESCO's ksour cities — Chinguetti and Ouadane — once major Islamic centres on the trans-Saharan caravan routes. Stone houses, hand-written manuscripts and endless dune fields make this the cultural heart of Mauritania.
Chinguetti
Once a city of scholars on the caravan road to Mecca. Today, families still guard centuries-old manuscript libraries. Walk the old town at dawn before the sun is too strong.
Ouadane
A spectacular ruined ksar perched on a hillside, with views over a sea of dunes. The drive there crosses some of the most striking desert in Mauritania.
Beyond the cities
From Atar you can reach the Amogjar pass, ancient rock art at Agrour, and the great dune fields. Most travellers spend 3–5 days exploring the region with a local guide.