With one million square kilometres stretching across the western edge of the Sahara, everything about travel in Mauritania feels epic. Whether taking a trip on the country’s famed iron ore train or embarking on a trip to remarkable, sand-hued Chinguetti – a centre of Quranic learning and a historical stop on the Mecca pilgrimage – adventure after adventure awaits travellers here. The natural sights alone merit the journey, not least the lush Terjit Oasis and bird sanctuary Banc d'Arguin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Culturally, Mauritania is deeply rooted in nomadism, a lifestyle that remains alive and well today, with veiled Tuareg herders in indigo-dyed clothing guiding their camels across the desert landscapes. Along the country’s 750km (470 miles) coastline, meanwhile, fishing holds sway, with the Atlantic flank also home to Mauritania’s capital. Nouakchott thrums with life, not least in its enchanting souks and fish market, supplied by colourful pirogue boats, while there’s also a just-out-of-town surprise in the shape of a thriving camel market. Whichever path you take, visiting Mauritania is an opportunity for authentic encounters with Saharan culture and a rich history spanning millennia.