Diawling National ParkAbout Diawling National Park
Diawling National Park is a wetland and floodplain protected area in southwestern Mauritania at the mouth of the Senegal River, established to conserve coastal wetlands and deltaic habitats. The park encompasses marshes, lagoons and seasonally inundated plains that support waterbirds, fish and local pastoral and fishing communities.
The area functions as an ecological buffer for the lower Senegal River and is noted for birdlife, including migratory species that use the delta during seasonal movements. The park is managed for conservation and sustainable use of wetland resources.
Diawling National Park lies in the Trarza region of Mauritania near the river’s estuarine zone and the international border with Senegal, occupying low-lying coastal terrain and deltaic plains.
- Ecological importance: The park protects seasonal floodplain and coastal wetland habitats that are important for migratory waterbirds and local fisheries.
Best Time to Visit Diawling National Park
Best visited in the dry season (Nov-Mar) when water levels are lower, access overland is easier, and birdlife congregates in predictable places.
Weather & Climate near Diawling National Park
Diawling National Park's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in September) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 16°C to 33°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 16° - 28° | 22° | 2 mm | partly cloudy | 38% | 4.3 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.1h |
| February | Ideal | 17° - 31° | 24° | 1 mm | partly cloudy | 44% | 4.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.5h |
| March | Ideal | 18° - 32° | 25° | 1 mm | some cloud | 50% | 4.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 18° - 32° | 25° | 1 mm | some cloud | 60% | 5.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Ideal | 20° - 32° | 26° | 0 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 4.7 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.8h |
| June | Excellent | 22° - 33° | 29° | 5 mm | partly cloudy | 66% | 4.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.0h |
| July | Excellent | 24° - 32° | 30° | 26 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 4.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.9h |
| August | Excellent | 25° - 32° | 31° | 74 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.6h |
| September | Very Good | 25° - 32° | 32° | 64 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 3.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Excellent | 23° - 33° | 30° | 8 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 3.8 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.7h |
| November | Ideal | 20° - 32° | 26° | 2 mm | partly cloudy | 51% | 3.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.2h |
| December | Ideal | 17° - 29° | 23° | 1 mm | partly cloudy | 42% | 3.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
How to Get to Diawling National Park
Diawling lies in the lower Senegal River region near the border with Mauritania and Senegal. The nearest urban center with transport links is Rosso (Mauritania) - reach Rosso by road from Nouakchott (approx. 160-200 km depending on route), then arrange local transport or a guide to the park. Boat access is common for reaching inland channels.
Tips for Visiting Diawling National Park
- Go with a local guide who knows seasonal water levels and safe routes through mangrove channels.
- Respect local wildlife protection rules - some bird and turtle nesting areas are fragile.
- Check tides and river transport schedules before planning trips; distances over water can be deceptive.