Oualata is a very remote city located in southeastern Mauritania, near the border with Mali, for someone the most beautiful of the country and the place where the famous traveler Ibn Battuta lived. It is known for its well-preserved examples of traditional Saharan architecture with painted gates and walls - not only decorative but often with magical meanings - that are unique in the country and it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The town formed part of the Ghana Empire and grew wealthy through trade. At the beginning of the 13th century, Oualata became the principal southern terminus of the trans-Saharan trade and developed into an important commercial and religious centre. By the fourteenth century the city had become part of the Mali Empire. Furthermore, the city was a popular starting point for pilgrimage to Mecca and the richly decorated buildings witness the wealth of inhabitants.

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Today, Oualata is a small, remote city, with a population of around 13,000 people. It is accessible only by unpaved roads, and it is a challenging destination to reach for most visitors. Apart from traditional architecture, in Oualata is possible to visit the Manuscript Museum, a mosque and the nearby cemetery of Tirzet and lively markets.