Tassili n'Ajjer National Park is a breathtaking expanse of desert located in southeastern Algeria. Covering an area of more than 72,000 square kilometers, it is one of the largest national parks in the world.
During our small expedition through the Tassili n'Ajjer National Park in southern Algeria, we walked for 7 days, averaging 7 hours per day through rocky labyrinths, dry valleys, canyons, and dunes. This area boasts some of the most dramatic and beautiful regions in the Sahara. We slept in tents nestled in rock niches with stunning views. Our group consisted of 7 people and 8 local helpers, including a guide, translator, cook, musician, and mule handlers with 14 donkeys to transport our luggage.
What makes Tassili n'Ajjer truly unique, however, is the fact that it is home to one of the most important groupings of prehistoric cave art in the world.
The park is situated on a vast plateau in the Sahara desert, providing visitors with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike through the park and explore the many hidden gems that it has to offer, including the famous rock engravings of "La vache qui pleure" (the crying cow), which date back more than 7,000 years.
Aside from the incredible natural beauty and historical significance of Tassili n'Ajjer, the park is also home to the Tuareg people, a large Berber ethnic group that traditionally lived as nomadic pastoralists. Visitors can learn about their unique culture and way of life, making for an unforgettable cultural experience.
Tassili n'Ajjer's inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list is a testament to its importance and value. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, nature, and culture.
Names of the places we passed through during the trek in Tassili National Park (there may be different ways of spelling the names):
Day 1 (13 April 2023 ) Daw Tehe (National Park of Tasilli); Bivouac at Tafalalat area.
Day 2 (14 April 2023) We walked through the Tazerghpet Aghob Canyon; The climbing part -> Tekbal Ounfas; Lunch +Bivouac-> -> Tamarit; At afternoon -> Tan Zonmayter (The Big canyion); The trees (Les Siprets);
Day 3 (15 April 2023) We walked through the areas called In goupa and Ouan Alewen; In Ittlen (paintings); Tetaghast N'Elyes; In Attouhami (paintings); Lunch -> Sefar; At afternoon -> White Sefar, Tin Tferiest (paintings);
Day 4 (16 April 2023) We walked through the areas called Tin Tazarift +Tin Tferiest; Lunch -> Sefar; At afternoon -> Black Sefar;
Day 5 (17 April 2023) We walked through the area called Tin Terasouten; Tiswar (paintings); Lunch -> Tin Msewess; Tin Keni; Bivouac -> Alaghendemen;
Day 6 (18 April 2023) Lunch -> Ijabaren; At afternoon -> Ijabaren Paintings;