Tassili n'Ajjer
Location: South-eastern Algeria
Year of Inscription: 1982
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
Overview: Tassili n'Ajjer is a vast desert plateau located in south-eastern Algeria that features some of the world's most outstanding rock art and natural landscapes. It is home to one of the largest and best-preserved collections of prehistoric art in the world, with over 15,000 drawings and engravings that date back thousands of years.
Prominent Features: Tassili n'Ajjer is famous for its dramatic landscapes, which include towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and towering rock formations. The region is home to several unique and rare plant and animal species, including the Saharan cheetah, the dama gazelle, and the Barbary macaque. Visitors can explore the region on guided tours or by hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
History: Tassili n'Ajjer has a rich cultural history that dates back thousands of years. The region has been inhabited by various groups of people, including the Tassili n'Ajjer Berbers, the Tuareg, and the Bantu people. The rock art found in the region provides a valuable insight into the lives and traditions of these ancient cultures.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, and rock climbing in the region, and can even take a hot-air balloon ride to experience the stunning landscapes from above.
Fun Fact: The name "Tassili n'Ajjer" means "Plateau of the Rivers" in the Tuareg language, referring to the many rivers and streams that once flowed through the region.
Entry Fees: Visitors to Tassili n'Ajjer must obtain a permit from the National Office for Cultural and Tourist Heritage (ONPC) to enter the region. The cost of the permit varies depending on the length of stay and the activities planned, but typically ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 Algerian dinars (approximately 40 to 80 USD).
How to Reach it: Tassili n'Ajjer is located in a remote area of south-eastern Algeria and can only be reached by 4x4 vehicles or on foot. The nearest city is Djanet, which is located approximately 250 kilometers south of the region.
By Plane: The easiest way to reach Djanet is by taking a flight from Algiers to Djanet. Air Algerie and Tassili Airlines operate regular flights from Algiers to Djanet. The flight takes about 2 hours, and the airport in Djanet is just a short drive from the town center.
By Bus: Buses operate regularly between Algiers and Djanet, but the journey can take up to 22 hours due to the long distance. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the nearby town of Illizi to Djanet, which takes about 4 hours.
By Car: You can also hire a car and drive from Algiers to Djanet, but be aware that the journey can take up to 20 hours and involves traveling through the Sahara Desert. It is recommended to hire an experienced driver who knows the area well.
Once you arrive in Djanet, there are several tour operators and travel agencies that can help you arrange a trip to Tassili n'Ajjer. It is not recommended to explore the area on your own, as the terrain is rugged and remote. A guide and a 4x4 vehicle are necessary for most trips into Tassili n'Ajjer.
Where to Stay: Accommodation options in Tassili n'Ajjer are limited to camping and basic guesthouses. Visitors are advised to bring their own camping gear and supplies or to book with a tour operator that provides all the necessary equipment and services. In Djanet, there are a few guesthouses and small hotels that offer basic amenities for visitors.
Next Stop: M'Zab Valley
Year of Inscription: 1982
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
Overview: Tassili n'Ajjer is a vast desert plateau located in south-eastern Algeria that features some of the world's most outstanding rock art and natural landscapes. It is home to one of the largest and best-preserved collections of prehistoric art in the world, with over 15,000 drawings and engravings that date back thousands of years.
Prominent Features: Tassili n'Ajjer is famous for its dramatic landscapes, which include towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and towering rock formations. The region is home to several unique and rare plant and animal species, including the Saharan cheetah, the dama gazelle, and the Barbary macaque. Visitors can explore the region on guided tours or by hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
History: Tassili n'Ajjer has a rich cultural history that dates back thousands of years. The region has been inhabited by various groups of people, including the Tassili n'Ajjer Berbers, the Tuareg, and the Bantu people. The rock art found in the region provides a valuable insight into the lives and traditions of these ancient cultures.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, and rock climbing in the region, and can even take a hot-air balloon ride to experience the stunning landscapes from above.
Fun Fact: The name "Tassili n'Ajjer" means "Plateau of the Rivers" in the Tuareg language, referring to the many rivers and streams that once flowed through the region.
Entry Fees: Visitors to Tassili n'Ajjer must obtain a permit from the National Office for Cultural and Tourist Heritage (ONPC) to enter the region. The cost of the permit varies depending on the length of stay and the activities planned, but typically ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 Algerian dinars (approximately 40 to 80 USD).
How to Reach it: Tassili n'Ajjer is located in a remote area of south-eastern Algeria and can only be reached by 4x4 vehicles or on foot. The nearest city is Djanet, which is located approximately 250 kilometers south of the region.
By Plane: The easiest way to reach Djanet is by taking a flight from Algiers to Djanet. Air Algerie and Tassili Airlines operate regular flights from Algiers to Djanet. The flight takes about 2 hours, and the airport in Djanet is just a short drive from the town center.
By Bus: Buses operate regularly between Algiers and Djanet, but the journey can take up to 22 hours due to the long distance. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the nearby town of Illizi to Djanet, which takes about 4 hours.
By Car: You can also hire a car and drive from Algiers to Djanet, but be aware that the journey can take up to 20 hours and involves traveling through the Sahara Desert. It is recommended to hire an experienced driver who knows the area well.
Once you arrive in Djanet, there are several tour operators and travel agencies that can help you arrange a trip to Tassili n'Ajjer. It is not recommended to explore the area on your own, as the terrain is rugged and remote. A guide and a 4x4 vehicle are necessary for most trips into Tassili n'Ajjer.
Where to Stay: Accommodation options in Tassili n'Ajjer are limited to camping and basic guesthouses. Visitors are advised to bring their own camping gear and supplies or to book with a tour operator that provides all the necessary equipment and services. In Djanet, there are a few guesthouses and small hotels that offer basic amenities for visitors.
Next Stop: M'Zab Valley