Tassili n'Ajjer

Tassili n'Ajjer, a sprawling national park and UNESCO World Heritage site in southeastern Algeria, is a mesmerizing landscape of sandstone towers, deep canyons, and natural arches. This "Plateau of the Rivers" is a geological marvel, shaped over millennia by water and wind erosion into a "forest of rock." The terrain is harsh and remote, yet it contains one of the most important groupings of prehistoric cave art in the world. The plateau's rock art, comprising thousands of paintings and engravings, provides a unique window into the past. Dating back up to 12,000 years, these artworks depict a time when the Sahara was a fertile savanna teeming with wildlife such as elephants and giraffes. The contrast between the ancient depictions of a green Sahara and the current arid desert is stark. The region is also home to rare flora, including the endangered Saharan cypress. Access to Tassili n'Ajjer is primarily through the oasis town of Djanet, where visitors must arrange for official guides. Exploring the plateau involves multi-day trekking or camel expeditions, sleeping under the vast desert sky. The optimal time to explore this remote wilderness is from October to March.

Nearby cities

Djanet

Djanet is an oasis city in southeastern Algeria, surrounded by the fascinating Tassili plateau.

Raja

Raja is the westernmost town in South Sudan, near the border with Sudan and the Central African Republic.

History & landmarks

Illizi

Illizi is an important oasis town and gateway to the Tassili n'Ajjer National Park in southeastern Algeria.