The caravan crosses the desert near the Crab’s claw - in the background the Oued Arakao - Niger

Objective Arakao - At the edge of the Aïr and the Ténéré, the Arakao mountains become visible on the horizon, setting the goal of a long day's march for the caravan. Caution: Bring enough water! - Niger / between Aïr and Tenere / 1999

Dunes in Arakao - The Arakao region is part of the Aïr Massif, which is still one of the most wooded areas in the Sahara. However, at the border of the Ténéré and its dunes, the already sparse vegetation disappears abruptly. - Niger / between Aïr and Ténéré / 1992

Light and Shadow - The sun rises on Arakao. Nothing will disturb the silence of the shadows or the stillness of the light. - Niger / between Aïr and Ténéré / 1992

Silent sands - Listen to the song of the dunes, a mysterious symphony of souls and bodies. - Niger / Ténéré / Arakao / 1992

Between the Aïr and the Ténéré (Arakao, Niger), it is dusk in the Sahara and the “crab pincer” of the mountains suddenly forms one of the most beautiful dunes in the world.

Arakao, dunes and dead tree - between Aïr and Ténéré / Niger

Arakao, dead tree - Aïr / Niger

Arakao / The reward Nestled in the heart of the desert, the site of Tchin-Taborak is a jewel like no other. Here is the image of eternity and peace of soul.

The caravan in the Arakao - Aïr - Niger - 1999

The caravan passes through the exit of a canyon into the Arakao. - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Balance - The sculpting god has chosen an immense open-air space for the exhibition of his works. Admission is free for all who make the effort to come here. - Tideloukoumt between Aïr and Ténéré - Niger - 1999

Stone mill in the middle of the Arakao - Aïr - Niger – 1999

Nomad grave in the middle of the Arakao - Aïr - Niger - 1999

Punched giraffe and cattle on a boulder between Arakao and the grotto at the big dune - Aïr - Niger - 2002

There are many rock engraving sites in the Oued Arakao. - Aïr - Niger - 1999

Dunes in Arakao - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The Arakao region is part of the Aïr mountain range, which is one of the most heavily forested areas in the Sahara. But on the border with the Ténéré and its dunes, the already sparse vegetation disappears abruptly. - Aïr - Niger - 1992

A Moulay Moulay bird sits on a dead tree stump in the middle of the Arakao. - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Arakao dunes and the remains of a dead tree - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Light and shadow - Day breaks in Arakao. Nothing will disturb the silence of the shadow and the oppressive rigidity of the light - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Afternoon in the Arakao. The shadows trace the majesty of the dunes on the sand - Tideloukoumt - Aïr - Niger - 1999

Dunes at Tideloukoumt - On the border between Ténéré and Aïr, the Arakao mountains mark the horizon and are the destination of a long day's march for the caravan. - Aïr - Niger - 1999

Near Tideloukoumt in the Arakao region - Aïr - Niger - 2002

After a long day's march, the dromedaries are led to the drinking trough. - Aïr - Niger - 1999

Landscape with tree and dunes in Arakao - Aïr - Niger - 1992

In the Arakao dunes, the approaching darkness drives the gold of the sand into the arms of a cobalt-coloured sky. - Aïr - Niger - 1999

At the edge of the Ténéré, at the end of the Oued Arakao, there is a natural, circular mountain range: the Crab Claw. The caravan crosses this area, which is dotted with sand dunes. - Aïr - Niger - 2000

At the edge of the Ténéré, at the end of the Oued Arakao, there is a natural, circular mountain range: the Crab Clow. The caravan crosses this area, which is dotted with sand dunes. - Aïr - Niger - 2000

In the camp at the Crab Claw at the end of the Oued Arakao - Aïr - Niger - 2000

A Targia in the camp at the Crab Claw at the end of the Oued Arakao - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Crossing the Crab Claw on the edge of the Ténéré - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Sand wind in the Crab Claw at the edge of the Ténéré - Aïr - Niger - 2000

The caravan crosses the Crab Claw at the edge of the Ténéré - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Chapter 1: AÏR - Niger

The Aïr Mountains in Niger are characterised by a varied landscape. There are high mountains, deep gorges, extensive plateaus and rock formations. Some plant species that are relatively rare in the Sahara grow at higher altitudes. There are also rocks and cavities that harbour historical rock paintings and engravings, which are evidence of earlier human life and activities in the region. - In the picture: ‘The dead tree’, which is located in front of the large Arakao dunes on the eastern slope of the Aïr Mountains.

21 - Tagueït bas (Aïr). - Pastoral Period? It is difficult to associate these giraffes with those from Oued Tafidet: their attribution to one style or another is difficult.

24 - Tagueït bas (Aïr). - End of the Pastoral Period. Five highly stylized giraffes. From the head to the base of the legs of the largest giraffe: 0.95 m.

60 - Arakao (Aïr). - Interesting archer appearing to wear some kind of saroual. The fingers of the hand are clearly highlighted.

61 - Arakao (Aïr). - Equid period: gazelles, monkey (?) To the left of the second row of gazelles, horse, ostrich, giraffes, figures from the equid period. The support block measures 2.40 meters in height.

62 - Arakao (Aïr). - A large giraffe (from the tip of the tail to the snout: 0.61 m). The punctuated pattern, which usually indicates the color of the garment, is replaced by lines.

63 - Arakao (Aïr). - A cow (note the udders) in the same style. From the base of the tail to the tips of the horns: 0.94 meters in length.

64 - Arakao (Aïr). - Many Tifinar characters are added to the figures of the equid period. The exact date of Tifinar writing is unknown, but its structure appears to be very ancient. Height of the two figures: 1 meter.

Photo Gallery

Chapter 1: AÏR - Niger