In order to reach Djanet (Algeria) on the Tamrit high plateau (Tassili n'Ajjer), one must overcome – on foot or by camel – three steep, rocky paths known as akbas, one after the other.

Landscape of Tin-Kani, Rock art archaeological site - Tassili n´Ajjer / Algeria

Climb to the guelta d'Agamgam - Aïr / Niger

Access - wide steps chipped out of the rock, from the floor of Chaco Canyon to the top of the cliffs

In order to reach the cliff dwellings or to climb along the canyon walls, Indians throughout the Southwest had chipped footsize steps into the stone. This is one such a "stairway" near White House Pueblo, Canyon de Chelly (Arizona).

In the midday heat
Piton and landscape with a camel skeleton of which only the skull remains.
Algeria - Tadrart - Tin-Merzouga - 1993

Art in the desert
Natural rock sculpture between Djanet and the cliffs south of Tassili.
Algeria - South Tassili - 1993

Dunes and monoliths
Dunes of Tarka on the border between Niger and Chad.
Chad - Tibesti - 1967

Dhar Tichitt is a Neolithic archaeological site in the south-western Saharan region of Mauritania. It is one of several settlement sites along the sandstone cliffs in the area. The cliffs were inhabited by farmers and pastoralists from about 4500 B.C. and lasted until about 2300 B.C. This area is one of the oldest known archaeological settlement sites in the western part of Africa. About 500 stone settlements were scattered throughout the region in the former Saharan savannah. In addition to raising livestock (e.g. cattle, sheep, goats), the inhabitants hunted, fished, gathered wild cereals and cultivated rush millet. - View of a wind-eroded rock from a grotto. - Mauritania - 1970

From Djanet, two passes lead over the rock face that forms the western edge of the Tassili n'Ajjer to the summit plateau: the Tafilalet pass (photo), which leads in three successive steps (Akba) to the village of Tamrit, and the more direct and steeper Aroum pass, which leads to Jabbaren. - Algeria - 1962

The Tin Tazarift area also has bizarre erosional forms. - Algeria - 1966

Rocky landscape in the Tissouar area, shaped by erosion into strange sculptures, in the highlands of the Tassili Mountains. Hidden amidst these stone citadels are the numerous rock art sites. - Algeria - 1966

The Oued Terarart south of Djanet in the evening sun. - Algeria - 1966

In prehistoric times, when water still flowed through the Sahara, the erosion of the rivers formed strange mythical creatures out of the stone. Today, the water has disappeared and the wind takes care of the erosion that gnaws at the rocks and slowly grinds them into sand. - Algeria - 1969

Rock formation in the south of Djanet - Algeria - 1962

Years have passed since the last rain. Only in the evening, when the shadows of a rare plant finally lengthen on the pale-multicoloured carpet of soil, does the immense panorama show its true face. The rock, lost on the edge of the Adrar Tin-Amali somewhere southeast of Djanet, is reminiscent of an island. Don't we also have an ocean in mind when we call the camel a "desert ship"? - Algeria - 1969

Grandiose rock formation in the Zouar region of Tibesti. To compare the size, look at the two people. - Chad - 1967

On the edge of the Ténéré desert, towards the Tibesti, the relief of the Sahara winds in the strange shapes of stone sculptures. - Chad - 1967

The dunes of Tarka, with their strange rock formations, are located on the edge of the Tibesti River in Chad, near the border with Niger. - Tibesti - Chad - 1967

Sand dunes and rocks in Enneri Blaka - Niger - 1968

The "West Island" in the big ring. Site 8 is located in a shelter of these rocks. - Enneri Blaka - Niger - 1968

Sand dunes with waves and rocks in Enneri Blaka - Niger - 1968

Landscape between the Enneri Blaka and the Djado - Niger - 1968

Near the ruins of the residential castle or "Ksar" Djaba, we reach the overwhelming rocky landscape of Orida. Large witness mountains rise everywhere from the light sand. The rock pinnacles and towers, up to 400 metres high, rising steeply from the sand, make a grandiose impression. - Djado - Niger - 1975

Erosion form from the Adrar Bous area - West Ténéré - Niger - 1975

The "Rocher Toubeau" is a rock in the middle of the desert in the north of Niger, near the border with Algeria. A lone bird has perched on it to rest. - North Ténéré - Niger - 1975

On the way in the Wadi Taligit, which leads from Djanet to the high plateau of the Tassili. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

View from the top of the pass back into Wadi Taligit. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

High plateau of the Tassili. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

The caravan descending from a pass on the high plateau of the Tassili. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Plateau of the Tassili. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Plateau of the Tassili - Guelta Allagagaaven Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Evening atmosphere on the high plateau of the Tassili. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Evening atmosphere with full moon on the high plateau of the Tassili. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

The fantastic sandstone towers of Tamrit. What look like pillars are actually wall-like bastions of eroded sandstone separated by narrow gorges. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

The valley of Tamrit with its famous cypresses, a legacy of the last wetter period when vegetation extended to the Mediterranean coast. The giant cypresses are thought to be thousands of years old and have survived both the gradual drying out and the wood-hungry nomads who live in the area. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

The landscape on the way to Ouan Bender, another place where you can find beautiful rock art. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

In these shelters of Ouan Bender you can find excellent rock art. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Evening atmosphere in Ouan Bender. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

In these shelters of Ouan Bender you can find excellent rock art. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

You have to imagine this typical Tassili landscape with trees, bushes, grass, water, people and animals. The water no longer attacks the rock, but sand has taken its place. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - Tin-Aboteka - 1993

Tin-Aboteka - Here too you will find shelters with magnificent rock art. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Tin Tazarift is about two hours' walk northwest of Séfar in a labyrinth of sandstone streets and towers. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Tin Tazarift is located about two hours' walk northwest of Séfar in a labyrinth of sandstone streets and towers. The main shelter houses a group of large black round-headed figures with horned heads, as well as several other figures in very good condition. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Tin Tazarift is about two hours' walk northwest of Séfar in a labyrinth of sandstone streets and towers. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Tin Tazarift is located about two hours' walk northwest of Séfar in a labyrinth of sandstone streets and towers. The main shelter houses a group of large black round-headed figures with horned heads, as well as several other figures in very good condition. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Mighty rock tower near Titeras-n-Elias. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

The region of Oum Itouami is also known for its beautiful rock paintings. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Tin Teferist near Séfar. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

The Séfar region is known for its rich rock art. Bizarre rock formations and shelters abound. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

The Séfar region is known for its rich rock art. Here the place Tin Rassoutine. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

The Séfar region is known for its rich rock art. Bizarre rock formations and shelters abound. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Tin-Kani is an archaeological site in the Tassili N'Ajjer region in southeastern Algeria, home to impressive geological formations as well as numerous rock paintings. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

The Ti-Sfad area is located southeast of the famous Sefar site on the Tassili-n-Ajjer plateau. It is an impressive landscape with stone forests and standing rocks. The visitor will find here a labyrinth of deep passages (Ti-Sfad means "The Passages" in the Tamahaq dialect) into which the sunlight never penetrates at any time of the day. Undoubtedly one of the most magnificent landscapes of the Tassili National Park. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

In the Tin-Messeous area, there are many stone forests with shelters where rock paintings can be found. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

The shelter of Alan-Edoument with its magnificent paintings. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

At Ozeneare, about 5 km from Alan-Edoument, you can find some very beautiful paintings from the cattle period. The site is rarely visited. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

At Ozeneare, about 5 km from Alan-Edoument, you can find some very beautiful paintings from the pastoral period. The site is rarely visited. The following picture shows the painting from this shelter. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

At Ozeneare, about 5 km from Alan-Edoument, you can find some very beautiful paintings from the cattle period. The site is rarely visited. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Lonely cypress on the plateau in the region of the Oued Tabarakat. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Rock formation with shelter in Jabbaren. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Landscape image from the Oued Amazzar. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Rock formation with shelter in the In-Aouanrhet area. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

In-Aouanrhet. Rock formation with shelter where the "white lady" was painted, which can be seen in the following picture. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - In-Aouanrhet - 1993

Waterhole between the rocks near In-Aouanrhet. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Rock formations between In-Aouanrhet and the Edjefané pass. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Landscape between In-Aouanrhet and the Edjefané pass. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

After the descent from the Edjefané pass, south-east of Djanet. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Art in the desert Natural rock sculptures between Djanet and the cliffs in the south of the Tassili. Algeria - South Tassili - 1993

Landscape in the Tadrart, in the south-east of Algeria, in the region of El Beridij. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Another shelter in the El Beridij area of the Tadrart. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Impressive landscape n the region between El Beridij and Moul n'Aga. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Impressive landscape with the dunes of Moul n'Aga. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

The mysterious island mountain of Moul n'Aga. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Impressive landscape with the dunes of Moul n'Aga. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

The cathedral of Tamesguida in Tadrart. The rocks were formed by the constant wind. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Wind-sculpted rock in the Tadrart. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Ouan Zouaten (Tadrart, In-Djaren region). - Representation of engraved cattle. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Ouan Zouaten (Tadrart, In-Djaren region). - Depiction of engraved cattle. Width of the group depicted : 2.50 m. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

On a large pyramid rock is an engraved fresco showing eight elephants. Cattle Epoch. Flat engraving created by chipping with remarkable accuracy. The last elephant is in the process of defecating. Below is a frieze of figures also engraved, but at a later date. Algeria - Tadrart - In-Djaren - 1993

Region between Bou Ediane and the Grotto of the Viper. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Landscape near Tin-Merzouga. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

In the midday heat. Rocks and landscape with a camel skeleton of which only the skull remains. Algeria - Tadrart - Tin-Merzouga - 1993

Weathered rocks and dunes in the Tin-Merzouga region. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Rock sculpture in Wadi Tin-Tehak. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Tufts of grass, sand and rocks at Tan-Ekli. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Pyramid of sand. How lonely this tree must feel in this mineral universe. Algeria - Tadrart - In-Djaren - 1993

Dune in the Ouan Zouaten region. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Amazing frieze depicting high quality engraved cows in the best naturalistic style. The pinned contours form circles that reproduce the animals' fur. Between the legs of the cow in the centre is a very small figure. Algeria - Tadrart - Tan-Ekli - 1993

Tufts of grass, sand and rocks at Tin-Inabaden. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Rock slab with engravings and a probable mill hole. Algeria - Tadrart - In Djaren - 1993

Shelter in the area of In Djaren. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Overview of the shelter with an engraved elephant in the next picture. Algeria - Tadrart - In Djaren - 1993

Engraving of an elephant in In Djaren. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

In Djaren. - The shelter of the painted giraffe in the next picture. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Shelter in the valley of Tisseteka. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

A young acacia tree has been able to develop in this inhospitable area around Mount Issoudad, between Djanet and the Tadrart. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Landscape near Tagueït - Aïr - Niger - 2001

This fresco of giraffes, remarkable for the stencilling and line engraving it required, does not date from the same period as the two figures, including an archer, preceding the herd, which appear to be much more recent. The main animals are between 0.60 m and 0.80 m tall. The rock itself is 2.40 m long. - Tagueït – Aïr – Niger - 2002

Rock engraving, found on the left side of the Wadi Tagueït. - Niger - 2001

It can take thousands of years for the solid rock to turn into mobile sand. - At Anakom - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Still life in the Oued Torguit - Aïr - Niger - 1999

The Guelta Agamgam between rock faces - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Dromedary camels fetch water in Guelta Agamgam - Aïr - Niger - 1999

View of the caravan from the Bous barrier - Temet region - Niger - Aïr - 2003

The caravan moves in the morning light in Wadi Temet - Niger - Aïr - 2003

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