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Natural Arches of Tassili National Park |
Index Page 12 - Tin Aboteka & Tin Tazarift West - Map 6See Tin-Aboteka Panoramic Photo by Tom Budlong |
ALG-121, Gate of Tin-Aboteka,
Tin-Aboteka Area. 6.2 meter span (measured) and 15 meter height (estimated).
From the Tin-Tazarift official campsite (see ALG-32),
climb down the big sand dune (north) and cross the bowl. The trail passes
by ALG-47 (Collapsed Tower Arch) and ALG-33
(Airlock Arch), and then continues north and leaves the reef. Once outside,
the trail goes along the reef side (always north) and you can see ALG-27 (Big Boulder Arch) 100 meters away on the left if you pay attention. Hike
45 minutes across flat gravel and then outcropping slick rock (north)
to the Tin-Aboteka site. This trail is difficult to follow but keep in
mind that you always walk along the reef of Tin-Tazarift on the left and
low rock masses on the right, which are the beginnings of the Tin-Aboteka
reef. I call these rocks "Little City of Rocks." Later, you
enter the deep part of the reef of Tin-Aboteka by going through the Gate
of Tin-Aboteka, a splendid "Arc de Triomphe." |
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ALG-122, Skeleton Arch,
Tin Aboteka Area. 5 meter height for each of two openings (estimated).
Pass under the Gate of Tin-Aboteka (ALG-121) and immediately look to the
right. The double arch sits up on the rock mass. It has an unusual shape. |
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ALG-123, Tower Arch, Tin
Aboteka Area. 13.7 meter span (measured). GPS 32R 570761 2730187. From
ALG-121 proceed down the trail about 150 meters to a little flat area
with acacia trees. The arch is located on the side of the trail to the
right. Do not confuse this arch with Arch Tower (ALG-59)
in the Sefar site. For bivouac, proceed north down the trail 200 meters
by the "sandy crack" to the deep bowl and the camp of Tin-Aboteka,
an enchanting area for camping between isolated rock towers and sand dunes. |
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ALG-136, Tilted Arch, Tin
Tazarift West Area. 5 meter height (estimated). From ALG-121 (The Gate),
walk uphill south 50 meters to leave the reef of Tin-Aboteka to the flat.
Cross the flat area bearing south for 300 meters to the reef of Tin-Tazarift.
Two small acasia trees mark your way. Once you enter into the reef (barrier
of rocks), this unusual natural arch is quickly found. |
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ALG-137, Ekhelellou Arch, Tin Tazarift West Area. 6
meter span (estimated). This arch is located close to ALG-136, on the
reef side (right). Ekhelellou means "butterfly" in the Tamahaq
dialect. |
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ALG-172, Portico Arch,
Tin Tazarift West Area. 15 meter height (estimated). From ALG-136 walk
south across the reef, finding your way straight ahead for about 700 meters
to the other side of the barrier of rocks (reef). The arch is located
on the reef side. This is a double arch; the smaller opening is ALG-173. |
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ALG-173, Portico Arch, smaller opening, Tin Tazarift
West Area. 2.5 meters height (estimated). Adjacent to ALG-172. From ALG-172/173,
if you proceed 200 meters northwest along the reef side and staying inside
the reef, you will reach the majestic triple openings of Imestar Arch
(ALG-13). See entry for that arch for the different
access from In-Itinen area. From Imestar Arch you can walk northwest inside
the reef for 100 meters to the "square" (or "tennis court"),
and then another 100 meters to an expansive view of "The Passage"
and "Unnamed Reef One." |
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ALG-174, Curved Arch, Tin
Tazarift West Area. 7 meter height (estimated). This arch is located 100
meters southeast of ALG-172, on the reef side. |
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ALG-175, unnamed arch 19, Tin Tazarift West Area. 2
meter height (estimated). Find this arch nearby ALG-174, on the reef side. |
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ALG-176, Bypass Arch, Tin Tazarift West Area. 5 meter
height (estimated). From ALG-174 (Curved Arch), walk northeast down into
the reef for 100 meters to this arch. |
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ALG-177, Heron Arch, Tin
Tazarift West Area. 18 meter height (estimated). From ALG-176 (Bypass
Arch), find your way north 200 meters to a deep and hidden area where
sits this splendid arch. Though close to other arches in this fruitful
area, this big arch is very hard to spot. This is undoubtedly one of the
best places in these reefs. |
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Index Page
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Next Arch ALG-124
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