Natural Arches of Tassili National Park |
Index Page 25 - Upper Alidemma Area |
The beautiful Tassilian landscape of the Alidemma massif consists of a multitude of
carved fins of sandstone divided by large natural corridors where varied powdery sand dunes abut the rock masses. This area is at the end of Tassili-n-Ajjer plateau where the mountains break
up at the level of the plain. It is located at 1000 meters above sea level on the way to the lower
Tadrart region (see Index 24). To get there from Djanet by jeep takes 3-1/2 to
4 hours depending on the desert tracks you take (there are several options). This area has an incredible abundance of natural arches. The author focused on the larger ones or the more photogenic smaller ones. In case of trouble, there is a Sonatrach camp (as at Tamrit) with permanent caretaker, radio telephone and modern water tank. To visit this area, a guide and a permit are mandatory by park
rules, even if you come with your own vehicle. Unfortunately some rock art was recently found vandalized and even stolen, and some infringers were expelled out of Algeria. Please
help to keep these wonderful areas open to tourism by respecting the regulations. Alidemma
area has little interesting rock art but great natural arches. Enjoy! |
ALG-267, unnamed arch 64, Upper Alidemma Area. 10.0 meters span (measured). GPS 32Q 651011 2612341. This arch is located approximately 3 km east of ALG-265 (Alidemma Arch). |
ALG-268, unnamed arch 65, Upper Alidemma Area. 12 meter span (estimated). GPS 32Q 651474 2607304. This wonderful sculptured example of an abandoned natural arch is located in the same area as ALG-265 (Alidemma Arch), about 6 km to the southeast. |
ALG-269, unnamed arch 66, Upper Alidemma Area. 6 meter span (larger opening, estimated). This arch is located 300 meters east of ALG-268. This is a double arch. |
ALG-300, Succession Arch (South), Upper Alidemma Area. 18.0 meter span (measured), 10 meter height (estimated). Adjacent to ALG-299. Photo taken at sunset. |
ALG-301, unnamed arch 72, Upper Alidemma Area. 5 meter span (estimated). Find this arch 80 meters north of ALG-299 and ALG-300. There are many more arches around. |
ALG-302, Delicate Arch, Upper Alidemma Area. 9.0 meters span (measured). This arch is located atop a long fin behind ALG-298 (Monster Arch). This span is a very fine example of a delicate arch. |
ALG-324, Table Arch, Upper Alidemma Area. 6.0 meter span (measured). From ALG-323 (Footbridge Arch) walk northwest in the corridor for one minute to this arch. Photo taken at sunset. |
Index Page
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ALG 305
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