For travellers interested in going off the beaten path, Algeria may be a country of interest. It can be a difficult and potentially dangerous country for international travellers, however there are sites of interest for the cautious but intrepid traveller. Algeria has a history dating back to prehistoric times and visitors can find the remains of prehistoric people and empires alike.
Tassili n'Ajjer
A vast plateau region in the southeast of Algeria, this region is home to a dense and facinating array of prehistoric rock paintings and engravings. It is also home to eroded sandstone "rock forests" that create odd landscapes of a lunar quality. Over 15,000 drawings exist in the region showing the cultural heritage of the people who lived there and also offer a glimpse into a time when the region must have been very different as some depictions show animals that couldn't survive in the region now such as hippopotomus.
Because of its unique features and historical and cultural importance the region has been named a UNESCO world heritage site. Because of temperature extremes in the region, the best time to visit October-November and February-March. The starting point for most adventures into the region is the oasis village of Djanet. Potential visitors should be aware that a permit is required to enter the National Park which covers much of the region and a guide is required to visit rock art sites.
Djemila Roman Ruins and Timgad
Located in the Aures Mountains of Algeria, Timgad was a colonial town founded by Roman Emperor Trajan. The city was sacked in 8th century and soon after buried in the encroaching sands of the Sahara which kept the ruins highly preserved until it was excavated in the late 1800s. The 3,500 seat theater in fact is so well preserved that it is sometimes used for present day productions.
Djemila is another excellent example of roman ruins that are beautifully preserved. Its name means beautiful in Arabic and the well preserved mountain village lies near the coast east of Algiers. Founded as a roman military garrison, the roman town flourished until the decline of the Roman Empire when it was slowly abandoned.
Al Qal'a of Ben Hammad
Once an 11th century fortified muslim city, the ruins are now a UNESCO world heritage site. One of the most striking sights in the ruin is the square minaret where remains of the blue ceramic tiles that once adorned it can still be seen.
Algiers
Algiers is the largest city and capital of Algeria with more than 1.5 million people. The city is built on the mediterranean sea which aids in moderating the city's climate so that it does not experience some of the extreme temperature fluctuations which affect much of the rest of the country. Visitors to the city should be sure to visit the oldest part of the city known as the Casbah. The promenade along the sea front is another good spot to visit.
M'zab Valley
The valley is home to five walled villages created by the Ibadites in the 10th century. They remain inhabited today. The function and unique nature of the architecture in these towns remains an inspiration for urban planners today. Located in the middle of the Sahara, the towns have been highly adapted to their environment.
Camel Trekking
Camel trekking in Algeria is one of the best ways to experience the endless expanse of the Sahara. Camel treks usually allow tourists to experience traditional berber food and sleep under the stars in desert tents. Some of the best camel treks in the country will take you to Tassil N'Ajjer National Park.
Hoggar Mountains
The Hoggar Mountains are a volcanic landscape of black rock rising from the desert sand. The mountains present a unique opportunity for rugged hiking adventures for ambitious explorers.
This tomb is located on the road between Algiers and Cherchell. The tomb is the final resting place of the last king Juba II and queen Cleopatra Selene II, of Mauretania. The site may not remain intact for long however, despite attemtps to protect it, its location near large population densities has resulted in vandalism and deteriation.
Constantine
This spectacular city, framed by a deep ravine is especially famous for its picturesque bridges. Visitors should make sure they ride the newly constructed cable car which offers views of the city bridges and the river below.
Balcon Rhoufi
This canyon site near the roman ruins of Timgad is home to an oasis and ancient berber dwellings which can be reached by a picturesque hike down into the canyon.
The Oasis of Taghit
Located in an oasis, agriculture is Taghit's most significant Economic industry and date palms are a common sight. Nearby visitors can also see the Grand Erg Occidental, a large area of sand dunes, and many nearby neolithic rock engravings.
No comments:
Post a Comment