According to the Tuaregs, “God created countries full of water for people to live there and deserts for them to discover their soul”. We, therefore, understand why so many Algerians and foreigners head to southern Algeria every year during this period to recharge their batteries.
Djanet, the capital of Tassili n’Ajjer, is one of the most popular destinations for travelers. Its numerous circuits between sand dunes and canyons seduce all lovers of escape and wide-open spaces.
Djanet, a unique region in the world
Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Sahara”, the region is attracting more and more travelers who have come to appreciate its tourism potential. “I was immediately charmed and appeased by the enchantment of this locality where the population is so proud, dignified, and very welcoming”, testifies Zidan I Azedine, a tourist encouraging all Algerians to visit the region.
Djanet alone offers all the panorama that one can hope to encounter in the Algerian Sahara: oases, sand dunes, caves, and canyons create a breathtaking landscape. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is also a veritable open-air museum rich in archaeological sites and rock engravings including the famous crying cow.
Air Algeria offers weekly flights to Djanet from the capital for an average return fare of 35,000 dinars. If the more adventurous will surely prefer to spend the night under the stars, Djanet still has six hotel structures that can accommodate more than 400 tourists.
Many travel agencies offer all-inclusive stays with plane transport from Algiers. It will take from 55,000 dinars per person for a stay of 6 days.
An archaeological heritage in danger
The archaeological wealth of Djanet makes it one of the largest prehistoric museums in the world. Tourism is one of the main resources of the region where work opportunities are scarce and living conditions harsh.
If the thousands of tourists who visit it each year make it possible to energize the region, the other side of the coin is the weakening of the archaeological sites. Every year, many residents report the deterioration of monuments and see more and more erasures and scribbles on these ancient sites.
Faced with this situation, the city of Sefar was closed for the 2020/2021 season by the authorities who deplore “the anarchic access of the various groups, without supervision, which has only deteriorated and polluted the sites which remain a precious asset. and invaluable cultural and tourist heritage”.
The inhabitants of the south as well as the local authorities therefore call for the responsibility of tourists to preserve this unique place both naturally and historically.
