Hoggar, The Daouda
Visiting the North African country of Algeria promises much excitement and adventure for travelling holiday-makers. In recent years this proud and historically significant Arabic country has made marked strides in improving its tarnished image abroad and has incredible potential to become one of the regions’ leading tourist destinations. Though 80% of the country is made up of the iconic Saharan Desert, Algeria is a fascinating kaleidoscope of different natural spectacles from its beautiful Turquoise Coast to the ski resorts at Kabylia and the Chiffa Gorges.
Another prominent and well-frequented destination is the Hoggar Mountains, also known as the Ahaggar Mountains, which boast panoramic views of the surrounding desert as well as granite cliffs and plateaus. The majestic Hoggar terrain is located in the south of Algeria in central Sahara and in close proximity to the Tropic Of Cancer. Just west of another popular tourist city in Tamanghasset, Hoggar is largely rocky and sits at an average of 900m above sea level. The highest peak is Mount Tahat at over 3000m above sea level, while Hoggar is also home to the peaks of Atakor Massif as well as Assekreu, which is a fairly sought-after mountain to visit.
What makes Hoggar unique and special is that the range comprises largely of volcanic rock and features a hot summer climate as well as a cold winter climate. Rainfall in the region is fairly sporadic and because it doesn’t have extreme weather conditions like in other parts of the Sahara, the Hoggar Mountains are a national park and is one of the country’s major biodiversity centres. Travellers to these parts enjoy hiking and touring the mountains and surrounding areas, while viewing the plateaus which feature an interesting blend of black basalt and pink and blue shapes are a popular pastime too.
