Algeria: Tassili n’Ajjer NP – Guelta of Essendilene Spring

The Guelta of Essendilene is a probably the best-known natural water basin in the Tassili n’Ajjer National Park. It is one of the few permanent water sources in this ultra arid area. Guelta of Essendilene is located at the end of a narrow canyon with hundreds of feet high towering walls and is surrounded by lush vegetation, including date palms and oleanders, creating an oasis-like environment. The guelta is a crucial water source for both wildlife and the sparse human populations, in fact, a Tuareg village is right at the mouth of the canyon. From the village, it’s about an hour long hike in scorching heat to the spring which looks stunning refreshing and the water actually feels cold! There are also several spots with prehistoric petroglyphs and rock art.
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