Nature of Algeria - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Algeria is famous not only for its culture and beautiful manmade landmarks. The grandiose desert of Sahara, which sands occupy a big part of the country, mountain ranges, and national parks never stop luring travelers from all over the world to Algeria. There is one thing that tourists need to take into consideration. It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced traveler who can walk dozens of kilometers, who explored many countries of the world, and who has seen almost everything. It is important to be very serious and careful when visiting natural landmarks of Algeria. Mountains, Sahara or acquaintance with the Berbers – tourists need a local guide. This is the only way to protect oneself from a spoiled vacation or even danger.

Fans of mountains will be most likely interested in visiting the mountain range that crosses Algeria. The Atlas Mountains separate the Mediterranean coastline from the Sahara Desert. These mountains were famous yet during the period of ancient Phoenicians. Sages, who lived before the start of our era, mentioned these mountains in their works. The Atlas Mountains are the highest mountains of North West Africa. They consist of three ranges, several plateaus inside, and high plains. Djurdjura is the name of one of these ranges. It is a part of the national park with the same name. This area got a protective status of a national reserve almost a century ago. Travelers enjoy visiting this place because of picturesque landscapes, mountain peaks covered with dense forests, and centuries-old oaks and pines.

The Tassili n'Ajjer is one more famous national park in Algeria. It is located on the south-east of the country. The plateau offers fabulous views of the surroundings. The local landscape looks like Mars, Moon, or another planet – it is hard to believe that you are still on Earth! Caves in the region still keep the record of ancient civilizations. Thanks to numerous wall drawings, scientists can learn more about the development of first humans in this area. The plateau has naturally formed limestone arcs, unusual columns and even roofs that nature created from rocks. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Hoggar Mountains are a picturesque natural landmark in the Sahara Desert. Many centuries ago, Tuareg tribes founded their first settlements near these mountains. The Tuaregs have an interesting myth about the creation of the Hoggar Mountains. They appeared as a result of a fight between jinns – the supernatural creatures petrified in different poses and turned into rocks. The main settlement of Tuareg tribes is now located in the south-west part of the Hoggar Mountains. This is the place where visitors can not only admire the nature. There is an ethnographic museum that tells more about the true masters of the desert, as proud Tuaregs call themselves.

Hammam Maskhoutine is an absolutely unique place and nature’s phenomenon. These are thermal springs with minerals of all colors and geometric shapes. The water is so hot here that it is almost boiling. These springs are famous for their healing properties. It is believed that Hammam Maskhoutine water can completely cure people suffering from diabetes. Numerous foreign tourists in search of natural landmarks are not the only visitors to this place. Hammam Maskhoutine is popular with locals who come to improve their health. Finally, the last but not the least landmark in Algeria – the Sahara Desert. The biggest desert on Earth stretches not only in Algeria but in some other African countries too. Interestingly, the word “Sahara” means “a desert” in general in Arabian. The Sahara has a length of five thousand kilometers from east to west – it is truly endless. If you think that the desert is nothing but tons of sand, you will be genuinely surprised to see the diverse terrain of Sahara represented by dunes, saline lands, stone plateaus, rocks, highlands, and volcanic formations.