Algeria > Rock Art in the Desert

Last night it gradually got a little cooler inside the tent. I zipped my sleeping bag further closed and slept very well. Shortly after seven o’clock, the first rays of sun appear on my tent. I immediately feel the warmth. I wash my face a little with a bottle of water and then pack my luggage. Meanwhile, breakfast is ready. Together with a cup of coffee, I have a baguette with egg. All the luggage is loaded again for another day in the desert. The clouds from yesterday have disappeared. A clear blue sky contrasts sharply with the rock formations around us. We drive further into the nature park, stopping occasionally at ancient rock engravings. Ibrahim explains that some of these drawings are over 6,000 years old. This area contains many of these old rock engravings. We also occasionally drive into a valley, mostly to admire the beautiful rock formations on both sides. The crew is also looking for firewood. Collecting wood in the desert is no easy task. At an acacia tree, they find a dead branch. This large branch is broken off and tied to the vehicle. The landscape changes from rock formations to red sand dunes. Some air is let out of the tires to make it easier to drive through the loose sand.

Algeria - Historic rock paintings more than 6000 years old

At full speed, the vehicles climb the sand dunes, their wheels slipping. For the next section, it’s better to get out. Whether it is too dangerous or whether less weight is better is not entirely clear. Walking through the sand, we follow the vehicles. Perhaps it is even more impressive to watch the vehicles drive through the sand rather than being inside them. For the next rock engraving, we have to climb a sand dune. Inevitably, sand gets into my shoes. Around midday, the vehicles are parked in the shade of the rocks. Time for lunch. In no time, a large salad and a bean dish with sardines are ready. Again today, everyone takes their time. We leave at half past two. This gives time to relax, read a bit, and enjoy the surroundings. In the afternoon we continue through the desert, entering more and more the area of the red sand dunes. The dunes and the dry white clay in front of them are reminiscent of Namibia. In the afternoon, we arrive at the new campsite. It is not easy to find a flat spot for my tent. I set up my tent with a view of the valley, which seems like a perfect place to spend the night. Meanwhile, the crew has prepared tea with peanuts and cookies. Once again, darkness falls quickly. As soon as the sun disappears, it gets cooler, and the wind picks up. For dinner, I put on my sweater. Tonight we eat couscous, which is not exactly my favorite. I take a few bites. With enough sauce over it, it tastes fine. For dessert, I have a tangerine. The meal is eaten in the shelter of a rock. When I go to my tent on the other side of the rock, I notice a strong wind blowing. Just to be safe, I had already weighed down the outer tent with several large stones. Inside my tent, I hear the wind intensify again and again.