Djanet algeria – the Real Sahara Desert
Djanet (Arabic:
جانت) is an oasis city, and capital of Djanet District, in Illizi Province, southeast Algeria. It is located 412 kilometres (256 mi) south of the provincial capital, Illizi. According to the 2008 census it has a
up from 9,699 in 1998,
and an annual population growth rate of 4.3%. It is inhabited by the Kel Ajjer Tuareg people.
population of 14,655,
The region of Djanet has been inhabited since Neolithic
times. There were periods of ten thousand years at a time that the area
was not desert. The flora and fauna were luxuriant as is seen in the
numerous rock paintings of Tassili n'Ajjer around Djanet. Populations of hunter-gatherers lived there.
Djanet was founded in the Middle Ages by the Tuareg. The Ottoman Empire, which had a nominal authority over the Fezzan
region, reinforced their presence in the area at the beginning of the
20th century in reaction to the colonization of Africa by the Europeans
Djanet, and the nearby towns of Azelouaz, El Mihan, Adjahil and Eferi, lie in a valley carved by the intermittent river (
wadi) Oued Idjeriou through the southwest edge of the Tassili n'Ajjer mountain range. The Tadrart Rouge is located to the southeast and is a southern prolongation of the Libyan Tadrart Acacus.
Due to the somewhat cooler air, higher humidity and somewhat higher
rainfall in these areas, the nearby mountains support a greater amount
and variety of wildlife than lower-lying areas in the Sahara, and forms
part of the West Saharan montane xeric woodlands
ecosystem. Djanet itself lies at an altitude of 1,035 metres
(3,396 ft), but the mountains to the east and north reach as high as
1,905 metres (6,250 ft).
Djanet Inedbirene Airport
is located about 50 kilometers south of the city center.
It is not easy to describe the
Djanet. One could say that it is a settlement or a cluster of villages, surrounding a breathtaking oasis in the middle of the Sahara desert. It is situated in the Tassili National Park in Algeria and has approximately 15 000 local residents. There are no urban buildings in the
Djanet oasis
and it seems to be a location that is lost in time and has been able to
keep its air of nostalgia. It is easy to see why Djanet is called the
“Jewel of the Desert”.
The
Djanet oasis is
not a destination that is filled with excitement and wild attractions.
Its appeal to travelers is the beautiful oasis that is lined with
palmeries and the peace and tranquility that only such a desolate area
can provide. Most of the local inhabitants of Djanet are Kel Ajjer
Taureg, a friendly and humble community. It is a poor settlement and
every day is a struggle for most families. They are reliant on the
tourism industry and their traditional culture to lure visitors and
travelers. This brings an income to the
villages and there are many
small travel agencies within Djanet.
The greatest attraction to this region is the Plateau and visitors
need to purchase a photo permit from the Parc National de Tassili office
before they can begin exploring this area. The Tassili N’Ajjer rock
paintings are a popular sight for tourists to visit. Tourists should be
aware that some tour agencies might inflate prices
and often heated
negotiations between visitors and tour guides erupt because of pricing.
Other than that, there is a market every day that sells fresh vegetables
in the mornings. To purchase bread from the baker visitors will need
to rise extra early. There is no luxury accommodation available here,
only a camping area and small huts. There is a small museum in the
Djanet Oasis, but exploring the village and surrounding area is much
more rewarding.
There are many very talented craftsmen, artists and musicians in
Djanet and visitors will be astounded at the amount of beautiful crafts
available for sale to the public. The women here also play traditional musical
instruments,
which they make themselves, such as the Imzad, Monocorde, Mache and the
Azjar. The traditional drum that is used in their music is called a
Tinde. Traditional dance style of Tahemmet practiced here, is an
emotional dance and therefore requires no specific dance moves.
Travelers searching for a unique, traditional and peaceful
destination will find just that in the Djanet oasis. It is a remote
location that has a rich history and that is focused on the tourism
industry. Visitors to Djanet are certain to have an unforgettable
experience that will not be easily matched.