Tuareg

The Tuareg are a tribal, people of the Sahara. They are a segment of the Berber culture that traditionally ranges areas of the Sahara in Mali, Niger, Algeria and Libya. They speak a Berber language called Tamarshak which has its own alphabet. Throughout history, the Tuareg controlled the caravan routes that passed through their territories. They taxed goods and raided neighboring tribes. Tuareg nomads have wandered the Sahara since before the arrival of the Arabs in the eighth century. Their constant struggle to exist in one of the world's harshest environments has bred a passionate devotion to the desert and a strong sense of identity and culture. Before colonialism, the Tuaregs ruled much of the Sahel region of the central Sahara after deposing the Songhai rulers of the then-major trading city of Timbuktu. During the same period of the 18th and 19th centuries, Tuaregs enslaved black Africans as their servants, laying the foundations for the poor relations that exist between the two populations to this day. In the 1960's political divisions of Saharan Africa has made it increasingly difficult for the Tuareg to maintain their pastoral traditions. Tuaregs were also drastically affected by the desertification of the Sahel during the droughts of 1968-74 and 1984-85, with the resulting diminished sources of goods and income from trading. Many were forced to migrate to cities, where they were culturally and economically alienated. Between 300,000 and 1,000,000 Tuareg live in Algeria, Tunisia, Mali, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

Germa

It is hard to believe, that these regions of today few people and sparse agriculture, once housed the Garamantian Empire, which was so strong that Roman never managed to fight it down. There are two ruin areas, Garama and Zinchecra, about 2 km north of the little village of Germa. While most of the ruins here now, are far younger than those belonging to the Garamantian Empire, you will find a fort, and a number of normal houses at Garama. Up the hill from Garama, the even older Zinchecra is found. This was used as a burial site, after the inhabitants of Garama moved down to the river, probably an expression of increased safety and strength. The city did originally get its water from a natural spring here, and credible stories tell of a large lake as well. The spring still exists, but of the lake, only salt beds are left behind.

Ubari

Ubari has a friendly atmosphere, but in reality, there is little itself has to offer of interest to the traveler. Town centre has a good old market, and some cafes and small shops. After all the travellng needed to get out here, this will start to appear like quite a bit to most people.15 km to the east of Ubari, the Garamantian cemetery Hatya is located.Most is still covered by sand, but the graves are at times quite elaborate. After visiting other Garamantian sites at Germa, Hatya will be very interesting.

Ubari Lakes and Dunes

There are at least 11 lakes in this area, deep out into the softest and largest sandy desert. Unfortunately, lower water table is drying up several of them. The salt levels are extremely high, and can be compared with the Dead Sea. This makes swimming easy, but make sure you have no rash or wounds before jumping in.Around some of the lakes, there are ruins of old towns. Gebraoun was abandoned in 1991, although there are a few inhabitants still remaining.Gebraoun is also the largest of the lakes, 250 m by 300 m.All in all, a round trip of the area is about 100 km.

Akakus

The Acacus Mountains are famous of two reasons. The first is the stunning mountain formations that meet the blue sky and the orange sand dunes. The second are the great collection of rock art, both paintings and carvings. An expedition around the Acacus takes 4-5 days, and can only be explored by 4WD or camel.

The Acacus Mountains stretch for almost 100 km north to south, but there is a limited number of possible paths. The sand dunes can be deceptive, and the mountains are zigzagged by wadis, seasonal river beds. Although very few people live here now, perhaps only 10 families, the region is not entirely dry. There are few springs in the mountains and a couple of wells.

The Wadi Ayada represents the southern entrance into the Acacus region. Some point after that, you will pass a ridge that only can be crossed the in one direction. Going back is impossible due to the softness of the sand and the steepness of the slope. The Natural Arch, about 150 meters high, is the largest of its kind in the Acacus. It is located about 100 km south of Ghat. After this, the round trip continues towards the Takharkhouri Pass.

Wadi Tashwinat

The valley of Wadi Tashwinat is said to consist of 101 wadis. It is perhaps the most stunning part of Acacus with dramatic mountain formations.With the help of a local guide, you can also locate springs in the mountains. There is also a great richness of rock paintings here.

Wadi Mathkhandoush

Wadi Methkandoush has the finest rock carvings in Libya, and all is located within a very small area, across only 200 meters. The main attraction is the Fighting Cats, as they are labeled (top photo). It is found high up on the cliff. In addition, the wadi offers fine carvings of elephants, giraffe, buffalos, flocks of ostriches, hippopotami and oxen, a crocodile and a fish.