The Akakus Plateau in the far south-west corner of Libya presents an arid scene of dark, barren rocky mountains interspersed with gravel plains and terracotta-colored, sandy wadis. Massive, wind-carved dunes and extraordinary rock formations like the natural arches of Akakus give the area a majestic sense of grandeur.
Tadrart Acacus (Arabic: تدرارت أكاكوس) is a desert area in western Libya and is part of the Sahara. It is situated close to the Libyan city of Ghat. Tadrart means 'mountain' in the native language of the area (Tamahaq language). It has a particularly rich array of prehistoric rock art. The Acacus has a large variation of landscapes, from differently coloured sanddunes to arches, gorges, rocks and mountains. Major landmarks are the arches of Afzejare and Tin Khlega. Although this area is one of the most arid of the Sahara, there is vegetation, such as the callotropis plant. The area is known for its rock-art and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 because of the importance of these paintings and carvings. The paintings date from 12,000 BC to 100 AD and reflect cultural and natural changes in the area.[1] There are paintings and carvings of animals such as giraffes, elephants, ostriches and camels, but also of men and horses. Men are depicted in various daily life situations, for example while making music and dancing.
The Akakus Plateau in the far south-west corner of Libya presents an arid scene of dark, barren rocky mountains interspersed with gravel plains and terracotta-colored, sandy wadis. Massive, wind-carved dunes and extraordinary rock formations like the natural arches of Akakus give the area a majestic sense of grandeur.
Tadrart Acacus (Arabic: تدرارت أكاكوس) is a desert area in western Libya and is part of the Sahara. It is situated close to the Libyan city of Ghat. Tadrart means 'mountain' in the native language of the area (Tamahaq language). It has a particularly rich array of prehistoric rock art. The Acacus has a large variation of landscapes, from differently coloured sanddunes to arches, gorges, rocks and mountains. Major landmarks are the arches of Afzejare and Tin Khlega. Although this area is one of the most arid of the Sahara, there is vegetation, such as the callotropis plant. The area is known for its rock-art and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 because of the importance of these paintings and carvings. The paintings date from 12,000 BC to 100 AD and reflect cultural and natural changes in the area.[1] There are paintings and carvings of animals such as giraffes, elephants, ostriches and camels, but also of men and horses. Men are depicted in various daily life situations, for example while making music and dancing.
The Akakus Plateau in the far south-west corner of Libya presents an arid scene of dark, barren rocky mountains interspersed with gravel plains and terracotta-colored, sandy wadis. Massive, wind-carved dunes and extraordinary rock formations like the natural arches of Akakus give the area a majestic sense of grandeur.
