The mountain ranges of the Sahara

When we think of the Sahara, we often imagine a vast sea of sand dunes. However, the world’s largest hot desert is also home to imposing mountain ranges with spectacular landscapes and surprising biodiversity. These high-relief areas play an important role in the culture and life of the Tuareg people, who have found refuge and resources there for centuries.

The Hoggar: in the heart of the Algerian Sahara

Located in southern Algeria, the Hoggar (or Ahaggar) massif lies in the heart of the desert. Approximately 250 km in diameter, it covers an area of 50,000 km². Its highest peak is Mount Tahat, which rises to 2,918 metres, making it the highest mountain in Algeria.

In winter, the summit is sometimes covered with snow for several months, a rare phenomenon in the Sahara. The Hoggar is crossed by long rivers (Igharghar, Taghit, Tafassasset) which allow specific fauna and flora to survive. These include the Laperrine olive tree, a species similar to the European olive tree.

The Hoggar landscape is characterised by its conical mountains, lava flows and small crater lakes, evidence of its volcanic origin. The massif is largely composed of sandstone and volcanic terrain, formed from the assembly of several ancient cratons.

Tibesti: volcanoes and hot springs

Tibesti is a volcanic mountain range located mainly in northern Chad, with a small extension into Libya. Its name means ‘place where the mountain people live’. Covering an area of approximately 100,000 km², it is the highest mountain range in the Sahara, with Emi Koussi, its highest peak, reaching 3,415 metres.

Tibesti is composed of five volcanoes: Emi Koussi, Tarso Toon, Tarso Voon, Tarso Yega and Tarso Toussidé. The massif has numerous hot springs, craters and wadis (temporary watercourses), fed by sometimes intense rainfall despite a generally arid and desert climate.

The Aïr: a green mountain range in Niger

In the heart of Niger’s Tuareg territory, the Aïr mountain range covers an area of approximately 70,000 km². It is 200 km long and 75 km wide and is of volcanic origin. Its highest point is Mount Indoukat-n-Taglès at 2,022 metres.

Thanks to its altitude, the Aïr enjoys remarkable vegetation for a Saharan region: more than 350 plant species have been recorded there. The Koris (temporary watercourses) irrigate the meadows and plains, especially after the rainy season.

The Aïr massif is also famous for its rock engravings dating back to more than 6,000 BC. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 and has been classified as a biosphere reserve since 1997, along with the Ténéré area.

The mountain ranges of the Sahara reveal a geological, climatic and cultural diversity that is often overlooked. These areas, rich in history and heritage, have always been
at the heart of the Tuareg people’s way of life, particularly in regions such as Tassili n’Ajjer and Hoggar. Exploring them reveals a Sahara that is much more vibrant and diverse than one might imagine.