Mighty, jagged silhouettes announce the entrance to an enchanting world of rock and sandstone. Akakus is not only a mountain range in South West Libya it is also an almost fairytale-like region, a place of silence and contemplation. However, the landscape does not embrace visitors with open arms as the mountains can only be explored with four-wheel drive vehicles and experienced local drivers.

The leg of the journey through the Wadi Taschunt travels past a magnificent natural arch of which there are many more in the Akakus. The Tadrat Akakus area is around fifty kilometres long and up to fifty kilometres wide and is a mighty rock and endless desert landscape that forms a natural border between Libya and Algeria.

Scattered artefacts and magnificent rock paintings indicate the existence of a past epoch that was discovered in the middle of the nineteenth century. The discovery of the Akakus rock paintings in1850 was made by German explorer and scientist, Heinrich Barth.

The Guelta Taschunt is famous for its extremely narrow canyon that can only be entered on foot, a walk that is well worthwhile. Surrounded by high, steep rock walls and separated from the outside world, those who come here often experience a strange and sometimes even oppressive sensation.

The next highlight of our journey through the desert mountain region of Akakus is about to commence, a visit to the King Of The Tuareg. The ninety four year old king welcomes us and proudly demonstrates how the traditional head dress of the Tuareg should be worn.

The desert mountains of AKAKUS are far more than just a fascinating landscape whose natural splendour and remoteness are the main attraction. The rocks in the dried out river valleys are like an historic picture book that provides us with a remarkable insight into what was once a long-lost culture of the Sahara!