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Natural Arches of Tassili National Park |
Index Page 12 - Tin Aboteka & Tin Tazarift West - Map 6See Tin-Aboteka Panoramic Photo by Tom Budlong |
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ALG-121, Gate of Tin-Aboteka, Tin-Aboteka Area. 6.2 meter span
(measured) and 15 meter height (estimated). From the Tin-Tazarift official campsite (see
ALG-32), climb down the big sand dune (north) and cross the bowl. The
trail passes by ALG-47 (Collapsed Tower Arch) and
ALG-33 (Airlock Arch), and then continues north and leaves the reef.
Once outside, the trail goes along the reef side (always north) and you can see
ALG-27 (Big Boulder Arch) 100 meters away on the left if you pay
attention. Hike 45 minutes across flat gravel and then outcropping slick rock (north) to the
Tin-Aboteka site. This trail is difficult to follow but keep in mind that you always walk along
the reef of Tin-Tazarift on the left and low rock masses on the right, which are the beginnings
of the Tin-Aboteka reef. I call these rocks "Little City of Rocks." Later, you enter
the deep part of the reef of Tin-Aboteka by going through the Gate of Tin-Aboteka, a splendid
"Arc de Triomphe."
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ALG-122, Skeleton Arch, Tin Aboteka Area. 5 meter height for each
of two openings (estimated). Pass under the Gate of Tin-Aboteka (ALG-121) and immediately look
to the right. The double arch sits up on the rock mass. It has an unusual shape.
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ALG-123, Tower Arch, Tin Aboteka Area. 13.7 meter span (measured).
GPS 32R 570761 2730187. From ALG-121 proceed down the trail about 150 meters to a little flat
area with acacia trees. The arch is located on the side of the trail to the right. Do not
confuse this arch with Arch Tower (ALG-59) in the Sefar site. For
bivouac, proceed north down the trail 200 meters by the "sandy crack" to the deep bowl
and the camp of Tin-Aboteka, an enchanting area for camping between isolated rock towers and
sand dunes.
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ALG-136, Tilted Arch, Tin Tazarift West Area. 5 meter height
(estimated). From ALG-121 (The Gate), walk uphill south 50 meters to leave the reef of
Tin-Aboteka to the flat. Cross the flat area bearing south for 300 meters to the reef of
Tin-Tazarift. Two small acasia trees mark your way. Once you enter into the reef (barrier of
rocks), this unusual natural arch is quickly found.
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ALG-137, Ekhelellou Arch, Tin Tazarift West Area. 6 meter span (estimated). This arch is
located close to ALG-136, on the reef side (right). Ekhelellou means "butterfly" in
the Tamahaq dialect.
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ALG-172, Portico Arch, Tin Tazarift West Area. 15 meter height
(estimated). From ALG-136 walk south across the reef, finding your way straight ahead for about
700 meters to the other side of the barrier of rocks (reef). The arch is located on the reef
side. This is a double arch; the smaller opening is ALG-173.
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ALG-173, Portico Arch, smaller opening, Tin Tazarift West Area. 2.5 meters height (estimated).
Adjacent to ALG-172. From ALG-172/173, if you proceed 200 meters northwest along the reef side
and staying inside the reef, you will reach the majestic triple openings of Imestar Arch (ALG-13). See entry for that arch for the different access from In-Itinen area. From Imestar Arch you
can walk northwest inside the reef for 100 meters to the "square" (or "tennis
court"), and then another 100 meters to an expansive view of "The Passage" and
"Unnamed Reef One."
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ALG-174, Curved Arch, Tin Tazarift West Area. 7 meter height
(estimated). This arch is located 100 meters southeast of ALG-172, on the reef side.
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ALG-175, unnamed arch 19, Tin Tazarift West Area. 2 meter height (estimated). Find this arch
nearby ALG-174, on the reef side.
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ALG-176, Bypass Arch, Tin Tazarift West Area. 5 meter height (estimated). From ALG-174 (Curved
Arch), walk northeast down into the reef for 100 meters to this arch.
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ALG-177, Heron Arch, Tin Tazarift West Area. 18 meter height
(estimated). From ALG-176 (Bypass Arch), find your way north 200 meters to a deep and hidden
area where sits this splendid arch. Though close to other arches in this fruitful area, this big
arch is very hard to spot. This is undoubtedly one of the best places in these reefs.
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Index Page
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Next Arch ALG-124
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