Assekrem Plateau, high in the Hoggar Mountains of southern Algeria, is one of the most spectacular destinations in the Sahara. Rising above a dramatic landscape of volcanic peaks, rocky needles and vast desert horizons, Assekrem offers extraordinary panoramic views across the Ahaggar and an unforgettable experience of the Algerian Sahara.
Reached from Tamanrasset, the journey to Assekrem is as memorable as the plateau itself. Travelling through the rugged landscapes of the Hoggar reveals an almost otherworldly terrain of mountains, deep valleys and isolated rock formations stretching towards the horizon.
The Landscapes of the Hoggar Mountains
Along the route are the Gueltas of Imlaoulaouene, where permanent pools and waterfalls provide a remarkable contrast with the surrounding arid mountains. These natural water sources have long been important features of the Saharan landscape and provide one of the highlights of the journey towards Assekrem.
To the north rises Mount Tahat, the highest mountain in Algeria and one of the defining landmarks of the Ahaggar massif. From the high plateau, the views extend across an extraordinary succession of jagged peaks and volcanic formations, particularly spectacular around sunrise and sunset.
The Hermitage of Charles de Foucauld
Assekrem is also closely associated with Charles de Foucauld, the French religious figure and Saharan explorer who established a small hermitage here in the early 20th century. The simple stone hermitage and chapel occupy an isolated position high above the surrounding mountains.
The combination of immense landscape, silence and isolation gives Assekrem a distinctive atmosphere. For many visitors, the journey is as much about experiencing the scale and tranquillity of the Sahara as seeing a particular monument or viewpoint.
Visit Assekrem from Tamanrasset
Assekrem is one of the great experiences of southern Algeria and an essential destination for travellers exploring Tamanrasset and the Hoggar Mountains. The remote journey, mountain scenery and remarkable views make it one of the most memorable landscapes in the Algerian Sahara.
Discover the Hoggar region and the landscapes of southern Algeria on our Sahara Desert & Oasis Tour, combining the extraordinary wilderness around Tamanrasset with the desert landscapes and cultural heritage of Algeria’s deep south.