It is located in the Saharan Atlas in northeast of Algeria.
For me, this place is very unique. Why? Because it is just like a “fresh green spot” that is near to the dry brown Sahara desert. Thousands of people (or more than that) are living here. It is also known as Oued El Abiod, a wadi (an Arabic and Hebrew term traditionally referring to a valley) that beautifully carved out of the soft Aures Mountains by seasonal rivers million years ago. The water of Abiod River is coming from Aïr Mountains. Abiod Valley has been used as the main path to cross all the mountains since Roman times.
How did it form? According to Revolvy,
During the wet season, rain and melting snow flow into the valley to form the Abiod River. The valley begins at the foot of Djebel Chélia, Algeria’s highest mountain, and flows southwest towards Tolga, eventually dissipating into the Sahara desert nearby.
The incredible natural spectacles here never fail to give visitors an immense appreciation for the wonders of nature. It is worth to explore all aspects of the gorges, and according to Algeria Blog (not an affiliate link), it is highly recommended to start in the village Rhoufi as it is the easiest place from which to reach the Gorge Tighanimime, where you can find the wall arts resulted from the “old time Roman army”. You can have a very nice sight-seeing in Rhoufi: sandy cliff and greenwood side by side. Besides, you will find busy vendors enthusiastically trading goat-hair carpets. On top of those, you can gain first glimpse at the impressive Abiod Valley by exploring from high above. It sounds very exciting, isn’t it??
You an choose how long you want to spend walking Aboid Valley (or so called Oued el Abiod) in Algeria but if you walk the whole way, it will take you three to four days. Keep in mind that the area is quite rural so accommodation is limited. Nevertheless, you will find nice enough facilities at some of the bigger pit-stops, like Batna, Biskra, Baniane, etc. Bring camping equipment and essential supplies are strongly suggested.
Another you-shouldn’t-miss-spot is the beautiful M’Chounèche oasis, an area that is filled the vast palm groves and landscapes desert. It is definitely a topographical attraction that will boggle the mind.
Check-listed.
Cheers,
Miniu
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