Archiwa: Africa - Adventures No Limits

Brandberg Mountain

Adventures No Limits — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 18:15:30 +0000

26.10.2022

BRANDBERG MOUNTAIN

The Brandberg mountain massif is located in Namibia in its northwestern part. There is also located, the country’s highest peak, Königstein, measuring 2573 meters above sea level. You can get there only after obtaining the appropriate permits and under the charge of a guide. Due to that the Brandberg mountains are a few dozen kilometers away from “civilization” and there are very high temperatures, except in winter, less than 50 tourists a year venture into this area. But thanks to this, the place still remains wild and untouched by man.

DESCRIPTION

The Brandberg Mountains are shaped like a large, circular granite intrusion, measuring about 30 km by 25 km. They are the remains, dating at 100-120 million years ago (data depending on the source) of a volcano that was covered by today’s waters of the Atlantic Ocean (it is not known if in its entirety). The mountains are located in the Erongo region, in the western part of Namibia, and cover an area of approximately 750 km². With very good air clarity, the Atlantic Ocean, which is about 90 kilometers away, can be seen from the highest peaks, such as Königstein. The mountain range has an average altitude of 2,500 meters, by which it exceeds the nearby surroundings by about 2,000 meters. The land around the mountains is virtually flat and consists of steppe and plains. Brandberg means “fiery mountain.” This refers to the red color that covers the mountain during sunset or during the intense summer heat. Some of the more popular peaks in this mountain range are Horn, Numasfels, Aigub, Orabeskopf or Zisabspitze. These mountains are uninhabited, there are no villages, and the only people who venture here are tourists and groups of explorers with guides.

LOCATION

The closest town to stay overnight and make shopping for the trip is Uis, less than 35 kilometers away. This town lies 330 kilometers northwest of Namibia’s capital Windhuk. By car, the distance can travel in less than four hours. The route can be driven with a single-axle drive, but to get from Uis to Brandberg, it is better to get an off-road vehicle. The road towards the mountains is not paved in entirety and there are numerous bumps. On the way from Windhuk to Uis there is no problem with refueling the car, and there are ATMs at stations where you can withdraw money It is worth has a cash in wallet, because while you can pay for lodging or shopping by card, the guides no accept this form of payment.

WHO CLIMBED TO THE TOP FIRST?

German explorer Reinhard Maack was the first person which documented the ascent of the highest peak of Namibia, Königstein (2573 meters above sea level). Maack climbed the mountain in February 1917. He also discovered the famous “White Lady,” which, along other rock paintings, testifies that the area was previously inhabited by Bushmen. Some sources say the painting was discovered by Reinhard in January 1918. Others, however, indicate that in 1917 Reinhard wanted to do topographical and trigonometric work to draw accurate maps of the mountains, so he had to organize a second expedition, which Maack led in December 1917.

On the evening of January 2, 1918, Maack, Ernst Gries and Georg Schulze were already standing on the highest peak of the Brandberg mountain range, enjoying the incredible views and silence. Reinhard wrote about the mountains Brandberg in his diary that: “If you want to get to the top of the Brandberg […] three things are necessary: firstly, water […], secondly, a thick skin that allows you to rest comfortably on bare rock, and thirdly, irrepressible energy to cope with the seemingly endless trek through wild rock debris.”

PAINTINGS

Excavations on the Brandberg massif have revealed that the area was already inhabited by San people nearly 5,000 years ago. Mountain streams and caves may have served as a massing area for dispersed groups of hunter-gatherers or shepherds. The increased social and ritual activity associated with the concentration of people probably contributed to the emergence of rock art. After that, you can conclude, that the Brandberg was an important cultural place for indigenous Namibians.

Guides are usually stationed at the park office on the east side of the Brandberg mountains, where the trail to the “White Lady” painting begins. The artwork is located in the Tsisab Gorge and is about 2,000 years old. You can walk both ways in less than 3 hours. Tours to this place are only with a guide. It is best to view the paintings there in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat (except in winter). The drawings there paint depict Bushmen, medicine men, warriors, and animals. The paintings have been painted between 2,000 and 4,000 years old. The “White Lady” figure was so named in the 1950s, or more precisely in 1955, by Henri Breuil (1877-1961), a French archaeologist and prehistorian. He compared the figure with paintings found in Crete, using the Palace of Knossos as an example. Although the “White Lady” does not have any typically female forms, Breuil concluded that the figure must have been a woman, due to her posture and the objects she held. It was a vessel or lotus flower. However, if you look closely at the figure, you can see the physical features of a man, holding a bow and arrows in one hand and something resembling a wine glass in the other. The hair is straight and light, completely non-African. The body, on the other hand, is painted white from the chest down. The rest of the painting depicts other women during of some ritual, with one of them impaling a small animal on a stake. It is now assumed to be the figure of a hunter or shaman, who carries hunting fixture. Some say it is a medicine man, considering the white coloration of the figure.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO KÖNIGSTEIN PEAK?

If the participants of the group are very good condition and reach to the mountain massif by car, it will take one day to reach the highest peak. On the other hand, if somebody wants to see the paintings and take photos along the way, simultaneously not imposing a fast pace on oneself, then in that case one should count two days for the hike. On the first day you approach the summit, where you set up camp, and on the second day you climb to the top. After reach the summit is the descent back to your car.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The necessary permits and “hiring” of a guide can be done on the website of the Namibian National Heritage Council in Windhoek. This can be done through the contact form, or you can call and speak to a representative (if you call, the response time is much shorter). You can also try to obtain permits at Brandberg Rest Camp in Uis. The whole process of acquiring permits and filling out the relevant documents, which you have to send back, takes from two to three weeks. The total cost (guide and necessary documents) is several hundred US dollars, but you need to inquire about the specific price, as the rate depends on the length of the trip and the places which you want to visit.

Considering the average temperature in the Brandberg mountains, which is about 30 degrees Celsius, in a span of a day of hiking, an adult is able to drink up to 5 liters of water.

When you are going to the Brandberg mountains, it is necessary to take with you strong mountain boots, hiking poles, high-energy snacks and appropriate sunscreen clothing (hat, sunglasses, cap, creams, etc.). If we want to overnight, you should also take a sleeping pad, a tent and a sleeping bag. You can always ask your guide before setting out what you will need during the hike.

The cost to enter the trail that leads to the “White Lady” painting, in 2022, is N$60 Namibian dollars per person and N$20 for parking. You can check current prices here.

It’s a good idea to whip a filter or water purification tablets with you to purify the water when you take it from the stream.

WHERE IS THE TRAIL TO KÖNIGSTEIN LOCATED?

The trail to the top of Königstein starts from the entrance to the Gaaseb Gorge. This is a shorter version that takes 1 to 3 days of hiking. The length of the hike depends on the condition of the participants, the number of stops for rest, viewing paintings or photo shoots. One should remember that the trail is poorly marked and has many branches, boulder fields and smooth rock slabs. Therefore, it is so important to have a guide at our side. Once in a while you may see small bushes and individual trees of acacia, aloe or quiver trees scattered over the rocky terrain. These can serve as landmarks on the trail. Impressive rock formations, steep cliffs and angular boulders are other elements of the local landscape. The ideal place to spend the night below the summit are areas where there are flat rocks so that you can sleep fairly comfortably near watercourses to replenish your water supply. Namibia’s highest mountain offers a magnificent 360-degree panorama that shows the many dark gray peaks and ridges, forming the Brandberg massif and light brown plains and deserts.

There is also a second option, which takes from 4 to 5 days of hiking. The trail starts from the entrance to Amis Canyon on the southwest side of the Brandberg. Amis in the local language means “Ostrich.” Along the way, you can visit the so-called Snake Cave, which pictures paintings of animals. When choosing this option, be sure to keep your backpack as light as possible and carry one or two empty bottles so that to in case encounter a stream, it will, can make water supplies for the rest of the hike. The summit is chilly, and the wind often blows, so a good option is to leave your backpacks at camp and climb the peak without them. It is better to dress warmly or at least take a sweatshirt with you. Amis Canyon is steep and very rocky, so you need to be extra careful here (especially when descending). You should also remember to take your cell phone with you that can call to the rest camp on the way back to be taken away from there. At the top of Königstein Mountain and after descending from the Brandberg massif, there shouldn’t be a problem with coverage.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO NAMIBIA?

The recommended time to go to Namibia is winter, which lasts from June to August. During the daytime, the temperature averages 21-22 degrees Celsius, and at night it is around 10 °C. It is advisable to take warm clothes with you then, as nights are chilly at this time. Some tourists also come to the country in April, May and September to avoid larger clusters of tourists in popular places, but then temperatures are higher.

TIDBITS

It is said that there are more than 900 documented sites with rock paintings in Brandberg and countless others that have not yet been “discovered” (or at least reported).

The official currency in Namibia is the Namibian dollar. However, you can often also pay in Namibia with the Rand (South Africa’s currency), as their currency rate are very often identical. It happens sometimes be a difference of a few cents, but this is a rarity. In South Africa, however, you can’t pay with the Namibian dollar.

The Brandberg Massif, which contains 43,000-50,000 paintings (data depending on the source) and cave figures, is seen as a treasure trove of prehistoric art. People who spread information about these paintings were Ernst Rudolf Scherz, who published three books on the local figures, and Harald Pager, who made 43,000 – 45,000 drawings of figures from 879 sites.

In the old days there were mines in Uis where tin was mined, but now the area mainly burns clay bricks.

USEFUL LINKS

SUMMARY

For lovers of mountains and wilderness, the Brandberg Massif is an ideal destination. The fact that no more than 50 people a year venture there guarantees travelers coming to the area a complete distraction from civilization. Persons interested in ancient painting will certainly not omit the open-air museum of painting near the famous “White Lady”. It is worth paying attention that Namibia is a relatively cheap country, and English is the official language. Despite that, for example for Europeans, Asians and Americans, is a remote country, it is not as foreign as other regions of Africa.

Ji-Elle, source commons.wikimedia.org.

Tsisab River Gorge, author Thomas Wagner, source wikiwand.com (photo edited).

Königstein peak, author Mariusba, source commons.wikimedia.org.

Thomas Wagner, source commons.wikimedia.org (photo edited).

Olga Ernst source commons.wikimedia.org.

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TAMAGHZA AND GOLDEN CANYON

DADES GORGE ROAD

GERLACH PEAK

Artykuł Brandberg Mountain pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Dades Gorge road

Adventures No Limits — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 18:13:57 +0000

29.09.2022

DADES GORGE ROAD

The Dades Gorge is located practically in the center of Morocco. The road that runs through it is ranked among the most dangerous in all of Africa. It consists of numerous serpentine, bumps in the road and outstanding by the lack of barriers and shoulders. Therefore, persons with weak nerves or suffering from motion sickness, advise against driving this road. However, for people who feel comfortable behind the wheel and are not scary by driving in unfavorable conditions, a reward will await in the form of magnificent views of Morocco’s Dades Gorge.

GEOLOGICAL HISTORY

Millions of years ago, today’s gorge area was flooded by ocean waters. Eventually, tectonic plate movements led to the formation of the Atlas Mountains and the Dades/Wadi Dadis River. Streams of water carved a path in the soft sedimentary rock, contributing to the widening and deepening of the gorge. Today, the Dades River is nearly 350 kilometers long (about 220 miles), and its source is in the High Atlas Mountains. The river flows into the Sahara Desert, where it joins the Wadi Dara/Draa River. The walls of the gorge reach heights of nearly 500 meters (about 1,600 feet) in some places, and the local Berbers use the river to irrigate their rose fields, olive groves and almond trees. In the surrounding mountains, people still live in caves, leading a nomadic lifestyle and using the valley as a seasonal route to pasture in the High Atlas Mountains.

BRIEFLY ABOUT THE GORGE

The Dades Gorge is known for its amazing rock formations and kasbahs, erected several centuries ago along the gorge. It is one of the most scenic drives in the world. The Dades Valley is characterized by a wild landscape, with snow on the peaks of the Atlas Mountains and a semidesert landscape in the lower parts of the canyon. The Dades Gorge is also known as the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, and it has less than 130 kilometers long (about 80 miles) from Boumalne Dades to Agoudal. If you want to drive the entire gorge, it is essential one should own or rent a vehicle with drive 4×4 or an off-road motorcycle because as you pass the village of Msemrir (driving from the town of Boumalne Dades), the road becomes gravel. The rock formations change to various colors in shades of brown, beige, gold, orange, red and dark purple. Many of the historic kasbahs and ksars, that are old Berbers strongholds, have been converted into hotels and restaurants.

DADES GORGE-WHERE IS IT?

The gorge is located in Tinghir province, in the Drâa-Tafilalet administrative region. The easiest to reach the Dades Gorge is from the small town of Boumalne Dades, located 122 km northeast of Warzazat and 53 km from Tinerhir. The road is marked R704 on maps. It is paved (not all), but full of sharp curves. There are many viewpoints along the way where you can take photos. The best time to visit the lower parts of the valley is from March to June, while the mountains are the best gain from May to August. The gorge begins just north of the quiet town of Boumalne Dades, from which the road leads to the canyon. Be sure to visit the Tisdrine restaurant at the top, as there is a great spot with a view at all the way.

HOW TO DRIVE IN MOROCCO

DON’T EXCEED THE SPEED LIMIT, NEITHER THE SOLID LINE

Police patrols are often view in larger cities and on roads with intensity traffic. Police most often stop drivers who exceed speed (probably like everywhere 😊) or cross the solid line. Speed limits in Morocco that 50 km/h in cities, 80 km/h outside cities and 100 km/h on highways. If someone flashes headlights before us, it usually means that police officers are behind the next corner.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE AND DON’T RELY ON TURN SIGNALS

Moroccans have a very relaxed approach to traffic laws. They are not overly attached to turn signals. Rather, they prefer to drive without signaling directions. So, when driving on Moroccan roads, it is better to keep a large distance ahead of the car in front of you. Moroccan drivers will not necessarily pay attention to our turn signals.

DON’T CARE THE HONKING

Moroccan roads are noisy, almost everyone honked. The reason is not only to warn of danger, but also the impatience of drivers at traffic lights, honk at pedestrians who walk all over the road, word of thanks for dropping into a lane or paying attention, that someone is letting someone on the roadway.

RENT THE RIGHT CAR

If you are going to Morocco not in your car or motorcycle, it is worth taking care of what kind of vehicle you rent. If you want to drive around cities or tourist regions, suffice an ordinary single-axle drive car. On the other hand, if you want to drive on the roads in the Atlas Mountains, then here you should to rent a vehicle with drive 4×4 or an off-road motorcycle. The reason is this, that in higher parts of the mountains there are few paved roads and there may be snow in the mountains even in summer.

DOWNLOAD MAPS ON YOUR PHONE BEFORE YOUR TRIP

It is important to keep in mind that Morocco is a poor country compared to, for example, European countries, whereby the Internet network is poorly developed. Therefore, it’s a good idea, that before traveling to this country to download maps of the regions where you will be driving and use offline navigation. It is also a good option is to buy paper maps.

AVOID WINTER IF YOU WANT TO DRIVE THROUGH MOUNTAIN PASSES

Snow in the Atlas Mountains falls annually. Although the main roads are open year-round, roads in the higher portion can be blocked for short periods after heavy precipitation. If you intend to drive through a pass such as Tizi-n’Tichka or Tiz-n’Test, be aware, that these roads may be closed from December to March due to heavy snowfall.

AVOID DRIVING AT NIGHT AND DON’T DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL

Roads in Morocco are poorly lit, even the main roads, therefore, when driving at night, special care must be taken. Sometimes you may pass donkeys, oxen or pedestrians without any reflections in the evening. Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited in Morocco, and for this violation you can get a ticket or go to jail.

HAVE ALL DOCUMENTATION WITH YOU

When picking up your rental car, make sure that you have your passport and a valid driver’s license with you Worth also own a credit card or extra cash, to pay the deposit for the rental car. Have all documentation with you when you drive, in case of a police check. The minimum age to drive in Morocco is 18, but many car rental companies require in order that the driver has at least 21-23 years old. It’s a good idea to have an app installed on your phone to translate texts, as the contract will often not be written in English. In the beginning, it is also a good idea to take a video of the car before renting, to “document” the condition of the vehicle, in case the owner wants to tell us that, for example, Somewhere we scratched the car after returning it.

USEFUL INFORMATION

If we want to book a car online in Morocco, we can do it, for example, on Rentalcars.com.

Due to the disobedience of traffic regulations on the issue of priority right by Moroccan drivers, it is better to rent a car with full insurance.

It is advisable to take food and plenty of drinks with you on the road, as stores are rare in the more remote areas.

It’s a good idea to print out a proof of reservation, in order that avoid unpleasantness, just before renting the car.

In Morocco, there is practically no exist something this as priority right, and you usually give way priority right to the more “aggressive” driver.

When driving in rural areas of Morocco, there will be many stalls and huts on the side of the road selling various goods. Often there are fruit, Moroccan tagine, argan oil, and jewelry – don’t forget to haggle!

Gas stations are not self-service. A service employee pumps fuel into the cars and then takes money. Many stations do not have the prospect to pay by card, so it is a good idea to carry cash in a wallet.

You can check current gasoline prices in Morocco here.

Moroccan signs are similar to the European signs. Often, unfortunately, lack street names.

Because of lack of sidewalks outside the cities in Morocco, you have to be careful and watching for pedestrians, especially driving on local and intercity roads.

WHERE CAN TO STAY?

There are many hotels and guesthouses to choose as well as in the Boumalne Dades and along the Thousand Kasb Road. Most often these are motels or 3-star hotels. One of the most prestigious places along the road is the Auberge Chez Pierre. It is a traditional kasbah, built into the hillside, transformed into a 4-star hotel, set among terraced gardens full of fruit trees. It also has a swimming pool, a bar and beautifully decorated at Arabian-style rooms and suites.

TIDBITS

If you don’t feel good to driving a car through the gorge, you can make use of the 4×4 tours that several hotels in the town of Boumalne Dades organize up the Dadès Gorge and along the dirt road to the nearby Todra Gorge.

In place, it’s also worth exploring the canyon on foot. There are several dozen of hiking trails to choose, some lasting from a few hours to even a few days. For example, the route connecting the Dades and Todra gorges takes from two to three days. Most hotels have the option of hiring a guide, and some also offer mountain bike tours.

Police unfortunately not infrequently catch drivers for trivial offenses, such as driving on a solid line. Of course, in the name of the law, but really reason it is extorting money from the driver. Often a “bribe” of $10 or $15 takes care of that.

From the 19th century until 1956, that is, until the local population regained independence, Morocco was a French colony. For this reason, it is possible to communicate in French in many places in Morocco.

SUMMARY

The Dades Gorge road is undoubtedly beautiful, but also dangerous. Measuring almost 130 kilometers in length, whence half of the road is not paved and is covered with gravel, it certainly requires composure and concentration from the driver. Due to the construction of many hotels and guesthouses in recent years, it certainly can’t be said, that it is a desolate place, despite the fact that the Dades Gorge is located among the Atlas Mountains. For a more comfortable drive, it’s best to drive this section early in the morning, when traffic is at its lowest, and you can take many pictures. Certainly, transiting this a route will provide an unforgettable experience.

jonl1973, source flickr (photo edited).

Nawfal Kharbach, source commons.wikimedia.org.

jonl1973, source flickr (photo edited).

Rigel, source Unsplash.

Frida Aguilar Estrada, source Unsplash.

Rigel, source Unsplash.

Nuno Silva, source Unsplash.

Rigel, source Unsplash.

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TAMAGHZA AND GOLDEN CANYON

DAEDALUS CORAL REEF

TRUNK BAY

Artykuł Dades Gorge road pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Daedalus Coral Reef

Adventures No Limits — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 17:39:01 +0000

08.09.2022

DAEDALUS CORAL REEF

In the Red Sea there are undoubtedly many places where can dive and explore the underwater world. However, only some of them are remaining wild and virtually untouched by man. An example of this is Daedalus Reef, where, in addition to various corals, small fish and crustaceans, you can admire hammerhead sharks or oceanic whitetip sharks. Daedalus Coral Reef, together with Elphinstone Reef and Brothers Islands, form the so-called Golden Triangle of the Red Sea. These places are the most visited areas by experienced divers coming to Egypt, and also the most spectacular in terms of flora and fauna.

DESCRIPTION

Daedalus Reef is one of the best diving spots in the Red Sea. It measures 400-600 meters in length (data depending on the source) and 100-150 meters in width. The reef lies in solitude and is surrounded by water that a depth reaches of about 500 meters. The site is characterized by steep walls, except on the southern side, where there is a plateau at a depth of 30-40 meters/90-130 feet. Its remote location makes that is protected from too many tourists, which contributes to the arrival of many sea creatures here. Daedalus is located within the National Marine Park. Can only dive here as part of liveaboard cruises (diving expedition during which participants can stay overnight on the ship). Diving is most often dictated by the currents, which define the direction of the reef. Very often the currents run from north to south. It is best to dive from the eastern side in the morning and finish in the late afternoon on the western side. An artificial island has been created on the reef and a lighthouse has been built, which can be visited between dives. Diving at night is forbidden, due to the rules of the marine park, which are imposed for the safety of visitors. At night are stronger currents, making diving at this time is dangerous. In Daedalus Reef are an abundance of corals, fish and crustaceans, which then attract larger fish. Its location on the open sea makes that the currents here “bring in” a lot of plankton, which is food for many of the creatures here, as well as the world’s largest fish – the whale shark, which usually comes here in July and August. Daedalus Reef is one of the best, if not the best dive site among hammerhead sharks in the Red Sea. For non-technical divers, the allowable dive depth is a maximum of 40 meters.

LOCATION

Daedalus Reef is located 80 kilometers east of Marsa Alam, almost halfway between the coastlines of Egypt and Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea. It is also about halfway from Sharm el Sheikh at the northern end of the sea and Egypt’s southern border with Sudan. Most Egyptian yachts depart from Port Ghalib from the city of Marsa Alam, which is the closest land port. The port can easy arrive from Marsa Alam Airport, which services flights from many major European airports. There is also the alternative of coming to Marsa Alam from the airport from Hurghada, which is apart about less a 4-hour bus ride. Cruises from the port to the reef last about 4-5 hours and usually nightowlish, in order that divers can begin to admire the beauty of the local coral reef at dawn.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DIVE IN DAEDALUS REEF?

Although you can dive in Daedalus year-round, the sea is noticeably cooler from January to March. Most liveaboard cruises offer trips from mid-March to mid-December. The best time to dive Daedalus Reef is from May to July (considering weather factors). However, it is important to remember that you may not see some marine animals during these months! More about this in later part of the article.

CAN EVERYONE DIVE AT DAEDALUS REEF?

Not everyone can dive on Daedalus. You need to have one of the certifications:

– PADI Advanced Open Water

– CMAS 2

– NAUI Experienced

– SSI Advanced Adventurer

There may be another equivalent or higher degree. You must also have at least 50 recorded dives to your account. These requirements are due to the presence of ocean currents, resulting from the location of the reef in the open sea.

WHAT TO PAY ATTENTION TO?

The presence of strong currents requires of confidence and experience in navigating in this type of environment.

Currents on Daedalus can be strong, but their directions are fairly predictable. It is a good idea to take a compass with you to keep orientation in terrain.

Wearing gloves while diving is prohibited.

Be sure to bring adequate thermal protection for diving, as currents make that the deeper you go, the colder the water will be.

Enter to the Daedalus Reef marine park is paid. The price will depend on the number of days on the boat, as well as the number of dives.

You can ask your yacht rental company about the currently prevailing orders and fees on Daedalus Reef.

BEST TIME TO SEE THE WILD INHABITANTS OF DAEDALUS REEF

In the area around the reef you can see various species of sharks, such as whitetip sharks, hammerhead sharks, gray sharks, and even the very rare fox shark, if you’re lucky. Except for sharks, there are many fish to see here, such as Clown Anemonefish, Moorish Idol, Dogtooth Tuna and Mackerel. In summer, there is also a chance to see whale sharks, which swim nearby, feeding on plankton.

The table below shows in which months it is best to observe a particular animal.

Animal	Period
Dolphins	June-September
Sharks	March-December
Mantas	March-December
Turtles	April-December
Jellyfishes	June

ARTIFICIAL ISLAND AND LIGHTHOUSE

The lighthouse was built on an artificial island in 1863. The main reason for erecting the lighthouse at this location was the collisions of several ships with the coral reef. At the southwestern end of the island, which measures 400 meters long and 100 meters wide, there are two long piers, but only one is currently in use. Boats dock here in order that tourists can enter the pier and then walk along it to the lighthouse. It measures 30 meters (98 feet) high and is painted in black and white horizontal stripes. Next to it is a 2-story accommodation building for the Egyptian Coast Guard and Navy. The lighthouse was rebuilt in 1931 and a thoroughgoing renovation made in 1993. Its light can be seen from a distance of 15 nautical miles, that is nearly 30 kilometers.

DAEDALUS REEF IN NUMBERS

USEFUL LINKS

Companies in Egypt organizing cruises among others to Daedalus Reef

https://www.blueplanet-liveaboards.com/en/liveaboards

https://www.seaserpentfleet.com/

Recreational diving degrees

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recreational_diver_training

Polish version

http://www.nurkopedia.pl/index.php/Rekreacyjne_stopnie_nurkowe

Weather at Daedalus Reef

https://weawow.com/c9927289

TIDBITS

The name Daedalus was given by the British Admiralty (the name of the command of the British Royal Navy- Royal Navy). It was responsible for drawing up maps for shipping in this area. The other name of this place is Abu Kizan. It comes from the Arabic word “kizan,” which means pots. Why such naming? Well, on the northern wall of the reef is the wreck of a ship that carried mainly pots on its deck. It crashed about the coral reef and sank. Today there is almost nothing left of the wreck, as it was destroyed by the sea waves and currents.

During an evening cruise to Daedalus Reef, in the middle of the Red Sea, you can admire the beautifully starry sky. In cloudless weather, you can even see the Milky Way.

In peak season, are moored up to 20 yachts at Daedalus Reef, and in the same time can dive 500 divers. This is worth keeping in mind, because if is more people, it is the less chance of seeing sharks.

On the Daedalus Reef is the wreck of the Zealot, which is at a depth of 80 to 120 meters. The ship was carrying cargoes of iron, which are scattered around it. The steamer sank due to bad navigation in the 1980s. The wreck is well suited for exploration by technical divers.

SUMMARY

Seeing a herd of sharks in their natural habitat will be probably an amazing experience for any diver. The Daedalus coral reef is one of the best places in the world to observe whitetip sharks and hammerhead sharks. Mantas, known also as devilfish, can also swim over our heads. Beside including sharks and manta rays, you can search among the corals their smaller inhabitants, such as Clown Anemonefish or Moorish Idol. The reef is also inhabited by giant moray, which can measure even 250 cm in length, which like to hide and rest in rock crevices. If you have a sufficient number of recorded dives and a certificate, it is worth buying or renting a camera to take photos underwater, as the photographs which can take of the flora and fauna will be sure exceptional.

Derek Keats, source flickr (photo edited).

Derek Keats, source commons.wikimedia.org (photo edited).

Derek Keats, source flickr (photo edited).

Gerald Schömbs, source Unsplash.

Derek Keats, source commons.wikimedia.org (photo edited).

Derek Keats, source flickr (photo edited).

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TAMAGHZA AND GOLDEN CANYON

DADES GORGE ROAD

SAN JUAN ISLANDS

Artykuł Daedalus Coral Reef pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Tamaghza and Golden Canyon

Adventures No Limits — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 15:36:11 +0000

16.08.2022

TAMAGHZA AND GOLDEN CANYON

There are 3 oases on the Tunisian-Algerian border. The largest of these is Tamaghza, less than 70 kilometers from the town of Tauzar, where at the turn of November and December the annual is organize International Oasis Festival. Near the village is one of the prettiest desert-mountain canyons in Tunisia, called the “Golden Canyon.” The most beautiful spot to be seen in the area except the canyon is the springs of pure water, flowing into the gorge in the form of amazing waterfalls.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THIS PLACE

In ancient times, the place was called Ad Turres. Thanks to its mountainous terrain with access to water, the town perform a function as a defensive fortress, established by the Roman Empire during its reign in North Africa. Today’s Tamaghza was also a refuge for the local Berber tribes in ancient times. In later centuries, during the Byzantine Empire, the village became the home of a bishopric. The road leading from Shabikah (As-Sabikah), with a length of less than 15 kilometers, was built during World War II. The order for the construction was given by Erwin Rommel, who was a German general field marshal, known as the “Desert Fox” due to his cunning. The reason for the construction was the siege carried out by the Allies, who came from the north. However, thanks to such a move, Rommel flew to break the besetment and turn his troops to the south. In 1930, prehistoric tools and household items, made of stone and clay, were found in the area.

DESCRIPTION

Tamaghza or Tamerza is the largest mountainous oasis in Tunisia. Its main tourist attraction is the Golden Canyon, which is 1 kilometer from the center. Tamaghza is perched on top of a big canyon. It overlooks a vast plain that stretches until to Tunisia’s largest salt lake, called the Chott el Djerid (Chott el-Jerid). In the town there is a 4-star hotel (link here) with beautiful views of the Sahara and an old village. The town can be reached by bus, by off-road vehicle, which can be rented in Tauzar, and by public transportation.

CANYON

The canyon is surrounded by wild desert areas from the south. It is 3 kilometers long (1.8 miles), and the rocks are of contrasting red-orange colors. The colors of the canyon change within the day. It depends on the sunlight, so the canyon looks different at any time. On the gorge can be moved on foot or by renting a donkey, but this is not always possible. While walking through the canyon, you will encounter many small waterfalls, falling in cascades from cracks in the rock. There are two restaurants and a few stalls with soft drinks and tea, but anyway better to take food and something to drink (not alcoholic beverages) with you. The path to the canyon is full of stalls with souvenir. The most visited area of Tamerza Canyon is the route around the Great Cascade, where several dozen of buses with tourists arrive every day. The environment is quite “bleak,” and the main source of income for the residents is sell souvenirs. You can buy all kinds of ceramics, jewelry, shisha, traditional dresses and stuffed desert animals.

WHERE IS TAMAGHZA LOCATED?

Tamaghza is located 14 kilometers north of the village of Shabikah (As-Sabikah), near the Algerian border and 70 kilometers from Tauzar, from where most trips to this site are conducted. It is located at an altitude of more than 300 meters above sea level. Like Shabika, the original village was abandoned by locals after devastating rains in 1969. Its ruins still stand, and residents have moved to a new town, called New Tamerza (New Tameghza), a few hundred meters further west. Tameghza has a population of just over 2,500.

WHAT ELSE CAN BE SEEN EXCEPT THE CANYON?

Natives call the ruins of the former village “the sleeping village of Tamerza.” Some evenings, in the Tamerza Palace & Spa, which has been “watching over” the new village since 1992, holds mystical evenings during which more than 5,000 candles are light.

The sky above the Tamaghza oasis is not “polluted” by artificial light. As a result, during the desert Saharan night silence, it is possible to observe millions of stars, and if you are lucky, also galaxies.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The main good on display at roadside souvenir stalls are the so-called “roses of the desert.” They are collected in the Sahara by children and Arab youth. Local dates are also worth trying.

In the vicinity of the Golden Canyon and the Tamaghza oasis, one should look out for scorpions found in the desert. For this reason, remember in order that always wear covered footwear, preferably made of thicker material.

One should remember that in the desert the days are very hot (remember about hydrate properly during the day), however the nights are cool. Here is a link where you can check the current weather in Tamerza.

TIDBITS

Some scenes for the movie “The English Patient” were filmed in Tamaghza. It is an American war romance filmed 1996 directed by Anthony Minghella.

In October 2000, scenes for the film “In Desert and Wilderness” were shot here.

SUMMARY

Being in the western part of Tunisia, near the Chott el Djerid Lake, Tamaghza is definitely worth a visit. Oases in the middle of the desert are rare, and certainly be good to see such a place with your own eyes. In addition, besides crossing across the Golden Canyon and observing the starry Tunisian sky, there is the possibility of driving off-road vehicles in the nearby desert, which can be rented in the town of Tauzar. Therethrough that Tamaghza is not a large town and does not have many hotels on offer, you can count on quiet and atmospheric evenings among the Sahara desert winds.

Wicheh, source commons.wikimedia.org, (photo edited).

Jerzy Strzelecki, source commons.wikimedia.org.

Jerzy Strzelecki, marketplace near The Great Cascade, source commons.wikimedia.org.

Archiwa: Africa - Adventures No Limits

Brandberg Mountain

BRANDBERG MOUNTAIN

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION

WHO CLIMBED TO THE TOP FIRST?

PAINTINGS

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO KÖNIGSTEIN PEAK?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHERE IS THE TRAIL TO KÖNIGSTEIN LOCATED?

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO NAMIBIA?

TIDBITS

USEFUL LINKS

Brandberg White Lady Lodge

Brandberg Rest Camp

Travel agency organizing ascents to the Brandberg mountains

Königstein mountain trail map

Interactive map of Namibia with tourist attractions

Weather in the Brandberg massif

3D visualization of the view from the Königstein summit

SUMMARY

SHARE AN ARTICLE

SEE ALSO

TAMAGHZA AND GOLDEN CANYON

DADES GORGE ROAD

GERLACH PEAK

Dades Gorge road

DADES GORGE ROAD

GEOLOGICAL HISTORY

BRIEFLY ABOUT THE GORGE

DADES GORGE-WHERE IS IT?

HOW TO DRIVE IN MOROCCO

DON’T EXCEED THE SPEED LIMIT, NEITHER THE SOLID LINE

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE AND DON’T RELY ON TURN SIGNALS

DON’T CARE THE HONKING

RENT THE RIGHT CAR

DOWNLOAD MAPS ON YOUR PHONE BEFORE YOUR TRIP

AVOID WINTER IF YOU WANT TO DRIVE THROUGH MOUNTAIN PASSES

AVOID DRIVING AT NIGHT AND DON’T DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL

HAVE ALL DOCUMENTATION WITH YOU

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHERE CAN TO STAY?

TIDBITS

SUMMARY

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SEE ALSO

TAMAGHZA AND GOLDEN CANYON

DAEDALUS CORAL REEF

TRUNK BAY

Daedalus Coral Reef

DAEDALUS CORAL REEF

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DIVE IN DAEDALUS REEF?

CAN EVERYONE DIVE AT DAEDALUS REEF?

WHAT TO PAY ATTENTION TO?

BEST TIME TO SEE THE WILD INHABITANTS OF DAEDALUS REEF

ARTIFICIAL ISLAND AND LIGHTHOUSE

DAEDALUS REEF IN NUMBERS

USEFUL LINKS

Companies in Egypt organizing cruises among others to Daedalus Reef

Recreational diving degrees

Polish version

Weather at Daedalus Reef

TIDBITS

SUMMARY

SHARE AN ARTICLE

SEE ALSO

TAMAGHZA AND GOLDEN CANYON

DADES GORGE ROAD

SAN JUAN ISLANDS

Tamaghza and Golden Canyon

TAMAGHZA AND GOLDEN CANYON

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THIS PLACE

DESCRIPTION

CANYON

WHERE IS TAMAGHZA LOCATED?

WHAT ELSE CAN BE SEEN EXCEPT THE CANYON?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TIDBITS