Assekrem

Assekrem is a high plateau in the Hoggar (Ahaggar) Mountains of southern Algeria. Located in the central Sahara near the town of Tamanrasset, the site sits at elevated terrain that affords expansive views across the surrounding desert and the rugged, volcanic and sedimentary rock formations characteristic of the Hoggar.

The plateau is notable for its historical association with the early 20th-century French priest and explorer Charles de Foucauld, who established a hermitage at Assekrem. He and his companions lived there for several years, and a small chapel and the ruins of the hermitage remain as a testament to this period. The site is frequently mentioned in accounts of Foucauld’s Sahara missions and is visited by travelers interested in religious history and desert exploration.

Assekrem is a popular destination for sunrise and sunset, offering dramatic light over the Sahara and the surrounding ridges. Access is typically by road from Tamanrasset and involves a winding ascent to the plateau. The area is traversed by trekkers and four-wheel-drive vehicles, and the landscape is characterized by stark rocky scenery, sparse vegetation, and a sense of isolation.

Beyond its cultural and scenic appeal, Assekrem is part of the broader Sahara landscape that draws visitors for geological and natural interest. The plateau’s views, geology, and historical associations contribute to its status as a notable landmark in southern Algeria.