Tahat

Tahat is the highest peak in the Hoggar Mountains of southern Algeria and the Sahara Desert. The summit rises to approximately 2,918 meters above sea level and is regarded as the Sahara’s loftiest point. Tahat is located in Tamanrasset Province, near the town of Tamanrasset and the Assekrem plateau, within the Ahaggar volcanic region that shapes the central Sahara.

Geologically, the Hoggar Mountains consist of Precambrian igneous and volcanic rocks. Tahat’s rugged summit and surrounding terrain reflect this ancient geologic history, with rocky slopes and barren, wind-sculpted features that are typical of high Saharan terrain.

The climate is hot desert, tempered by altitude. The lower slopes endure extreme daytime heat, while nights can be very cold. The high elevation keeps conditions cooler than surrounding deserts, and the summit can experience snow on rare winter incursions. Flora is sparse, limited to hardy desert plants in sheltered spots, with fauna in the region adapted to arid conditions, including various reptiles and Saharan mammals in the broader Hoggar area.

Access to Tahat is primarily by trek from southern Algeria, often starting from Tamanrasset and traversing the Hoggar’s high plateaus. Climbs are considered challenging due to altitude, loose rock, and variable desert weather, and typically require careful planning, acclimatization, and local guidance. Tahat stands as a significant geographic landmark and a symbol of Algeria’s Saharan landscape.