Dabous Giraffes

On a sandstone outcrop in the western Aïr two giraffes are carved into the rock, the larger over five metres tall, cut with a precision and confidence that puts them among the finest engravings anywhere in the Sahara. They were made perhaps eight thousand years ago when this was grassland with standing water. Lines run from the muzzles to small human figures below. The site lies inside the World Heritage property.

What you actually see

• The larger giraffe - over five metres, cut with exceptional precision.
• The paired figures - two animals worked on the same rock face.
• The lead lines - marks running from the muzzles to small human figures.
• The green Sahara - evidence of the grassland period the carving belongs to.

When to go

November to February is the cool season. Low sun in early morning or late afternoon shows the carving best. Summer heat is extreme with no shade.

Honest expectations

Access needs a guide, permit and four wheel drive arranged in Agadez. The engravings have been damaged by casts taken and by visitors, and the site is fragile. There are no facilities of any kind.

Nearby

Tafadek is north, and Agadez is south.