Aures Mountains of Algeria: Tibirine and Tighaminime

The Aures Mountains are the eastern continuation of the Saharan Atlas, which is located in northeastern Algeria and northwestern Tunisia.

Tibhirine

Tibhirine is an area located in Medea not far from Algiers that has housed the Abbey Notre-Dame of Atlas from 1937-1938. It was founded by the monks of the Abbey “Our Lady of Aiguebelle”. The Abbey includes twelve hectares of land. The name Tibhirine in Tamazight means “gardens”. The monks worked seven of twelve hectares of the agricultural area and the villagers of Tibhirine could access everything cultivated by Brother Christophe – tomatoes, zucchini, potatoes, beans, peas, chili, and cauliflower. Some of these are still sold at the market together with the fruit gathered from 2.500 trees spread over five hectares. These include figs, plums, cherries, blackberries, rhubarb, etc. The income from the trade is used to maintain the monastery.

Tighaminime

Tighaminime is enclosed between gorges of the Aures Mountains. When you enter the gorge, the road crosses a place called Taghit Nath Bou Slimane that is in the form of a circle. The Gorge offers magnificent views and excellent trekking conditions. You will be able to see beautiful rocks formed in various shapes by the changing weather. Light plays on these forms adding beauty to the gorge. If you are lucky, you may also see a Barbary ape. A visit to Tighaminime will offer vast and endless views of the Aures Mountains.