JOURNEY!" SAHARA SAFARI

Series: JOURNEY!

Year Published: 1970s

Description: This episode of "Journey!", hosted by Jack Douglas, documents an adventurous 2–3 week Mountain Travel USA expedition through southern Algeria and the Sahara. Beginning in Algiers and Tamanrasset, the group travels by Air Algérie, Land Rover, Unimog, on foot, by donkey, and finally by camel with a Tuareg caravan. The journey explores the rugged Hoggar Mountains, prehistoric grinding sites and rock art, desert villages, traditional food and mint tea, water conservation, overnight bivouacs, Islamic religious practices, and local handicrafts. The expedition culminates in a climb near Mount Assekrem, encounters with dramatic volcanic peaks, a Tuareg camel race, and the travelers' return to modern Algiers after their extended journey through the remote Sahara. Note: Mountain Travel, USA, The Adventure Company, is now known as Mt. Sobek.

0:00 - Jack Douglas introduces Mountain Travel USA's Sahara Safari expedition in Algeria.

1:08 - Guest Tom McHugh details the three-week journey involving hiking, climbing, camel riding, and desert travel.

1:49 - A map shows the Sahara stretching across North Africa, starting from Algiers down to Tamanrasset.

2:50 - The 12-person group arrives in Tamanrasset, meeting local Tuareg residents and outfitter Jean-Louis Bernaza.

3:52 - Travelers drive Land Rovers 160 miles to the village of Merutek, staying in thatched zeribas huts.

4:48 - The group abandons vehicles, hires donkeys, and begins a multi-day trek into the rugged terrain.

6:00 - Hikers discover prehistoric grain-grinding sites and rest for lunches prepared with minimal water.

7:36 - The strenuous trek continues past 7,000-foot Mount Iscarnney Head into the Hoggar Mountains.

8:40 - Travelers explore ancient caves, cross boulder-strewn terrain, and receive medical aid for minor injuries.

9:31 - Reaching a water hole, members bathe and examine ancient rock art showing a wetter prehistoric climate.

11:35 - The expedition demonstrates baking bread in hot ground coals before bivouacking under the stars.

13:01 - Donkeys transport gear through steep mountain passes to nightly meeting points arranged by local guides.

14:19 - Returning to Merutek, the group travels south by vehicle to rendezvous with a 25-camel Tuareg caravan.

15:17 - Travelers learn camel mounting and control techniques using unique neck-resting foot positions.

16:36 - Sandstorms force the creation of mattress windbreaks before the group ascends 9,100-foot Mount Assekrem.

17:58 - The group visits Father Foucauld's hermitage and ascends rock spires like the 8,700-foot Sinan Needle.

19:36 - After three waterless days, travelers and camels resupply at a water hole before cleaning their campsite.

20:26 - Following a Tuareg camel race, the expedition flies back from Tamanrasset to Algiers.

21:40 - Jack Douglas and Tom McHugh examine local Tuareg leather handicrafts and reflect on the safari highlights.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz4RssXEUBs

Metadata Source:YouTube