Gebel el Uwaynat, Mountain massif in Northern Sudan.
Gebel el Uwaynat is a mountain massif located at the border junction of Sudan, Libya, and Egypt in Northern Sudan. The formation consists of bedrock with a main ridge and several valleys that drain westward from the higher elevations.
Egyptian explorer Ahmed Pasha Hassanein conducted the first documented exploration of the mountain in 1923, bringing the site and its prehistoric rock art to scientific attention. This expedition marked the beginning of systematic study of the region.
The rock walls display thousands of petroglyphs showing lions, giraffes, gazelles, and human figures that tell the story of early pastoral life in the Sahara. These ancient carvings reveal how people once lived and moved across this now-empty landscape.
The site is remote and difficult to reach, requiring proper desert preparation and equipment for any visit. The cooler months offer better conditions for exploring the valleys and rock formations on foot.
At the western foot of the massif, intrusive granite covered in large boulders hides an unexpected oasis with wells, bushes, and grass in the otherwise barren desert. This green pocket has served as a crucial waypoint for travelers crossing the Sahara.
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