Le dromadaire

Terres Touareg

The dromedary: the emblematic animal of the Algerian Sahara

The dromedary is without doubt the most emblematic animal of the Algerian Sahara, particularly for the Tuaregs. Often mistakenly referred to as a ‘camel’, it is in fact a dromedary,
as it has only one hump, unlike the Asian camel. Majestic and intelligent, the dromedary is indispensable to the Tuareg people, as much for its
transport qualities as for its resistance to the extreme conditions of the desert.

The Mehari dromedary: the Touareg saddle animal

The mehari is a type of dromedary native to North Africa, bred specifically for riding. Adapted to racing in the Sahara, the méhari literally means ‘saddle dromedary’ in North Africa. Today, organised desert treks on the back of a dromedary are known as ‘méharées’, giving travellers the chance to experience a real adventure in the heart of the Algerian Sahara and to discover the life of the Tuareg people.

Characteristics of the Mehari

The Mehari is distinguished by its white coat, slender stature and natural elegance. Measuring between 1.80 m and 2.10 m in height and weighing between 450 and 650 kg, it is an animal perfectly adapted to the arid conditions of the Algerian Sahara. Thanks to its long eyelashes and ability to close its nostrils, it protects itself from the sand during storms. Its light coat helps to limit the rise in temperature, while its thick lips enable it to eat thorny plants.

The Mehari dromedary also has a hump filled with fat, which serves as a reserve in case of drought, and its feet are adapted to walking on sand. Endowed with an exceptional memory, it can find its way back to its master even after many years.

Dromedary habitat

The Mehari dromedary is mainly associated with the desert areas of North Africa, particularly in countries such as Somalia, Sudan and Ethiopia, but also in the Algerian Sahara, the birthplace of the Tuareg people. Although it originated on the Arabian Peninsula, it is now a symbol of the Sahara, capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 50 degrees.

Mehari food

The mehari, like all dromedaries, is a ruminant herbivore belonging to the camelid family. It feeds mainly on thorny plants, dry grasses, bark and seeds. It needs six to eight times more salt than other animals, preferring halophytic plants rich in salt and water. Thanks to its long neck, it can reach the leaves of trees and helps vegetation to regrow by eating only certain parts.

The dromedary is the only mammal capable of drinking up to 50 litres of water at a time. In the dry season, it can survive up to three weeks without drinking, and in the cool season, up to six weeks. During hot spells, it saves water by reducing its sweating and using the fat stored in its hump as a reserve.

Dromedary behaviour

Dromedaries live in groups of 10 to 20 individuals, made up mainly of females and an adult male. Males can become aggressive during the breeding season, fighting for control of the herd. Gestation in females lasts around 14 months, and they give birth to a single calf, capable of walking a few hours after birth.

The camel dance: a Tuareg tradition

Dance is an important part of Tuareg culture. During festivities such as the famous Sebiba festival, the Tuareg dance with their camels in a spectacle known as the ‘camel dance’ or ‘Ilougan’ in Tamacheq. This event highlights the deep bond between the Tuareg people and their meharis.

In Niger, the Aïr festival also celebrates the richness of Tuareg culture, with camel competitions. There are dance, song and poetry competitions, and of course dromedary races, where the most beautiful and best-trained camels are rewarded.

The Mehari dromedary is an essential animal for the Tuareg people, symbolising their nomadic way of life in the Algerian Sahara. Its adaptability, robustness and intelligence
make it an indispensable companion in desert regions. A true emblem of the Sahara and of the Tuareg tribe, the mehari continues to occupy a central place in the
lives of nomads and cultural festivities, while seducing travellers from all over the world through meharées and traditional celebrations.

The dromedary: the emblematic animal of the Algerian Sahara
The dromedary: the emblematic animal of the Algerian Sahara
The dromedary: the emblematic animal of the Algerian Sahara

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