The mountains are ancient - they were formed by volcanic activity hundreds of millions of years ago. Over time, wind and rain slowly carved them into the dramatic rocky landscapes you see today. Many of the valleys are green and shaded, with date palms and acacia trees lining dry riverbeds that fill with water when rains arrive.
The Tuareg people have lived in and around the Aïr Mountains for centuries. They know every valley, every water source and every hidden path through the rocks. Their traditional knowledge of the landscape has been passed down through stories, songs and practical skills from one generation to the next.
Rock art discovered across the Aïr tells the story of the Sahara's past. Thousands of ancient carvings show giraffes, elephants, buffalo and even crocodiles - all animals that roamed here when the Sahara was a greener, wetter place. The mountains are like an open-air museum of deep time.