Your adventure
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The Red Tadrart is located in the extreme southeastern part of the Tassili and is extending from Algeria to Libya. It is one of the most famous desert regions in the world, as much for its archeological wealth as for its wide range of breathtaking landscapes.
Following your Tuareg guide between canyons and rocky mazes you will cross with him color changing dunes ranging from the clearest yellow to the deepest red. On your way you will have the opportunity to admire sandstone castles, cathedral shaped rocks and plains flooded with light. You will also be discovering the hidden places that are sheltering numerous rock paintings and engravings, in which you can admire the legacy left by amazing dexterity artists of another time! |
Level : Beginner
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*suggestion: Extend your discovery of the region by combining this tour with the "Tassili n'Ajjer tour" or the "Camel trek tour".
You will enjoy
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Day by day
Technical information
Photos
Next departures
Day by day
Arival
You will be greeted at the airport of Djanet by your Tuareg guide and his team. They will accompany you by 4X4 to your first bivouac site at Tigharghart just a few kilometers from the airport.
Day 1 : Tigharghart - El Birge
After a good night’s sleep and a breakfast, one of your guides will take you on a short walk to explore the site of Tigharghart before visiting the renowned rock engraving of “the crying cow".
Upon returning to camp, a lunch will be served to refuel you for the rest of the day's adventures.
Next up, you go on a Four-wheel drive ride to visit the “stone elephant”, one of the most singular works of Mother Nature.
Afterwards, you'll hit the road again, this time towards El Birge, one of the main gateways to the Tadrart.
There, you'll set up your bivouac and enjoy a conforting dinner around the warm and inviting campfire.
Day 2 : El Birge - Moul Naga
After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic hike through Wadi El Birge surrounded by tower shaped mountains and rocky peaks.
During this hike, you will have the opportunity to visit some rock engravings dating back to the Bovidian period.
By noon you will arrive at wadi Markawendi, where your picnic lunch will be served.
After lunch, you will continue your hike towards the Moul Naga area, home to the famous “stone camel” formation and where your camp will be set up. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to admire more rock paintings and soak in the beauty of the surroundings.
Finally, you will witness an unforgettable sunset over the magnificent golden dunes of Moul Naga, providing the perfect end to an incredible day.
Day 3 : Moul Naga - Intehak
On this day, you will continue your progress through the dunes of Moul Naga, observing the golden sandbanks gradually give way to the rocks and cliffs that form the entrance of In Djerane. On your route, you will have the opportunity to admire rock paintings from the Bovidian period dating back to about 8000 years BC.
After lunch in the area of wadi In Djerane, you will continue your walk through changing color dunes, ranging from yellow to red shades, until arriving at the last place of interest of the day, the rock engraving site of Ouenzaouaten.
Finally, you will settle at the Intehak site, where you will set up your camp for the night.
Day 4 : Intehak - Tin Merzouga
Today, your trek will lead you to the discovery of the "Arch of Africa" and the "Ekenesseiet rock", a rock carved by wind erosion to the shape of a hedgehog. You will stop for lunch near this unique rock formation.
Thereafter, you will continue your progression towards the vast circus of Tin Merzouga, renowned for its endless dune cordons that dress up with mesmerizing shades of red during sunset.
You will set up your camp near the massive dune of Tin Merzouga, which the most daring among you can attempt to climb for the chance to witness a breathtaking sunset that will be forever engraved in their memories.
Day 5 : Tin Merzouga - Ouanzawaten
Today, your morning agenda will take you further into the region of Tin Merzouga, where you will begin by visiting the impressive "Sculpture of the World Cup" and the ancient cave paintings of Ouanagain. Next on the list is a visit to "The Circus", an inextricable course of chiseled cliffs that tower over a beautiful canyon, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
After a morning of exploration, you will break for lunch before jumping into the four-wheel drive vehicles heading to the Bohedian area. There, you will discover more ancient rock paintings and the intriguing "Twin Rock Rings", two oddly shaped wind-carved rocks that will surely fascinate you.
As the day comes to a close, you will return to Ouanzawaten for a well-deserved dinner and bivouacking, reflecting on the incredible sights and experiences of the day.
Day 6 : Ounzawaten - Djalati
After breakfast, you will once again board the vehicles and head towards the beautiful Tissataka region.
The day's journey will begin with a visit to the majestic arches of the Tamisguida Cathedral, another impressive rock formation. You will then make several stops at different sites that house an anthology of paintings and rock engravings. Notable among these are the ones at Inahre and Tin Abbadine, as well as thoes of the canyon that bears the same name.
Around midday, you will reach Tissataka, where your lunch will be served.
After lunch, your four-wheel drive journey will continue towards Ouanokssem, where you will have the opportunity to see some more paintings and admire the marine fossils’ rock.
You will conclude the day by setting up your camp near the impressive black dune of Djalati, which you will not want to miss admiring.
Day 7 : Djalati - Djanet
On this final day, you will depart by vehicles towards Djanet city, and if time permits, you will have the opportunity to visit the Tinersou cave, which hides some remarkable rock paintings.
The picnic lunch will be enjoyed in the Tin Amali area, located 30 kilometers from Djanet.
Early in the afternoon, you will return to the city, where you can take a refreshing hot shower or a relaxing hammam.
After this rejuvenating experience, you will embark on a guided tour of the city's historical landmarks, including the Ksar of Djanet, the Djanet Museum, and Djanet's local market, where you can purchase some souvenirs.
To culminate your adventure, you will be invited to either enjoy a dinner with a Meshwi (barbecued lamb) and a musical performance or have a quiet dinner at a local family's house.
* Diner type -Meshwi or local house diner- will be offered depending on two criterias, the size of the group and attendees’ preferences.
Jour 8 : Flight back
On the night between day 7 and day 8, your guide and the accompanying team will drive you to the airport for your night flight, which is typically scheduled for around 1 or 2 am.
N.B
Your guide may have to modify the itinerary mentioned above, in cases of absolute necessity such as weather conditions, road conditions, health of the participants or any other cause related to the safety of the group.
Technical information
TOUR DETAILS
BUDGET
LUGGAGE AND EQUIPEMENTS
REGION INFORMATION
TOUR DETAILS
Departure Point
The all-included tour starts from your arrival at Djanet's Airport and continues until your departure from the same airport.
Transportation
This comprehensive tour combines 4X4 transportation with short hikes.
Physical Level required
The difficulty level can be adapted to the abilities of each participant.
An average of 4 to 6 hours of walking, with a lunch break in the middle, is planned for each day. However, it is possible to opt-out of some hikes by choosing to stay on board the four-wheel-drive vehicle, which will meet the group at each major stage of the hike.
An average of 4 to 6 hours of walking, with a lunch break in the middle, is planned for each day. However, it is possible to opt-out of some hikes by choosing to stay on board the four-wheel-drive vehicle, which will meet the group at each major stage of the hike.
Accompanying Team
The team accompanying you consists entirely of local individuals.
It includes:
It includes:
- At least one experienced and state-certified guide (French and/or English speaking)
- A cook (and possibly his assistant helper for large or medium groups)
- The drivers of the four wheel-drives that will be taking you around
Accomodation
Nights are spent in bivouacs, using igloo-style tents* and foam mattresses provided to you.
Please note that you are responsible for setting up and dismantling the tents.
You will need to bring your own sleeping bag (refer to the "Luggage and Equipment" section for guidance on choosing one). However, that part is not mandatory as Blankets will also be provided.
*Please be aware that tent assignments are based on availability, with priority given to those who registered first for the tour. You will be notified of the tent availability along with the provided quote.
Please note that you are responsible for setting up and dismantling the tents.
You will need to bring your own sleeping bag (refer to the "Luggage and Equipment" section for guidance on choosing one). However, that part is not mandatory as Blankets will also be provided.
*Please be aware that tent assignments are based on availability, with priority given to those who registered first for the tour. You will be notified of the tent availability along with the provided quote.
Meals
Your meals will be prepared on-site by a skilled cook using local ingredients.
At noon, you can enjoy well-filled and filling composed salads, and in the evening, you'll be served hot dishes.
The menu offers simple but high-quality options, including couscous, Taguella (bread cooked in hot sand and served with sauce), pasta, rice, potatoes, dried vegetables, seasonal vegetables, and fruits for dessert.
For breakfast, you can expect a European-style meal with coffee, tea, bread, and butter.
In the afternoon, a small snack will be provided, consisting of tea, dates, and cookies.
At noon, you can enjoy well-filled and filling composed salads, and in the evening, you'll be served hot dishes.
The menu offers simple but high-quality options, including couscous, Taguella (bread cooked in hot sand and served with sauce), pasta, rice, potatoes, dried vegetables, seasonal vegetables, and fruits for dessert.
For breakfast, you can expect a European-style meal with coffee, tea, bread, and butter.
In the afternoon, a small snack will be provided, consisting of tea, dates, and cookies.
Water and Hygiene
Drinking Water
Water is a scarce resource in the desert region, so it's important to conserve it out of respect for the local communities.
The water provided for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth will be stored in jerricans. While the water is drinkable, it is recommended to use water purification tablets (such as ©Micropur or ©Hydroclonazone) as a precautionary measure.
To minimize plastic waste and promote ecological practices, bottled mineral water is not included in the basic package. However, if you would like to have bottled water during your tour, you can request it when booking your tour, and your local guide will provide it for an additional fee payable on-site. Please remember to dispose of empty bottles in the designated garbage bag.
Daily Hygiene
In the desert environment, taking showers is not feasible. However, despite popular belief, the dry climate means you won't sweat excessively, making it easier to go without a shower. Hygienic wipes are an excellent alternative for staying clean and fresh. For environmental reasons, it is recommended to use biodegradable wipes.
Water is a scarce resource in the desert region, so it's important to conserve it out of respect for the local communities.
The water provided for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth will be stored in jerricans. While the water is drinkable, it is recommended to use water purification tablets (such as ©Micropur or ©Hydroclonazone) as a precautionary measure.
To minimize plastic waste and promote ecological practices, bottled mineral water is not included in the basic package. However, if you would like to have bottled water during your tour, you can request it when booking your tour, and your local guide will provide it for an additional fee payable on-site. Please remember to dispose of empty bottles in the designated garbage bag.
Daily Hygiene
In the desert environment, taking showers is not feasible. However, despite popular belief, the dry climate means you won't sweat excessively, making it easier to go without a shower. Hygienic wipes are an excellent alternative for staying clean and fresh. For environmental reasons, it is recommended to use biodegradable wipes.
Young children
Children aged 4 and above can enjoy this type of tour. While the team members are not specifically trained to care for children, they are willing volunteers who can assist you with their needs.
If you are planning to bring children under the age of 4, it is preferable to be in smaller groups of 5 people or less to allow more flexibility in caring for your children.
If you are planning to bring children under the age of 4, it is preferable to be in smaller groups of 5 people or less to allow more flexibility in caring for your children.
BUDGET
The Tour Price Includes
- Transportation in a 4X4 vehicle throughout the duration of the tour, including transfers to and from Djanet's airport.
- Three main meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), as well as a snack and the famous Tuareg tea.
- Accommodation in bivouacs (refer to the "Accommodation" section in "TOUR DETAILS").
- A team of guides consisting of 100% local population (refer to the "Accompanying Team" section in "TOUR DETAILS").
- Visits to sites, entrance fees to natural parks, and participation in activities as indicated in the program.
- A complimentary cheche as a gift from Tatrit Discovery on the first day of the tour.
The Tour Price does NOT include
- Domestic and/or international flights
- Cancellation and/or repatriation insurance
- Visa fees (refer to the FAQ, section "Visa")
- Drinks other than water in jerricans (refer to "Water and hygiene" section in "TOUR DETAILS")
- Personal expenses
- Tips (refer to the "Tipping" section below)
Currency and Payment Methods
The local currency in Algeria is the Algerian dinar (DZD). You can easily exchange it at banks or exchange offices at the airport in Algiers.
Finding an ATMs accepting foreign debit or credit cards in Algiers is not an easy task, but is still possible. However, you won't find any of those in Djanet.
Some stores in Djanet’s market accept Euros with a favorable exchange rate. If needed, your guide can assist you in getting the best rate.
For more information, please refer to the FAQ page under the section "What currency and how to pay for your purchases?"
Finding an ATMs accepting foreign debit or credit cards in Algiers is not an easy task, but is still possible. However, you won't find any of those in Djanet.
Some stores in Djanet’s market accept Euros with a favorable exchange rate. If needed, your guide can assist you in getting the best rate.
For more information, please refer to the FAQ page under the section "What currency and how to pay for your purchases?"
On-site Budget
Although meals are included in the package, it is advisable to have a small budget for personal expenses (such as for purchasing local crafts, giving tips, etc.) and carry enough cash with you. Your budget in Djanet will depend on your desired purchases. As a rough estimate, an average budget of 5000 DZD per adult (including tips) should be sufficient for the duration of your stay in Djanet.
Tipping
Tips are not mandatory, but they are highly appreciated. They should reflect your satisfaction with the quality of the service, the hospitality, and the attentiveness of the accompanying team throughout your stay. Tipping is a way to show your gratitude if you are happy with the service.
As a general guideline, if you contribute to a collective tip with other tour participants, you can consider an amount of more or less, 2000 DZD per person (the exact amount can vary depending on your level of satisfaction).
As a general guideline, if you contribute to a collective tip with other tour participants, you can consider an amount of more or less, 2000 DZD per person (the exact amount can vary depending on your level of satisfaction).
LUGGAGE AND EQUIPEMENTS
Luggages type
- Soft travel bags are highly recommended as they are easier to load into the vehicles. Please avoid suitcases and bags with wheels as the sand can get stuck and damage the wheels. The weight of your travel bags should not exceed 15 kg per person. Note that you will not have access to your bags during the day, but you will get them back each evening when unloading for the bivouac.
- It is also recommended to bring a backpack with a capacity of approximately 25 liters. This will be useful for carrying your daily essentials such as a water bottle, a jacket, your camera, etc.
What to Pack in Your luggage
Personal pharmacy
If you chose to bring a sleeping bag
- Your regular medication if you are under medical treatment
- Pain killers
- Cold and sore throat remedies
- Anti-inflammatory ointment like ©Voltaren for sprains
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Antispasmodic medication
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment: enough for an 8-day course
- Eye drops (for dust, eye infections) and an antibiotic eye cream
- Water purifying tablets like ©Micropur forte or ©Aquatabs
- Elastic adhesive tape (such as ©Elastoplast, 6 cm wide)
- Assorted adhesive bandages
- Disinfecting compresses, non-stick dressings, and sterile dressings
- Blister patches for feet
- High protection sunscreen
- Sunburn cream like ©Biafine
- Insulated water bottle (minimum 1 L)
- Flashlight and/or headlamp
- Swiss Army knife or folding knife (to be packed in checked luggage)
- Quick-drying towel
- Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper (preferably biodegradable)
- Lighter for burning paper waste (to be packed in checked luggage)
- Small waterproof pouch for keeping money safe
- Strong plastic bags for packing belongings
- Small bags for garbage disposal
- Hearing protection (optional)
- Small sewing kit
- Portable charger (Power Bank) for recharging cameras, phones, or other electronic devices
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap + neck protection (a chèche will also be provided, which can be used as a scarf or head covering for wind and sand protection)
- Breathable shoes with soft soles: Hiking shoes are preferred, but sports sneakers can also be suitable (no mesh fabric as the sand will get inside)
- Sandals or comfortable easy slip shoes for the evening
- 1 or 2 pairs of loose-fitting, lightweight, comfortable pants or shorts for hiking
- Shirts: 2 or 3 pieces, preferably long-sleeved to avoid sunburns
- Socks: Thin socks for hiking and thicker socks for the evening
- Tracksuit or comfortable clothing for the bivouac
- Thermal underwear for nighttime
- Sweater(s) and fleece(s) for evenings or cooler days
- Down jacket, gloves, and hat (for the period from December to February)
If you chose to bring a sleeping bag
- From October to April, choose a sleeping bag suitable for temperatures ranging from -5 °C to +5 °C (comfort temperature)
- From December to February, chose a sleeping bag suitable for temperatures ranging from -15 °C to -5 °C (comfort temperature)
REGION INFORMATION
Uses and custumes
Tuaregs are Muslims, and while they are generally open-minded towards foreign tourists, it's important to be mindful of their cultural norms. To ensure mutual respect, it is recommended to refrain from wearing attire that may be considered inappropriate or overly revealing. This includes avoiding clothing with low-cut necklines, sleeveless tops, or very short shorts or Bermuda shorts.
Climat
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The Saharan climate is extremely arid, and rainfall is nearly non-existent.
During the tourist season, which spans from September to May, the most pleasant periods are typically from early October to mid-December and from mid-March to late April. The nights are consistently chilly. Episodes of sandstorms can occur from late February to early March. |
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