Your adventure
Embark on a thrilling adventure to explore the natural and cultural heritage of the breathtaking northwest region of Djanet. With this comprehensive itinerary, immerse yourself in the extraordinary diversity of landscapes and ecosystems in the Tassili n'Ajjer.
As you journey through the Sahara, each day will unveil a different world for you to discover. Marvel at the vast erg Admer and its endless expanse of sand dunes stretching into the horizon. Explore Ticobawine with its gravity-defying rock formations and impressive sandstone arch, and be enchanted by the Ihrir Oasis, a true Garden of Eden nestled at the base of a canyon. As you make your way through these awe-inspiring landscapes, you'll encounter numerous rock art sites from the Neolithic period, allowing you to witness the fascinating cultural history of the region |
Level : Beginner
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You will enjoy
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Arrival
Upon your arrival at Djanet's airport, your Tuareg tour guide and his team will greet you and lead you to your first bivouac site at Tigharghart, which is a short drive from the airport.
Day 1 : Tigharghart - Timghas
After a good night's sleep and breakfast, your guide will take you on a short walk to explore the Tigharghart site and its famous "Crying Cow" engraving, which dates back thousands of years.
You'll return to the camp for lunch and then set out on a four-wheel drive across the majestic dunes of Erg Admer which stand like golden waves in a vast sea of sand.
As you enter the Timghas region, the dune landscapes will give way to a stunning forest of stones and mounds sprouting from the ochre sands. The Timghas region is named after the Tuareg word for "molars," because of the shape of the mounds that decorate the area.
It is in Timghas that you will stop to set up your night camp, offering you a perfect viewpoint on the desert sunset.
Shortly after, dinner will be served for you to enjoy around a warm camp fire.
Day 2 : Timghas - Assassou
After a satisfying breakfast, your day will kick off with a morning walk to explore the remarkable rock paintings of Timghas and the mystical Imourouden cave.
Don't forget to ask your guide about the intriguing legend that gave this region its name.
Around midday you will take a moment to relax and recover from your morning walk in the serene surroundings of Imourouden while enjoying lunch, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere.
In the afternoon, your journey will continue as you venture into the captivating region of Assassou, where more fascinating rock paintings await your discovery.
Along the way, you'll witness a gradual transformation of the landscape, with vibrant shades of green unfolding, revealing an enchanting intertwining of greenery and canyons.
As the day comes to an end, you will find tranquility on the outskirts of wadi Assassou, where you will set up your camp before enjoying dinner by the warm glow of a crackling fire, creating cherished memories and unforgettable experiences.
Day 3 : Tilafasous - Tikoubawin
Today's adventure will begin with a serene morning walk along the bed of wadi Tilafasous, surrounded by stunning sandstone peaks and vast stretches of light-yellow sand that will finally lead you to the rock paintings of Tilalin.
Not far from there, your four-wheel drive vehicles and the rest of the team will be ready, providing a convenient lunch break.
In the afternoon, your knowledgeable guide will lead you on a hike through narrow canyons and sand dunes, unveiling the remarkable landscapes of the Tikoubawin area.
Derived from the Tuareg language, meaning "the swords", Tikoubaouine gets its name from the unique shape of the sandstone rocks, sculpted into peak-like formations by the erosive power of the wind.
You will witness the extraordinary character of this place as you encounter numerous rock paintings and explore the pre-Islamic tomb.
As the day comes to its end, you'll set up your camp close by, before savoring a delicious meal under the starry sky of Tikoubawin.
Day 4 : Tikoubawin - Ihrir
Your day will begin with a brief walk to visit the impressive Tikoubawin arch before your four-wheel drive vehicles arrive to pick you up and take you to Ihrir.
Your journey to Ihrir will be on a tarred road, with a quick detour to Dider to admire the vast Tin-Taghert bestiary engraved on a massive rocky slab. Depicting antelopes, rhinoceroses, ostriches, lions, and over a hundred other animals... This collection of engravings serves as a testament to a time when the savanna covered the region.
After enjoying lunch in the area, you'll return to your vehicles and continue towards your next camping location.
In the evening, you'll settle in the ancient village of Ihrir, where you'll spend the next two nights in traditional Tuareg huts known as Zeribas.
Day 5 : Oasis Ihrir
After breakfast, your vehicles will take you to the top of Idaren's canyon, where you'll start your hike down to the Ihrir Valley. Along the way, you'll be surrounded by the sight of palm trees, reeds sheltering gueltas, and small waterfalls. You will also pass by other Zeribas that are sometimes inhabited by semi-nomadic Tuareg communities.
The area's tranquility, the colors of the sky and the ground, the lush vegetation, and the sound of flowing water give this place an allure of a terrestrial paradise.
After your hike, you'll have a moment of relaxation near the water and greenery of the Ihrir valley, where you can enjoy a picnic that the cook would have prepared for you beforehand and that you would have packed among your hiking gear.
If the weather permits, you may even swim in the deepest guelta in Ihrir Oasis, which is over 10 meters deep and home to various types of fish.
After this delightful break, you'll resume walking alongside the Ihrir oued before returning to camp for dinner.
Day 6 : Ihrir - Essendilène
Today, you will once again embark on a four-wheel-drive journey along a portion of tarred road before sinking into the Essendilène canyon.
On your way from Ihrir to Essendilène, you will stop to enjoy lunch in the quite area of wadi Ouareran.
Upon reaching Essendilène, you will have the opportunity to meet a family of semi-nomadic Tuaregs who reside in their traditional Zeribas and get to engage with the patriarch of the family who holds a wealth of wisdom about the region.
You will set up your bivouac near the canyon of Essendilène, where you can take a leisurely walk if there is still daylight.
Notably, this area holds the former home base of the renowned French mountain explorer and guide, the late Roger Frison Roche, who developed a deep affection for the Algerian desert and dedicated several books to it, including the famous "Le rendez-vous d'Essendilène".
Day 7 : Essendilène - Djanet
After your breakfast, you will embark on a short walk to explore the picturesque Guelta of Essendilène, renowned for its beautiful pink laurels and emerald-green water.
Upon reaching the Guelta, you'll have the option to take a dip in its refreshing water if the temperature permits, or simply dip your feet in the cool water, enjoying its soothing effect.
Once you've finished exploring the Guelta, you'll return to your previous bivouac site where your lunch will be served.
Following the lunch break, you'll hop back on the four-wheel drives and set off towards Djanet City. Along the way, a stop will be made to admire the incredible natural wonder of the stone elephant, a remarkable wind sculpture crafted by Mother Nature.
Arriving in Djanet City in the early afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to unwind and enjoy a rejuvenating hot shower or a relaxing hammam.
Feeling refreshed and relaxed, you'll embark on a guided tour of Djanet's historical landmarks, including the ancient ksar, the Djanet museum, and Djanet's vibrant local market where you can buy unique souvenirs.
To conclude your memorable adventure you'll -depending on the group's size and preferences- either be offered dinner featuring Meshwi (barbecued lamb) accompanied by a lively musical evening or a tranquil dinner at a local family's home, immersing yourself in their warm hospitality and having an authentic cultural experience.
Jour 8 : Flight back
On the night between day 7 and day 8, your guide and accompanying team will transport you to the airport for your late-night flight, usually scheduled around 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.
Departure Point
Transportation
Physical Level required
An average of 4 to 6 hours of walking, with a lunch break midjourney, is to be expected 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
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
Please note that you are responsible for setting up and dismantling the tents.
Sleeping bags are not provided, however foam mattresses and blankets will be provided for your use.
*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
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
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 provided to you during your tour, you can request it when booking your tour, and your local guide will take care of this 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
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.
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
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
Tipping
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).
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
- 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)
Uses and custumes
Climat
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. |