Your adventure
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Guided by a local Tuareg, embark on an unforgettable desert tour to explore the natural and cultural treasures of the breathtaking northwestern region of Djanet. Through this comprehensive itinerary, immerse yourself in the extraordinary diversity of landscapes and ecosystems of the Tassili n'Ajjer, in the heart of the Sahara.
Each day reveals a new world to discover. Marvel at the vast Erg Admer and its endless dunes stretching into the horizon. Explore Ticobawine, known for its gravity-defying rock formations and impressive sandstone arch. And be enchanted by the lush Ihrir Oasis, a true Garden of Eden hidden at the base of a canyon. As you journey through these awe-inspiring desert landscapes, you’ll encounter numerous ancient rock art sites from the Neolithic era — timeless testimonies to the rich cultural history of the Tassili n'Ajjer. |
Level : Beginner
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*suggestion: Extend your discovery of the region by combining this tour with the "Red Tadrart tour" .
You will enjoy
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Day by day
Technical information
Photos
Next departurs
Day by day
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: rock art treasures and golden dunes of erg admer
After a good night's sleep and breakfast, your local Tuareg guide will take you on a short walk to explore the Tigharghart site, home to the famous rock engraving known as "The Crying Cow", a prehistoric masterpiece of the Tassili n'Ajjer.
You'll return to the camp for lunch and then set out on a scenic 4x4 ride across the majestic dunes of Erg Admer, standing like golden waves in a vast sea of sand.
As you enter the Timghas region, the dunes will give way to a stunning forest of stone formations and mounds emerging from the ochre sands. The name Timghas comes from the Tuareg word for "molars," in reference to the distinctive shape of these rocky mounds.
In Timghas, you will stop to set up your night camp, offering a perfect viewpoint to admire the desert sunset.
Dinner will be served around a warm and inviting campfire under the starry Saharan sky, followed by a serving of traditional Tuareg tea.
Day 2 – Timghas to Assassou: prehistoric paintings and lush canyons of the Sahara
After a satisfying breakfast, your day kicks off with a morning walk to explore the remarkable rock paintings of Timghas and the mystical Imourouden Cave.
Be sure to ask your guide about the intriguing legend that gave this corner of the Tassili n'Ajjer its name.
Around midday, you’ll pause for lunch amidst the peaceful setting of Imourouden, surrounded by the calm beauty of the desert.
In the afternoon, your journey continues into the captivating region of Assassou, where more fascinating rock paintings are waiting to be explored.
As you walk, 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, a peaceful moment to end a day of discovery in the Tassili n'Ajjer.
Day 3 – Tilafasous - Tikoubawin: ancient art and sculpted sandstone peaks of the Tassili
Today's adventure begins with a peaceful morning hike along the bed of wadi Tilafasous, surrounded by golden sandbanks and dramatic sandstone peaks.
The trail leads you to the rock paintings of Tilalin, timeless traces of life in the Tassili n'Ajjer.
Not far from there, your 4x4 vehicles and team will be waiting to serve lunch in a shaded spot.
In the afternoon, your guide will lead you through narrow canyons and saharan dunes into the remarkable Tikoubawin area.
The name Tikoubawin, meaning "the swords" in the Tuareg language, refers to the blade-shaped sandstone spires sculpted by wind erosion.
You’ll also explore more ancient rock paintings and a mysterious pre-Islamic tomb that adds to the site’s historical depth.
As the sun sets, you’ll settle in for the night in the peaceful surroundings of Tikoubawin, and enjoy a warm meal under the stars of the Sahara, followed by a traditional serving of Tuareg tea — a moment of exchange and quiet reflection shared with your local team.
Day 4 – Tikoubawin - Ihrir: great arch of Tikoubawin prehistoric bestiary and traditional Zeribas
Your day begins with a short walk to visit the impressive great arch of Tikoubawin, a striking natural feature sculpted by erosion in the heart of the Tassili n'Ajjer. Soon after, your 4x4 vehicles arrive to take you on the road to Ihrir.
Along the way, you’ll make a quick detour to Dider to admire the vast rock engraving site of Tin-Taghert — a spectacular bestiary carved into a massive rock slab. Antelopes, rhinoceroses, ostriches, lions, and over a hundred other animals are depicted, bearing witness to a time when this part of the Sahara was once savanna.
After lunch in the area, you’ll return to the vehicles and continue toward your next overnight stop.
In the evening, you’ll settle in the ancient village of Ihrir, where you’ll spend the next two nights in Zeribas — traditional Tuareg huts that offer a unique and authentic desert experience in the Tassili n'Ajjer.
Day 5 – Oasis Ihrir: scenic hike, gueltas and Tassili n'Ajjer serenity
After breakfast, your vehicles will take you to the top of Idaren Canyon, where you'll begin your hike down to the Ihrir Valley. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by palm trees, reed-covered gueltas, small waterfalls, and other Zeribas — some still inhabited by semi-nomadic Tuareg families.
The tranquility of the area, the contrast between sky and earth, the lush vegetation, and the gentle sound of flowing water give this part of the Sahara the feeling of a terrestrial paradise.
After the hike, you’ll enjoy a moment of rest near the greenery and water of the Ihrir Valley, where you’ll have a picnic prepared earlier by your cook and carried in your hiking gear.
If the weather permits, you may swim in the deepest guelta in Ihrir Oasis, which is over 10 meters deep and home to various types of fish.
After this refreshing pause, you’ll follow the path along the Ihrir Oued back to camp, where a well-earned dinner awaits along with your evening serving of traditionel Tuareg tea.
Day 6 – Ihrir - Essendilène: Tuareg encounters and canyon of legends
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 6 – Ihrir - Essendilène: Tuareg encounters and canyon of legends
Today, you’ll set off on a 4x4 ride along a tarred road before entering the beautiful Essendilène canyon, nestled in the heart of the Tassili n’Ajjer.
En route from Ihrir to Essendilène, you’ll stop for lunch in the quiet and remote setting of Wadi Ouareran, a peaceful moment to recharge surrounded by Saharan landscapes.
Upon arrival in Essendilène, you’ll meet a semi-nomadic Tuareg family living in their traditional Zeribas. This is a chance to witness their way of life and gain insight into the local Tuareg culture that continues to thrive in the desert.
You will set up your bivouac near the canyon of Essendilène, where you can take a leisurely walk if it is still daylight.
This area was once the base camp of the renowned French mountain explorer and guide, the late Roger Frison-Roche. He famously fell in love with the Algerian Sahara and chronicled it in several works, including the classic "Le rendez-vous d'Essendilène".
Day 7 – Essendilène - Djanet: guelta, stone elephant cultural visit of Djanet and and farewell evening
After breakfast, you’ll take a short walk to explore the picturesque Guelta of Essendilène, renowned for its pink laurels and emerald-green waters nestled within the canyon.
Once at the guelta, you may take a refreshing dip if the temperature allows — or simply cool your feet in its soothing water.
After this serene moment, you’ll return to your bivouac site for lunch.
In the afternoon, your 4x4 vehicles will take you back on the road toward Djanet City, with a stop at the stone elephant, a spectacular natural sculpture carved by wind and time.
Arriving in Djanet by early afternoon, you’ll enjoy a well-earned hot shower or a traditional hammam — the perfect way to unwind after days in the Sahara.
Once refreshed, a guided tour will lead you through Djanet’s historic ksar, its local museum, and the lively Tuareg market, where you can shop for authentic crafts and souvenirs.
To close your adventure, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner — either a méchoui (barbecued lamb) accompanied by live Tuareg music, or a quiet evening meal with a local Tuareg family, offering a final taste of Tassili n’Ajjer hospitality.
*Dinner type — méchoui or family-style — will depend on group size and guest preferences.
Jour 8 : Flight back
In the early hours of Day 8, your guide and the rest of the team team will drive you to Djanet Airport for your return flight, usually scheduled around 2:00 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
This all-inclusive tour begins upon your arrival at Djanet's Airport and concludes with 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 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.
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
The team accompanying consists entirely of local people.
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*.
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.
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
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 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.
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
Children aged 4 and above can enjoy this type of tour. While the team members are not trained to care for children, they are willing people who can assist 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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