Dunes and Volcanoes of Ajjer - From the Erg Tihodaïne to the Adrar N'Ajjer
Through the Tihodaïne erg and the volcanoes of Adrar N'Ajjer, a camel trek at the gates of Tassili where pink sandstone and black lava create an unknown Sahara.
Duration
15 days
From
€1,490/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
Imagine yourself crossing desert landscapes of breathtaking diversity, where each dune and each rock tells a millennia-old story. I invite you to experience a unique Saharan adventure, where the majestic dunes of the Tihodaïne erg border the chaotic and fascinating formations of the Tassili d'Ifedaniouène, rich in history and rock art. Then, let yourself be surprised by the Adrar N'Ajjer, a little-known volcanic massif, dotted with cones and calderas that transform each stage into a visual discovery. This camel trek is much more than a journey, it is a total immersion in breathtaking landscapes, an adventure that will remain etched in your memory.
Ready to explore these unusual terrains and experience something extraordinary? Join us for this Saharan getaway where each day reveals a new landscape, a new emotion.
This camel trek is designed to live "the Saharan way". Accompanied by our Touareg guides and camel herders, we discover the western slope of Tassili n'Ajjer, and we lead with them the ancestral life of nomads. This camel trek takes us into a region located northwest of Djanet. We follow the edge of the plateau, navigating between the dunes of the Erg Admer and the high sandstone cliffs, to penetrate the heart of the Tassili through its fissures, canyons and lush oases. Of rare diversity, the omnipresent rock art invites us to imagine the life of these populations in a distinctly more verdant period. We are touched by the charm and incredible diversity of this ancient eroded land whose sun-scorched stones see the millennia pass by in the silence of the desert.
The route is very varied, as in most traditional Tassili landscapes :
Bare plateaus and jagged sandstone where wadis wind through, forests of stones and labyrinths, shelters and caves carved at the foot of rocks.
A collection of dunes lost among the rocks, sand flows seeping through the midst of sandstone towers.
Secret guelta pools embedded in stone.
Rock paintings and engravings that testify to the presence of numerous populations and animals in very ancient times, and a climate that was once much more humid.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
DJANET > ERG TIHODAINE
A day of driving to take us to the foot of the great dunes of the erg Tihodaïne.
At the end of the day we rejoin our camel caravan under the tamarisks of Enedjeda.
ERG TIHODAÏNE > TASSILI N'IFEDANIOUENE
The dunes of the Tihodaïne erg mark the beginning of our 11-day trek. The great tooth of Edjelé introduces the exploration of Tassili N'Ifédaniouène whose beauty is only matched by the secretive nature of its architecture. Three remarkable rock art sites enhance the visit to this Tassili chaos.
A famous legend intertwines the various remarkable rocks of the region: your camel drivers will readily tell you about the romantic contests between Emezeriren and Adaredj, two men competing for the beautiful Telout, a pretty volcano, slightly south of the two sandstone bastions bordering the Afara plain.
AFARA > TADJASSET > IN ARAMAS
All the wadis in the sector drain their waters into the Afara plain, a cirque dominated by sandstone sentinels. A village of the same name has developed on its edge. This vast basin becomes covered with vegetation as soon as rains water the upstream plateaus; nomads from all over the Ajjer can then concentrate there, offering a teeming life that one might have thought disappeared long ago.
We then cross the Tadjasset and Ighaghar wadis, which lead us towards the foothills of the Tasset tassili, where we gain a foothold through a col in a narrow gorge; we encounter the tombs of the amenokal Enot, assassinated there by his slave. The plateau, quite horizontal, is scattered with castles that one would like to visit all. A few rock shelters present interesting paintings.
The crossing of the Tasset wadi marks a boundary; its waters have carried far the residues of volcanic erosion from its southern bank. Beyond extend the fields of volcanic scoria.
CROSSINGS OF THE ADRAR N'AJJER
We approach the Adrar N'Ajjer range whose highest peak in the region, Mount Azao, rises to over 2100 metres. We approach it from its northern flank, a genuine chaotic labyrinth of strangely eroded lava stumps, through which camels progress with difficulty. The slopes of Azao are rippled with brown and black. Numerous camel trails pass at its foot.
The typically basaltic environment consists of large plateaus dominated by superb volcanic cones featuring surprising craters; rains fill them, forming as many perched lakes, and especially excellent unexpected pastures. The vegetation trapped in the ''tanout'' delights the herds of camels belonging to the Tuareg families of the region. The contrasts between black pumice and pink sandstone are to our knowledge absolutely unique. Rope lava, basaltic flows, lava pillows, perfect cones, are typical of volcanic activity not very far away. We have the surprise of discovering a few isolated specimens of Laperrine olives on the edge of a crater.
Rich in its rock paintings sites and its confidential guelthas, this overlooked massif is of great beauty and the panoramas are grandiose. On the edge of the volcanic massif, we make a round trip to the astonishing Ouanjerolan collapse.
TIN SELFINE > DJANET
Descent from the rocky Tin Selfine pass to reach the plain, until meeting up with the 4x4s; tall trees mark the bottom of the wadi; we had not seen wood since the Ighaghar wadi. We part ways with our camel team before heading to Djanet and our accommodation from the first evening. Free visit to this lovely little town then meal. In the evening, transfer to the airport.
DJANET > ALGIERS > PARIS CDG
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Domestic flights Algiers Djanet Algiers
- The cost of the visa obtained upon arrival on Algerian territory
- Insurance "Cancellation", "Repatriation", "Travel Risks"
- Your personal expenses: all beverages during meals at the restaurant and hotel (including water), telephone calls, tips at your discretion, etc...
- All costs incurred by any potential extended stay beyond our control outside the planned program (accommodation, meals and additional transfers, etc.)
Included
- Welcome and transfer to Djanet during the night of Day 1 to Day 2
- Hotel or guesthouse in Djanet on a double or twin room basis
- 4X4 vehicle journey to reach the start of the camel trekking
- Camel team with pack camels
- English-speaking Tuareg guide with extensive knowledge of the region
- All Saharan bivouac equipment except sleeping bag
- All logistics during the camel trekking
- Full board throughout your stay
- Return trip to come back to Djanet on day 15
- Room available in Djanet on Day 15
- Meal at the restaurant in Djanet of your choice
- Transfer and assistance for the Djanet Algiers flight
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Algeria for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Algeria, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into the country and have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada must be in possession of a valid visa to enter Algeria for a tourist stay. There is no visa exemption for these nationalities.
The visa must be obtained before departure, from the Algerian embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence. It is recommended to apply several weeks in advance, as processing times may vary.
Documents generally required for a visa application include:
a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity,
a completed and signed visa application form,
recent passport-sized photos complying with required standards,
a return flight ticket or booking,
proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
The authorized length of stay is generally 30 days, depending on the conditions mentioned on the visa issued.
Travel with children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport covering the duration of their stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Health
No vaccination is officially required to enter Algeria for nationals of the EEA, Switzerland, and Canada. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure and to ensure that basic vaccinations are up to date (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A).
It is also advisable to take out international health insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the Algerian embassy or consulate of their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to have assistance-repatriation and foreign medical expenses insurance.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required and must be requested from the consulate (consular fees apply, processing time 2-3 weeks). An invitation letter or accommodation certificate is required. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date. Conditions can be stringent. We strongly recommend verifying the rules applicable to your nationality with the Algerian consular authorities before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 140 and 240 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (350-700 euros return) are additional. The Algerian Sahara (Tassili, Hoggar) requires a specific budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to match your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Professional Association of Tourism Solidarity) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Great Saharan South
Pioneer of Algeria's great deserts, based in Ghardaïa / M'zab (puis Alger à partir de 2006)
The desert is not crossed with an itinerary alone. It demands listening, respect, and a certain inner availability.
— Louiza
