Dunes and volcanoes of Ajjer - From the Tihodaïne erg to Adrar N'Ajjer
Through the Tihodaïne erg and the volcanoes of Adrar N'Ajjer, a camel trek at the gateway to Tassili where pink sandstone and black lava create a little-known Sahara.
Duration
15 days
From
€1,520/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
Imagine yourself advancing into the heart of the Algerian Sahara, between dunes, rocky plateaus and landscapes shaped by time. From the great dunes of the Tihodaïne erg to the tormented formations of the Tassili d'Ifedaniouène, rich in rock art, each stage reveals a new face of the desert. Further on, the Adrar N'Ajjer reveals a volcanic environment dotted with cones and calderas. This camel trekking invites you to experience the desert in the "Saharan" way, alongside our Tuareg guides and camel drivers. Together, you discover the western slope of Tassili n'Ajjer and share, during your journey, the rhythm of nomadic life. The itinerary takes you to a region located northwest of Djanet. You skirt the edge of the plateau, between the dunes of the Erg Admer and the high sandstone cliffs, before penetrating into the heart of the Tassili through its crevices, canyons and lush oases. Throughout the route, rock paintings and engravings testify to the ancient presence of populations and animals, at a time when the climate was much more humid. This rock art accompanies your progress and allows you to imagine the life that once animated these landscapes now marked by the silence of the desert.
The diversity of landscapes gives rhythm to the trek: bare plateaus and jagged sandstone, wadis winding between the reliefs, stone forests and rocky labyrinths, shelters and caves carved at the foot of rocks. You also cross sets of dunes nestled between rock formations, where sand seeps between the sandstone towers, before discovering secret guelthas set in stone. An immersion at the pace of walking and the camel caravan, discovering the landscapes, rock art and nomadic life of the Tassili n'Ajjer.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Flight from Paris to Algiers
Paris Aéroport → Alger
Head to Paris to catch your flight to Algiers. You cross the Mediterranean to reach the Algerian capital and begin your journey in Algérie. Upon arrival, you take your first steps in the country before continuing your itinerary.
Route to the dunes of the Tihodaïne erg
You leave for a day trip by vehicle heading towards the large dunes of the erg Tihodaïne.
At the end of the day, you meet up with your camel caravan under the tamarisks of Enedjeda, where you complete this first stage at the gateway to the desert.
Hiking in Tassili N'Ifédaniouène
The dunes of the erg Tihodaïne mark the beginning of your 11 days of trekking. Your itinerary takes you towards the great tooth of Edjelé, which opens up the exploration of the Tassili N'Ifédaniouène, marked by a rock architecture as secret as it is singular.
As you trek, you discover three remarkable rock art sites, nestled in the heart of this Tassili chaos.
The landscapes are also linked to stories passed down in the region. Your camel drivers tell you the legend of Emezeriren and Adaredj, two men rival for the beautiful Telout, represented by a volcano located a little further south of the two sandstone bastions that border the Afara plain.
From the Afara Plain to the Tasset Plateau
Afara → Tadjasset
All the wadis in the sector drain their waters into the plain ofAfara, a cirque dominated by sandstone sentinels. A village of the same name has developed on the edge of this vast basin, which becomes covered in greenery when rains water the plateaus upstream. Nomads from throughout the Ajjer can then gather there, giving the place a teeming life.
You then cross the wadis Tadjasset and Ighaghar, which lead you towards the foothills of the Tassili de Tasset. You reach the plateau by a pass nestled in a narrow gorge and pass near the tombs of the amenokal Enot, assassinated in these places by his slave. The plateau, largely horizontal, is dotted with formations evoking castles. A few rock shelters also reveal interesting paintings. The crossing of the wadiTasset marks a new stage. Its waters have carried far away the residues of volcanic erosion from its south bank. Beyond extend the scoria fields of volcanoes.
Volcanic landscapes and rock paintings
You approach the Adrar N'Ajjer mountain range, dominated by Mount Azao, which peaks at over 2,100 meters. You progress along its northern flank, through a genuine labyrinth of lava formations where camel advancement becomes more difficult. The slopes of Azao display brown and black hues, while numerous camel tracks pass at the foot of the massif.
The basaltic environment consists of vast plateaus dominated by volcanic cones with striking craters. When rains fill them, perched lakes form and the vegetation that grows in the « tanout » offers pastures appreciated by camel herds of Tuareg families in the region. As you progress, the black pumice contrasts with pink sandstone. Cordage lava, basaltic flows, lava pillows and volcanic cones bear witness to the volcanic activity of the region. At the edge of a crater, you also discover a few isolated specimens of Laperrine olives.
The massif also shelters rock painting sites and confidential gueltas. On the border of this volcanic region, you finally make a round trip to the Ouanjerolan collapse.
From the Tin Selfine Pass to Djanet
Adrar N'Ajjer → Tin Selfine
You begin the descent of the rocky Tin Selfine pass to reach the plain, where you meet up with the 4x4 vehicles. Large trees mark the bottom of the wadi, vegetation you hadn't encountered since the Ighaghar wadi.
This is where you part ways with your camel team, after several days of trekking by their side. You then head towards Djanet and return to your accommodation from the first night. You take advantage of free time to discover this lovely little town, before sharing your final meal.
In the late evening, transfer to Djanet airport.
Tin Selfine → Djanet
You then head towards Djanet and return to your accommodation from the first evening. You enjoy some free time to discover this charming little town, before sharing your last meal.
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 expenses incurred by any possible prolonged 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 guest house in Djanet on a double or twin room basis
- 4x4 vehicle journey to reach the start of the camel trekking
- Camel trekking team with pack camels
- English-speaking Tuareg guide with extensive knowledge of the region
- All Saharan bivouac equipment except sleeping bag
- All logistics during camel trekking
- Full board throughout the stay
- Return route to come back to Djanet on day 15
- Room available in Djanet on Day 15
- Meals at the restaurant in Djanet according to 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
