Between Assekrem and Taessa, the citadel of the Atakor!
In the heart of the Hoggar, between the pink granites of the Taessa and the volcanic peaks of the Atakor, a camel trek towards the Assekrem.
Duration
9 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
OUR TRIPS ARE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
Tamanrasset region, Hoggar, Tefedest, Immidir, Ahnet and Hoggar Tassili:
Since September 2025, increased restrictions (mandatory escort in Tamanrasset) limit our camel trekking and meharée expeditions, preventing us from taking the emblematic Atakor and Hoggar routes. These constraints undermine the very essence of our expeditions, founded on freedom and adventure.
We are suspending our trips, not without bitterness. Our itineraries remain visible online, a testament to these exceptional Saharan landscapes.
Tamanrasset, December 01, 2025
Accompanied by our guides and camel herders, we discover the heart of Hoggar and Assekrem, and we lead with them the ancestral life of nomads.
Off the beaten track, this highly varied trek alternates between the blonde granites of Taessa and the traditional landscapes of the heart of Hoggar: plateaus and volcanic peaks, valleys and granite mountains, beds of verdant wadis where refreshing gueltas (water pockets) persist.
Tahat (2908 m) dominates the region with its imposing mass. The pink granite of the Taessa massif brings a colorful touch to these volcanic landscapes of Tassa N'Aguenna. On foot, we have complete freedom to venture away from tracks and make pleasant detours to climb summits, cross passes, walk along ridges, cut across mountains and valleys…
We discover in depth these legendary mountains that are the peaks and volcanic pitons of Atakor, territory of the mountain tribes Dag Rali and Adjouh N'Téhélé. In this landscape, which Father Foucauld describes as "lunar", there is gentleness only at the bottom of wadis where huddle the now very rare encampments, and in the light that flows over the mountainsides and that shimmers the jagged distant horizons of the Tuareg country.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
From Europe to Tamanrasset
It is possible to reach Tamanrasset, via Algérie, in different ways and from multiple cities.
From Saturday 21 October 2023, the direct flight from Marseille to Tamanrasset is operational. Chartered flights AIR ALGERIE – Aircraft B737-600 | Baggage allowance 20 kgs in hold and 5 kgs in cabin. Schedules as an indication (LOCAL TIME): Departure Saturday from Marseille at 22:00 or 23:00.
Welcome by our local team and transfer to the inn.
Tamanrasset > Agendou Wan Tamalra Taessa > Atalis
Tamanrasset → Aguendou Wan Tamalra
Transfer to our meeting with the camel team in the plain of Agendou Wan Tamalra (1 450 m).
On foot, we climb up Aguendou Wan Tamalra, then we cross the wadi Outoul or Amsa.
The track rises between the volcanic peaks of Tanemrout (1 936 m) and Akafou up to the Tamharat pass. The beautiful lava pinnacle Adad (the Finger) rises above the wadi Emeharaguele.
We cross Tassa n'Aguenna (the Belly of the Sky), an immense basaltic plateau dominated by Adrar Hegrin (2 051 m). After another plateau, the Adrig Tissekiam, the track comes up against the pink rocks of the granitic massif of Taessa.
The camels follow the track that goes around Taessa and we, on foot, venture deep into the mountain by crossing the strange and solitary site of Edekel, which literally means "the Palm of the Hand".
The ancient Mediterranean flora of the Hoggar is fittingly represented here: olives, myrtles, lavenders, oleanders, Rhus oxyacantha, with leaves similar to those of hawthorn…
Then we continue our hike by climbing onto the plateau that separates the wadi Amsa from the wadi Atalis. The view is magnificent over the Taessa massif to the west, and over the Atakor to the north.
Bivouac in the wadi Atalis.
Atalis > Imezeroug
We follow the Wadi Atalis which rises gently towards the highest volcanic regions of the Hoggar. Midday stop near the In Horeren gorge.
Then the track leaves the main wadi bed, passes behind Admer and crosses the Seguika pass between the two Imezeroug.
Truly magnificent view of the most remarkable summits of the Atakor: the Tezouiag (The Bustards, 2702 m), the Asaouinan (2337 m), the Oul (The Heart, 2602 m), the Taridalt (The Hyena, 2422 m).
Camp in the Taroumout wadi or beneath the Imezeroug mountain where we make, on foot, an excursion to see some rock paintings… The site is very curious because the mountain contains a vast cirque where vegetation grows consisting of olive, lavender and zézéré (Artemisia herba-alba).
Imezeroug > Assekrem > Tin Eguefes
Hike (approximately 2 hours) to Assekrem (2726 m). Visit to the Hermitage of Father de Foucauld and the Brothers who maintain their presence there. We are at the most beautiful viewpoint in the Hoggar.
We leave the Assekrem to the west to find our camels a little further down.
Bivouac in the Tin Eguefes wadi or in the Ihasseyen wadi.
Tin Eguefes > Taessa > Ilaman
We walk across the stunning granite massif of the Taessa (several possible itineraries). We rejoin the caravan in the Ilaman wadi, at the midday stop. We follow the narrow watercourse to the bivouac. We pass through tiny centers of life, with some cultivation.
Ilaman > Essouf Mellen
We leave the oued Ilaman to cross a basaltic plateau from which we can see, to the east, the village of Terhenanet (Dag Rali tribe) which is located in the wadi of the same name and into which we descend.
We follow the oued Terhenanet whose bed is occupied by a curious flow of black or blue basalt winding through the hills. Significant vegetation (oleanders, tamarisks, olive trees) grows there. In the afternoon a steep and delicate track leads us to the deep guelta of In Outer surrounded by reeds.
Bivouac at Essouf Mellen ("the white solitude").
Essouf Mellen > Oued Ouaraguema > Tignal
We continue due south in the Taessa massif surrounded by numerous granite domes.
We bivouac at Tignal, near the Aharar peak.
Tignal > Mawalène > Tamanrasset
Last morning of hiking in a very beautiful wadi often watered and dotted with white and blue rocks.
Our vehicles await us at Mawalène in the oued Aguenar.
After lunch, transfer back to Tamanrasset.
Free afternoon to visit the city. Tamanrasset (located at 1400 m) has become an impressive city in just a few years. Only the city center, with its streets shaded by tamarisks, has retained its original charm.
In the evening dinner at the inn. Rooms will be available (4 people per room) for you to drop off your luggage, rest and take a shower before the transfer to the airport at night.
From Tamanrasset to Europe
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
- Visa fees obtained upon your arrival in Algérie
- Flights to Tamanrasset
- Insurance "Cancellation", "Repatriation" and "Travel Risks", billed according to the options chosen during registration
- Your personal expenses: all beverages during meals at the restaurant and inn (including water), phone calls, tips, etc.
- All costs incurred by a possible extended stay beyond our control and outside the planned program (accommodation, meals and additional transfers, etc.)
Included
- Assistance and transfer between the airport and accommodation in Tamanrasset
- English-speaking Tuareg guide
- Full board accommodation
- Transfer to reach the start of the hiking and return to Tamanrasset
- Tuareg camel team with camels for luggage and supplies transport
- All camping equipment during the hike except your sleeping bag
- Full board throughout your stay
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
