Camel trek between Hoggar, Amadror and Tefedest
Four weeks by camel in the immensity of the Sahara, from thousand-year-old salt flats to the granite peaks of the Tefedest.
Duration
30 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
During 4 weeks of camel trekking, you cross the landscapes of the Hoggar, the vast Amadror basin and the Tefedest massif. The itinerary begins in the heart of the Atakor reliefs, which you cross slightly east of Assekrem. The basaltic plateaus then give way to the Hirafok plain, then to the volcanic reliefs located north of Ideles, before reaching the Amadror basin and its salt pans, once important to the Hoggar economy and linked to the history of salt caravans. From the Amadror basin, you then head northwest towards Garet El Djenoun, the "Mountain of Genies" of the Tuareg. Located at the northern tip of the granite Tefedest massif, it dominates the surrounding plains. Its circumnavigation from the north marks the beginning of the second part of the itinerary. The caravan then heads south along the western slope of the Tefedest, a granite massif that extends along a north-south axis for nearly 200 kilometers. You cross the sandy expanses of Tefedest T'an Mellet (the White Tefedest) to the Igmaten domes, which mark the southern tip of the massif. You then continue towards Tamanrasset by approaching the western slope of the Atakor through deep enclosed valleys.
This camel trek also exists in a three-week version, with vehicle pickup in the Adenek wadi, south of the Tefedest.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Tamanrasset
Upon your arrival, you are welcomed by our local team and transferred to Tamanrasset. You settle in at the Caravansérail, where you stay on full board.
Crossing from Atakor to Amadror
You will follow a fairly direct track that crosses the Atakor, slightly east of Assekrem, crossing a pass at approximately 2,600 m altitude. You will then progress over large basaltic plateaus cut through by deep fissures, where the Issaqarassen gueltas (1950 m) and Iguef Mellen are nestled. The route gradually descends towards the Hirafok plain (1,500 m). After passing at the foot of the Ouksem volcano (1,196 m), you will skirt for a while the great Erarar wadi.
You will then enter the Tourha massif, partly covered by sand. At the level of Mont Azrou n'Fad, you will head northeast in order to cross the Amadror basin towards the Tissemt Salt Works.
Although the track is perfectly known by our team, this itinerary is intentionally presented in broad outline. The exact route is adapted on site depending on terrain conditions, the abundance of pastures, the state of water points, climatic conditions and the watering needs of the animals. The different stages are therefore decided as you go: this camel trek is experienced above all as an adventure, rather than as a day-by-day planned journey.
Towards Garet El Djenoun
You continue your journey crossing the watershed line of the two major river basins. To the north, the wadis flowed towards the Amgid breach and the large depressions in central Algérie, while behind you, the waters were lost in the direction of Lake Chad and the Gulf of Guinea. You then reach the head of the Ighalghar wadi, in the heart of a vast and austere landscape. In the distance, the eastern face of Garet El Djenoun emerges. The caravan then circles around the relief to reach its northern slope, where you set up camp in the Ens Aguelmanen wadi.
From Garet El Djenoun to Wadi Adenek
The Garet El Djenoun rises above the vast surrounding plains, with a silhouette evoking the bow of a ship. After skirting around it, you reach the vast bed of the Ouhet wadi, which you follow in the direction of a water point surrounded by a few palm trees. You then continue due south along the western slope of the Tefedest massif. You reach the Timaqatin cirque, where large rounded domes with smooth flanks emerge from the sandy plain. At their feet stretches a wadi dotted with tamarisks. Your progression then alternates between rocky passages and sandy zones. You successively cross several wadis: In Takoufé, with sandy banks, Abezzou, where imposing tamarisks grow, then the Adenek wadi.
From Wadi Adenek to the Tesselit of Tagmart
You leave the Adenek wadi and cross a pass that leads you to the foot of In Teferkit. The caravan progresses between the rounded masses of several domes, the last true foothills of the Tefedest massif. You then reach domes with smooth flanks, including Igmaten (1478 m), which overlooks the Tineleft wadi (1000m). You are now in the Aréchoum depression, which separates the volcanic massif of the Hoggar from the granitic massif of the Tefedest. Before you gradually emerge the mountain barrier of the Hoggar and the dark mass of Mount Tahat. You cross vast plains interspersed with granitic reliefs and glimpse the horizontal profile of the Assekrem plateau, surrounded by volcanic peaks.
You gradually gain altitude while to the east appear the high volcanic peaks of the Atakor. The Tahat, the highest point in Algérie at 2,908 m, becomes your main landmark. Still heading south, you cross a succession of granitic thresholds and increasingly enclosed valleys. The track runs along a vast flow of dark blue basalt descending from the heights of the Atakor. After crossing the Essouf Mellen plain, the White Solitude, you finally reach the rounded domes of the Tesselit of Tagmart.
Your camel trek is coming to an end. After this final stage, a short transfer takes you to Tamanrasset. You settle into the Caravansérail inn, where you stay on a full board basis.
Free day in Tamanrasset
This safety day allows for flexibility in the itinerary to compensate for any potential delays in the caravan's progression during the 27 days of camel trekking.
Tamanrasset 🡪 France
You arrive in France in the early morning, depending on your chosen arrival city, marking the end of your journey.
Price per person
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
- The pre-transportation Province-Paris
- Cancellation Insurance, Repatriation and Travel Risks
- Your personal expenses: all drinks during meals
- All expenses incurred by any possible extended stay
Included
- The round-trip flight
- Air and security taxes
- Movements according to the program
- 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.
OUR TRIPS ARE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
Tamanrasset region, Hoggar, Tefedest, Immidir, Ahnet and Tassili du Hoggar:
Since September 2025, increased restrictions (mandatory escort in Tamanrasset) limit our camel trekking and mehara expeditions, preventing us from using the iconic Atakor and Hoggar routes. These constraints undermine the very essence of our expeditions, which are founded on freedom and adventure.
We are suspending our trips, not without regret. Our itineraries remain visible online, as a testament to these exceptional Saharan landscapes.
Tamanrasset, December 01, 2025
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
