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
From
€1,090/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
Accompanied by your guides and camel drivers, you set out to discover the heart of the Hoggar and Assekrem, sharing with them the rhythm of nomadic life. Far from the beaten path, this trek takes you through landscapes that change with each step. You move from the blonde granites of Taessa to the Hoggar reliefs, between plateaus and volcanic peaks, valleys, granite mountains and verdant wadi beds, where a few guelthas still remain, these pockets of water that dot the desert.
Dominating the region, Tahat (2,908 m) accompanies these landscapes, while the pink granite of the Taessa massif contrasts with the volcanic reliefs of Tassa N'Aguenna. Trekking on foot allows you to venture away from the tracks, cross passes, walk along ridges and make your way through the mountains. You thus discover the volcanic peaks and pitons of Atakor, territory of the mountain tribes Dag Rali and Adjouh N'Téhélé. In these landscapes that Father de Foucauld described as "lunar", the wadis still shelter rare encampments, while the light accompanies your progression through the reliefs of the Tuareg country.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Tamanrasset and welcome
You join Tamanrassetvia Algérie, with several departure options from different cities.
Since October 21, 2023, a direct flight between Marseille and Tamanrasset is also offered on board an Air Algérie B737-600 aircraft. The baggage allowance includes 20 kg in the hold and 5 kg in the cabin. Flight times are provided for information purposes, with departure from Marseille on Saturday at 22h00 or 23h00, local time.
Upon your arrival in Tamanrasset, you are welcomed by our local team, then transferred to your guest house.
Aguendou Wan Tamalra to Wadi Atalis Hiking Trail
Tamanrasset → Aguendou Wan Tamalra
You are transferred to the Agendou Wan Tamalra plain (1,450 m), where you have an appointment with your camel team who will accompany you for the rest of your journey.
Aguendou Wan Tamalra → Oued Atalis
On foot, you climb up Agendou Wan Tamalra, before crossing the wadi Outoul or Amsa. The track then rises between the volcanic peaks of Tanemrout (1,936 m) and Akafou, up to the Tamharat pass. Above the Emeharaguele wadi stands the lava plug Adad, nicknamed "the Finger". You then cross Tassa n'Aguenna, "the Belly of the Sky", a vast basaltic plateau dominated by Adrar Hegrin (2,051 m). After crossing another plateau, Adrig Tissekiam, you reach the pink rocks of the granitic massif of Taessa. While the camels follow the track skirting Taessa, you continue on foot through the heart of the mountain to the isolated site of Edekel, whose name means "the Palm of the Hand". You observe flora composed of olive trees, myrtles, lavenders, oleanders and Rhus oxyacantha, with leaves similar to those of hawthorn.
Your hike continues with the climb onto the plateau separating Amsa wadi from Oued Atalis. From there, you enjoy a view of the Taessa massif to the west and Atakor to the north. At the end of the day, set up camp in Atalis wadi.
Hiking in Wadi Atalis
Oued Atalis → In Horeren
You continue your hike following the Oued Atalis, which gradually rises toward the high volcanic regions of the Hoggar. At midday, you stop near the In Horeren gorge, before continuing your route.
In Horeren → Imezeroug
You gradually leave the main wadi bed to pass behind Admer, before crossing the Seguika pass, located between the two Imezeroug.
From your itinerary, you discover the main peaks of the Atakor: the Tezouiag, "The Bustards" (2 702 m), the Asaouinan (2 337 m), the Oul, "The Heart" (2 602 m) and the Taridalt, "The Hyena" (2 422 m). You then set up your bivouac in the Taroumout wadi or at the foot of the Imezeroug mountain. From the latter, you set off on foot to discover some rock paintings. The mountain also shelters a vast cirque where olive trees, lavender and zézéré (Artemisia herba-alba) grow.
Ascension of the Assekrem and Hermitage of Father de Foucauld
Imezeroug → Assekrem
You set off for a hiking climb of approximately 2 hours to the Assekrem (2 726 m). Upon your arrival, you visit the Hermitage of Father de Foucauld and meet the Brothers who maintain his presence there. From this vantage point, you discover the landscapes of the Hoggar that stretch out around you.
Tin Eguefes > Taessa > Ilaman
Tin Eguefes → Ilaman
You trek on foot through the granite massif of Taessa, following one of the different possible routes through its reliefs. At midday rest, you rejoin the caravan in the Ilaman wadi. You then follow the narrow course of the wadi to your bivouac site. Along the way, you pass through small centers of life, dotted with a few crops.
From Wadi Ilaman to the Guelta of In Outer
Ilaman → Essouf Mellen
You leave the oued Ilaman and cross a basaltic plateau. To the east, you catch sight of the village of Terhenanet, attached to the Dag Rali tribe and settled in the wadi of the same name, towards which you descend. You then follow the oued Terhenanet, whose bed is traversed by a striking flow of black or blue basalt winding between the hills. Oleanders, tamarisks and olive trees accompany your progress.
In the afternoon, a steep and delicate track leads you to the deep guelta of In Outer, surrounded by reeds. At the end of the day, you set up your bivouac at Essouf Mellen, "the white solitude".
Hiking in the heart of the Taessa massif
Essouf Mellen → Tignal
You continue your hike due south through the Taessa massif, surrounded by numerous granite domes that accompany your progression. At the end of the day, you reach Tignal, near the peak Aharar, where you set up your bivouac for the night.
Last hike to Mawalène
Tignal → Mawalène
You enjoy a last morning of hiking through a wadi often watered, dotted with white and blue rocks. You then rejoin Mawalène, in the wadi Aguenar, where vehicles are waiting for you for the rest of your itinerary.
Mawalène → Tamanrasset
After lunch, you head back to Tamanrasset.
The afternoon is free to explore the city, located at 1,400 meters altitude. Tamanrasset has now become an important city, while its center retains its original character with its streets shaded by tamarisk trees.
In the evening, you have dinner at the inn. Rooms are put at your disposal, with four people per room, so you can drop off your luggage, rest and take a shower before your transfer in the night to the airport.
From Tamanrasset to Europe
You take your night flight from Tamanrasset and arrive early in the morning in the city of your choice. Depending on your flight, you can also travel directly to Marseille from Tamanrasset.
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 Algeria
- Flights to Tamanrasset
- Insurance for "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 (water included), telephone, tips, etc
- All expenses incurred by a possible extended stay beyond our control 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 hiking departure point and return to Tamanrasset
- Tuareg camel team with camels for luggage and supplies portage
- All camping equipment during the hike except your sleeping bag
- Full board throughout the 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 Hoggar Tassili:
Since September 2025, increased restrictions (mandatory escort in Tamanrasset) have limited our camel trekking and méharée expeditions, preventing us from taking the emblematic 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 bitterness. Our itineraries remain visible online, 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
