Discovering the Ergs and Forgotten Tassilis - Admer, Tihodaïne, Ifedeniouene
Among golden dunes and sandstone labyrinths, a journey to the heart of the engraved secrets of Tassili N'Ajjer.
Duration
8 days
From
€1,040/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Set off on a Saharan 4x4 adventure from Djanet, at the foot of Tassili N'Ajjer. You first reach the dunes of Erg Admer, then Tafassasset and Tazat mountain, at the gates of the volcanic region of Adrar Ajjer. Your first night in a bivouac awaits you in the dunes of In Abaro.
The journey continues towards Erg Tihodaïne, known for its Neolithic tombs, then to Tin Batoulet, where easy walks allow you to explore a labyrinth of sandstone and discover its rock paintings.
You then set off on foot to discover Tassili Ifedeniouene and its ancient rock art sites, before crossing landscapes where sedimentary rocks and black basalts meet. You finally reach the Afara plain for a last night under the stars.
Back in Djanet, you discover its winding streets and market, experiencing Tuareg culture. A final dinner precedes your transfer to the airport, marking the end of this crossing of the Sahara between 4x4, walking excursions and bivouacs in the desert.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Algiers and flight to Djanet
After completing your visa formalities at Algiers airport, you take your flight to Djanet. Your arrival is scheduled for around 1:30 AM, during the night of Day 1 to Day 2. Upon arrival, you are welcomed and transferred to your hotel, where you can rest before beginning your adventure in the Sahara.
From Djanet to In Abaro via Erg Admer
Djanet → Tin Abaro
You leave Djanet, nestled at the foot of the great cliff of Tassili N'Ajjer, and head towards Erg Admer. You skirt its golden dunes that stretch towards the west, before continuing your journey to the ends of Tafassasset, in the heart of vast desert landscapes. Your itinerary then leads you facing the Tazat mountain, whose mineral reliefs mark the volcanic region of Adrar Ajjer and contrast with the surrounding sand expanses.
At the end of the day, you reach the dunes of In Abaro, where you set up your camp. You enjoy the sunset and the calm of the desert before spending the night under the starry sky of the Sahara.
Exploration of the Erg Tihodaïne
Tin Abaro → Erg Tihodaïne
You continue your crossing of the great Saharan landscapes, leaving behind the Ajjer barrier to reach the Erg Tihodaïne, located between Djanet and Illizi, along the north-western slope of Tassili N'Ajjer.
This almost circular erg, approximately 45 km in diameter, is home to numerous funerary tombs dating from the Neolithic period as well as several archaeological sites, including Acheulean sites testifying to ancient human presence in the region. At its heart also stands a small mountain range that contrasts with the expanses of dunes.
You take time to explore this environment between dunes, rock formations and traces of the past, before setting up your bivouac in the heart of Erg Tihodaïne. The day ends in the calm of the desert, surrounded by Saharan landscapes.
Exploration of Tin Batoulet and Its Rock Paintings
Erg Tihodaïne → Tin Batoulet
At sunrise, you enjoy the first light on the dunes of the erg, before getting back into the vehicles to reach Tin Batoulet. There, you set off on foot to discover this labyrinth of sand and sandstone formations, shaped over time by water and wind. Along the way, you observe several rock paintings preserved on the rock faces, traces of the populations who once traveled through the region.
After taking time to explore the various passages and rock formations of Tin Batoulet, you set up your bivouac in the heart of this desert landscape. The evening unfolds around a campfire, in a friendly atmosphere, before spending the night under the Sahara sky.
Exploration of Tassili Ifedeniouene
This day is dedicated to discovering Tassili Ifedeniouene. You set out on foot to explore this vast labyrinth of sandstone and sand, punctuated by rock formations shaped by erosion and numerous rock art sites. Walking allows you to take time to observe the paintings and engravings that bear witness to several millennia of human presence in the Sahara.
The rock art of Tassili notably represents characters, animals and various scenes testifying to the populations that occupied the region and periods during which the climate was more humid. The diversity of styles and representations also makes it possible to distinguish several artistic groups and different periods.
After this day of exploration on foot, you set up your camp in the heart of Tassili Ifedeniouene. You enjoy the last light on the rock formations before spending another night in the calm of the desert.
From Tassili Ifedeniouene to Tasset, Between Sandstone and Volcanic Landscapes
Tasset → Adrar N'Ajjer
You leave the Tassili Ifedeniouene to gradually reach the volcanic region of the Adrar Ajjer. Along the way, you observe the contrast between the brown sedimentary rocks of the Tassili and the black basalts, witnesses to local volcanism.
You continue your progression to the Afara plain, a vast expanse open in the heart of the Sahara, before reaching Tasset, where you set up your bivouac for the night.
During this crossing, pay attention to traces of the fauna of the Ajjer, largely nocturnal. The region is home in particular to fennecs, jackals, foxes, rodents, reptiles and many bird species. Gazelles and cheetahs have become rarer there. Another day in the heart of the mineral landscapes of the Sahara ends at sunset.
Goodbye Algeria
After breakfast, you make your way around Adrar Ajjer to reach Bordj El Haouas, also called Zawatalaz and formerly Fort Gardel. You then rejoin the road connecting southern Algérie to Illizi and follow the Tassili towards Essendilène.
You discover the Essendilène gorge, known for its guelta, these bodies of water nestled in the heart of rock formations. The site was notably brought to light by Roger Frison-Roche in his novel Le Rendez-vous d'Essendilène, inspired by the landscapes and life in the Sahara.
You then continue on the road towards Djanet, where you arrive in mid-afternoon. After a rest and shower at the hotel, you set off to discover the streets and market of Djanet, where fabrics, traditional objects and crafts bear witness to Tuareg culture.
After a final dinner, transfer to the airport around 10:30 pm for your departure.
Goodbye!
In the heart of the Saharan night, you are accompanied for check-in formalities at Djanet airport. After this final step, you board your flight to Alger, where you arrive in the early morning.
Alger → Aéroport De Paris
Upon your arrival in Algiers, you can continue your journey to Paris or another destination, depending on your return flight.
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 payable upon arrival in Algerian territory
- International and domestic flights to Djnet
- Insurance "Cancellation", "Repatriation" and "Travel Risks"
- Your personal expenses: all beverages during restaurant meals
- All expenses incurred by any potential independent extended stay
Included
- Welcome and transfer to Djanet on the night of Day 1 to Day 2
- Hotel or guesthouse in Djanet on Double or Twin room basis
- Comfortable and equipped 4x4 vehicle journey for this type of expedition
- English-speaking Tuareg guide with extensive knowledge of the region
- All Saharan bivouac equipment except sleeping bag
- All logistics throughout the entire 4x4 raid
- Full board throughout your stay with us
- Room available in Djanet on Day 8
- Meal 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
