The Tassili (plateau in the Tuareg language) n’Ajjer is undoubtedly the most majestic of the mountain ranges that characterize the central Sahara region. With its peripheral sandy expanses, it reaches 350,000 km2, twice a country like Switzerland. Its geological formations, its biosphere and above all its famous archaeological sites have earned it its classification in the UNESCO World Heritage List according to 4 different criteria.
During this tour in 4 wheels vehicles, we will explore part of the flank of the Tassili facing south-west, following the road that connects Djanet to Illizi and making incursions into the canyons sculpted by water and wind in its sandstone rocks. Dunes, canyons, oases and stone forests are waiting for you!
After a first short night camping not far from Djanet, we will drive the RN3 towards the oasis of Ihrir about 220 km northwest of Djanet. Halfway, we will establish our camp in the small Ereg of Tawadjadit where we can admire, on one side the plateau and on the other a vast expanse of sand dunes.
The next day, before arriving to Ihrir, we will visit the “slab” of Dider where there are many beautiful rock carvings, including the famous lying gazelle illustrated on the 1000 Algerian dinar bill. We then walk along the pretty Idaren path to reach the small village of Ihrir.
The following day, we will take a walk to visit the Ihrir wadi and its oasis where water is abundant. Plan a swimsuit because a swim will do us the greatest good in this desertic region!
We will then take the road in the opposite direction towards Djanet. Along the way, we will establish our camps in the famous canyon of Essendilène, a real paradise of wild gardens surrounded by steep cliffs; then in the lesser known one of Iwalalaten not far from the famous arch of Tikobaouine.
Then we’ll go off the beaten tracks to camp up the Plateau ! For this, our drivers will use their talent and experience to climb the difficult pass of Issamen on vehicules. Up there, we will discover the specific landscapes of Tassili n’Ajjer and in particular the “stone forests” and see some cave paintings.
Last but not least, before going back to Djanet, we will spend the last night camping at the top of a dune in erg Admer and will be able to admire a breathtaking panorama!
Contact us
– Tour accessible to all and ideal for a first approach to the region because it allows you to discover a wide variety of landscapes (sand dunes, canyons, oases, stone forests)
– The tour will last 7 days
– The journeys will be made in 4 wheels vehicles (about 3 to 5 hours of driving per day)
– Walks of 2 to 3 hours, accompanied by a guide, will allow you to discover the different sites
– Groups are formed of 8 to 16 people maximum
– The management team is made up of guides, cooks, drivers all from the region and with real experience of the Saharan trip
– A member of the Planet Djanet team, speaking Arabic, French and English will accompany you to facilitate exchanges
– To fully experience the Saharan adventure, you have to sleep under the stars. This is why we will spend all our nights camping except in Ihrir where we will be staying in an inn as it is not possible to camp
– Balanced meals will be prepared by a cook. On the menu, coffee, cookies and toast in the morning; varied salads at noon and traditional Algerian/Tuareg dishes in the evening
– A 1.5 liter bottle of water will be distributed to everyone daily
– Except in Ihrir, there will be no showers or toilets during the tour. For personal hygiene, wet wipes will be very useful
– The tour being along a national road, you will sometimes have access to the telephone network (no data)
– The evenings will be animated by members of a Tuareg music group. If you feel comfortable, feel free to participate!