The Tassili n’Ajjer or n’Azjjer (plateau of cows in the Tuareg language in reference to bovidian paintings) 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 walking tour, we will explore the southern part of the plateau, where there is one of the most important sets of rock art in the world, including the mysterious “round heads”. We will follow in the footsteps of the expedition led by the French explorer Henri Lhote and his Tuareg guide Jebrine who were the first, in the 1950s, to reveal to the world the archaeological wonders hidden in the middle of the “stone forests”, these geological formations so characteristic of the Tassili.
After a short transfer from the airport, we will join the team of Tuareg guides and their pack donkeys who will carry our luggage, supplies and all the equipment necessary for our trip.
Waking at the first light of dawn to benefit from mild temperatures, we will begin the long ascent of the plateau by the Agba Tafilalet path. Here, in the middle of huge scree, we will move slowly on the bends of a steep path. Although a bit strenuous, the climb is not without interest for visitors and you will discover a very varied vegetation. It will take about 4 hours to climb the 700 vertical meters leading to the summit. Up there, we will see on one side, the immense dune expanse of Erg Admer and on the other, a completely bare rocky plateau.
After a short lunch break, we will continue our walk in the middle of a rather monotonous setting before seeing in the distance, like a fortress, the “forest” of Tamaghit. Arrived on site, we will find our team who will have taken care to set up camp not far from a guelta (waterhole) where we can cool off. In the afternoon, our guide will take us to discover the “Cypresses of Tassili”, these millennial trees endemic to the plateau. We will also discover the first paintings of “round heads” as well as the vertiginous canyon of Tan Zomaitek.
On the second day, rested, we will take the direction of the northeast towards the forest of Titeghas n’Elias and the wadi In Itinen where the rocks sculpted by erosion, higher, look like skyscrapers. In addition to the many paintings, we can admire a magnificent natural arch.
The next day, we will visit In Etouhami then Tan Tazarift 
where there are many frescoes from the period of particularly mysterious and well-preserved Round Heads, such as the “swimmer”, “the laying woman” or “the archer”, according to the names given by H. Lhote. In the early afternoon, we will arrive at the emblematic “lost city” of Sefar where the sandstone rocks carved by erosion draw an urban landscape with its avenues, alleys and public squares. High place of prehistoric art, Sefar has no less than 15,000 paintings of different styles and periods, some of which, of imposing sizes, follow one another on the same wall. The visit to this open-air museum, which will be spread over two days, will lead us to the famous scene of the “Great God” through which Neolithic artists probably illustrated one of the oldest myths of humanity.
The last stage of our adventure will take us to Jabbaren, which means “giants” in Tuareg in reference to the many prehistoric paintings of gigantic dimensions found there. One of them, the “Martian God”, unfortunately quite damaged, is almost six meters high! The presence of camp facilities, almost intact, left by the exploration mission of H. Lhote will give us the feeling that time has stood still in this place.
Finally, we will end with the descent of the plateau by the Agba Aghoum path, shorter than the climb but even steeper. It will be necessary to pay attention to the grips on this very uneven ground. At the bottom, we will be expected by our vehicles which will take us to Djanet where we can shower and stroll the rest of the day before the transfer to the airport.
– Trek requiring good physical condition, especially during the ascent and descent. For adventure lovers, the reward at the end of the effort is well worth the effort! – The circuit will be spread over 7 days
– Groups are formed of 8 to 12 people
– Depending on the pace of the participants, the walking time varies on average from 4 to 6 hours per day
– The management team is made up of guides, cooks, donkey 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
– All nights will be spent camping
– 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/Touareg dishes in the evening
– A 1.5 liter bottle of mineral water will be distributed to everyone daily
– There will be no showers or toilets during the tour. For personal hygiene, wet wipes will be very useful
– No access to the telephone network on set
– The evenings will be animated by members of a Tuareg music group. If you feel comfortable, feel free to participate !