In the land of the Kel Medak, from Sefar, Tamghit to Jabbaren

Departure from Paris for Alger, where you will be welcomed by the charm of the Algerian capital. After completing visa formalities at Alger airport, we will take a flight to Djanet.

Arrival in Djanet around 01:30 in the night of Day 1 to Day 2, you will be transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved night's rest. Enjoy the comfort and local hospitality to rest before the beginning of your Saharan adventure.

By default, we offer trips departing from Paris. However, you can take advantage of all flights to Algérie departing from a large number of European cities. International and domestic flights are not included in our offer, but we can help you organize them upon request.

In the morning, we carry out a 4x4 transfer of approximately 30 km heading North. This journey presents us with some challenges, as the track we follow winds through the sandy bottom of the wadis and crosses small rocky thresholds. The route, although not easy, offers us spectacular views in the heart of the mountains. Each turn reveals new landscapes, from majestic rock formations to sandy valleys that seem to stretch endlessly. We finally join our caravan at Imi n'Oumrat.

After carefully loading the camels, we begin our trek. The layer of sandstone, which now overlies the granites and schists, guides us through breathtaking landscapes.
We walk for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes before choosing the ideal location to set up our caravan and establish our first Saharan bivouac. As the sun begins to descend towards the horizon, we take advantage of the desert's tranquility to settle in and soak in the serenity of the place.

Dead wood is absent on the plateau, and the camel herders must take whatever they can find for their kitchen, reminding us of the logistical challenges of nomadic life. We go up the Wadi Wa Fararen, whose bed is cluttered with blocks rolled by past floods, testifying to the power of the elements in this desert landscape. We continue to evolve in the mountain zone that precedes the plateau, an environment where nature reveals its raw strength and beauty.

A first pass, particularly difficult for the camels, finally allows us to reach the magnificent wadi of Tadjouïset. This passage, though demanding, rewards us with breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment. Each step brings us closer to discovering the hidden wonders of this region.

We establish our camp in the bottom of the wadi, near a guelta (Arabic) / aguelmam (Tamasheq), these precious water reserves that constitute oases of life in the aridity of the desert. These water points, often hidden in rocky crevices or nestled in fissures, are essential for the survival of caravans and local wildlife. Here, water, rare and precious, glistens in the sun, surrounded by sparse vegetation that contrasts with the mineral landscape around it. It is a place of rest and refreshment, where we can rejuvenate ourselves after a long day of walking, lulled by the silence of the desert and the soft lapping of water.

We climb up the Tadjouïset wadi before reaching a vast rocky plateau that leads us into the Eméharaguélé wadi, then into the Aror wadi, which descends from the Assakao pass. We are at the foot of the imposing cliffs that guard access to the plateau. The wadi gradually narrows and becomes a tight gorge through which our caravan slowly climbs. The ascent is punctuated by the «Eh-éh-éh!» cries of the camel herders, shouts that excite the animals and reassure them at the same time.

Incredibly, given the difficulty of the passage, a few remnants of a vehicle track appear here and there. This is the track built by the French military in the 1950s to allow travel from Djanet to Ghat in 6x6 vehicles, without having to go around the Tassili plateau to the south. At that time, the Fezzan (Libya) was administered by French military authority, and this continued until 1956.

We finally escape the gorge by a ramp on the left to emerge suddenly at the Assakao pass (1670 m), with the dark immensity of the plateau before us that we cross toward the northeast. The view from this point is breathtaking, offering a panorama stretching as far as the eye can see over the desert expanses that extend before us.

We begin a descent into a spectacular basin where a beautiful ensemble of rock towers stands, sculpted by erosion and time. These majestic geological formations, which seem to touch the sky, guide us towards the Amazak wadi. The landscape that unfolds before us is breathtaking, with interplays of light and shadow that animate the rock walls. Arriving at the Amazak wadi immerses us in a universe where nature reigns supreme, between imposing rocks and golden sands.

We end the day in the middle of our first stone forest, at Wan Teguedit ("The one of sand"), where we set up a magnificent bivouac at an altitude of 1580 meters. The rock formations surrounding us, sculpted by wind and time, create a magical and almost unreal atmosphere. As the sun begins to set, the stones take on golden hues, offering a breathtaking visual spectacle.

If there are any, our camel drivers go to an aguelmam (pond) to get water, an essential task to ensure our water supply for the coming days. Meanwhile, we climb the Tissoukaï dune, which overlooks our camp. The path through the rocks and sand offers us a breathtaking view of the desert expanses that surround us.

We then join our camel drivers in the Ido wadi to help them with this essential chore. The proximity of a few rock painting sites allows us to take the opportunity to visit them. These shelters, known as Wan Tissoukaï, transport us back in time by revealing the art and culture of the ancient peoples who once populated this region. The paintings, although discreet, testify to the historical and artistic richness of these now deserted lands.

The day continues by crossing a maze of rocky towers that are absolutely spectacular, where each stone tower seems to tell a thousand-year-old story. These geological formations, sculpted by wind and time, create a natural labyrinth that dazzles us with its beauty and mystery.

A little further on, we find the Ido wadi spreading out in a vast plain. This open landscape offers us a clear view of the horizon, where the sky blends with the earth in a harmony of warm colors and sand hues.

We set up our camp in a clear area, in the upper reaches of the Emi n'Kloukout wadi. This privileged location allows us to fully enjoy the tranquility of the desert and the beauty of the stars that are beginning to twinkle above us.

Heading South, then South-Southeast, after crossing a rocky plateau and the In Akatafa wadi, we descend into the In Tararit wadi where we find sand and stone forests. These formations, sculpted by erosion, envelop us in an almost mystical atmosphere, where nature and history are closely intertwined.

Before descending into the In Tararit wadi, we pass through the locality of Tan Ahaggar, where one of the episodes of the famous Battle of Assakao took place in 1920, between the Hoggar and Ajjer Tuaregs. It was the last war between the two parties, marking a historical turning point for the nomadic peoples of the region.

At Tebdjedj, we enter a veritable "avenue" bordered by bell towers or turrets. On a slab at the entrance to the avenue, we can see a curious erotic scene where several characters with enormous genitalia copulate with an animal, offering a fascinating glimpse into the art and customs of the era.

A superb pathway through a stone forest, reminiscent in some respects of Hindu temples, leads us to Tin Tekelt. Beneath a large portico, engraved hands are stained with milk and oil, offerings from a fertility ritual that testify to the spiritual practices of the ancient inhabitants.

We establish our bivouac in the tiset of Tin Tekelt, a vast plaza surrounded by sandstone needles.

After leaving the Tin Tekelt site, we venture deep into the narrow and spectacular gorges of this wadi, where every bend reveals a new geological wonder. We finally emerge into the wide valley of the wadi Tin Arasou ("One of the Calligonum comossum", a shrubby bush typical of the region). This open landscape, invaded by lush vegetation and ringed by imposing cliffs, offers a striking contrast with the narrow gorges we have just crossed.

After descending the Arasou wadi for a while, we abandon it to reach the Tiset d'Idehan n'Elias, a site where the tranquility of the desert is felt in an almost tangible way. Next, we reach the wadi Wan n' Asaqamar, where stands the tomb of a man from the Isaqamaren tribe, a place steeped in history and respect for local traditions.

We continue our exploration by visiting the stone villages of Tin Aboteka and Tin Tazarift, famous for their rock paintings. These petrified villages, though silent and abandoned, are full of traces of past life, notably abundant traces of Barbary sheep, reminding us that life persists even in the most arid environments.

The setting of our bivouac is once again remarkable, located at the confluence of winding paths that provide access to small secluded cirques. Strolling through this site is a magical enchantment, whether in the golden light of day or in the silvery softness of moonlight.

We visit today the "streets" mysterious of Tin Taferiest as well as the northern region of the Sefar site, where each step plunges us more deeply into the ancient history of this region. We then arrive in the famous Valley of the Amazons, so named by Henri Lhote because of its wealth of rock paintings. This emblematic site offers us a fascinating glimpse into past cultures, through works of art that have crossed the millennia.

Not far away, there is a permanent guelta, a vital water point in this arid desert, where we will perhaps be able to renew our water supply. Around this miniature oasis, a variety of vegetation flourishes, including reeds, oleanders and small tamarisks (azawa), adding a touch of greenery to this otherwise mineral landscape.

The afternoon is dedicated to the continuation of the visit to Sefar, a site particularly rich in paintings from the period known as the Round Heads. These prehistoric works of art offer us a window into the past, revealing the ways of life and beliefs of ancient peoples. The name Sefar comes from that of a quality of dates, which, once ripe, display a brown-red color. Close to the rock art site, there is the plateau called Sefar, covered with pebbles of the same color as these emblematic dates. This plateau gave its name to the region, a testimony to the deep connection between the landscape and local culture.

In late afternoon, we cross this desolate plateau before descending into the oued Ni Touhami, where the desert landscape envelops us with its tranquility and austere beauty.

We continue our westward progression, crossing an area particularly rich in natural shelters. Among them, we discover Tin Eras n'Elias, In Itinen (chariot at galloping flight), and Tan Zoumaïtak, famous for its representations of a very beautiful ibex. Each shelter reveals to us a little more of the artistic and cultural heritage of the ancient peoples who once roamed these lands.

An easy climb through the rocks leads us to the edge of the impressive Tamghit canyon, whose depth exceeds 400 meters. This natural spectacle leaves us speechless, contemplating the vertical walls that plunge toward mysterious depths.

We soon enter the valley of cypresses, a unique place where the Duprez cypress (Cupressus dupreziana), called tarout in Tamahaq, thrives. This species, found only on the Tassili, is unfortunately endangered. Due to persistent drought, it can no longer regenerate naturally. Today, only about 250 specimens remain on the plateau, fifty of which are in the Tamghit valley, a poignant testimony to the fragility of our environment.

Our bivouac is established at the outlet of the valley, at Tin Mezouzine, a peaceful place where we can rest and soak in the wild beauty of the desert. The evening promises to be calm, under an infinite starry sky, perfect for reflecting on the full day and the richness of the landscapes we have crossed.

We cross a vast dark plateau, where the immensity of the desert stretches as far as the eye can see, before reaching the In Esou wadi. This arid and mysterious landscape envelops us in an almost timeless atmosphere, where silence reigns supreme.

We visit a few rock shelters along our route, each revealing a small archaeological treasure or a trace of past civilizations. These stops allow us to immerse ourselves further in the rich and complex history of this region.

By late morning, we reach the In Esou guelta, a tiny but vital oasis in this hostile desert. The presence of water attracts a variety of wildlife, and the sparse vegetation surrounding it offers a striking contrast with the surrounding desert landscape.

We continue our southbound progression, where the landscape begins to open up, revealing an expanse that is always equally magnificent. Wide wadis wind through the plateau, creating a complex network of valleys and gorges that shape this desert landscape. Downstream, these watercourses narrow to form narrow and deep gorges, offering an impressive natural spectacle.

We arrive in the highest region of the plateau, where the altitude exceeds 1800 meters. We are now in the region of Jabbaren, nicknamed "the Giants" because of the imposing rock formations that dominate the landscape. Here, we will explore several rock shelters, including the famous shelter "with polychrome bovines." This site is renowned for its rock paintings representing bovines in varied and vibrant hues, offering a fascinating glimpse into the art and cultures that flourished in this region thousands of years ago.

We arrive at the Jabbaren Pass, an emblematic location situated in the Tassili n'Ajjer region, renowned for its spectacular desert landscapes and unique rock formations. From this elevated point, we admire a magnificent view over the Admer erg, a vast expanse of sand dunes located southwest of Djanet. This contrasting landscape, where golden or pink dunes depending on the time of day meet dark rock formations, offers an unforgettable natural spectacle.

After a stop to refresh ourselves, we enjoy a well-deserved picnic at the evening bivouac, where we rest before continuing our adventures.

The afternoon is entirely devoted to visiting the rock paintings, which are a fascinating testimony to the ancient cultures that once inhabited this region. These works of art, preserved for millennia, offer us a unique window into the past and the ways of life of prehistoric peoples.

We move on to Aounrhet, a remarkable site where we discover beautiful rock paintings. These works, engraved on rock walls, transport us through the ages, revealing traces of ancient cultures that flourished in this region. Along the way, magnificent viewpoints punctuate our approach to Tefetest, revealing breathtaking landscapes and nature preserved in all its splendor.

Our bivouac is set opposite the majestic Adjefou mountain, a place steeped in tranquility and wild beauty. As the sun begins to set, golden light envelops the landscape, creating a peaceful and almost mystical atmosphere. We spend the evening savoring this serenity, lulled by the silence of the desert and the soft whisper of wind through the rocks.

We begin our descent through the Ijafen pass, a delicate passage for camels due to its steep slope and uneven terrain. The progression is slow and cautious, but we are rewarded with spectacular views of the desert landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see.

We stop for a well-deserved picnic in the Carana wadi, a peaceful place where the murmur of water and the shade of acacia trees offer an oasis of tranquility.

After the meal and after thanking and greeting our team of camel herders for their support and expertise throughout our adventure, we head back to Djanet. We arrive in the early afternoon, and upon arrival, a nice shower awaits us to refresh ourselves after this long journey across the desert.

Refreshed, we then set out to discover the capital of the Ajjer. We explore its picturesque streets, where every corner reveals a piece of the rich local history, and we immerse ourselves in the lively atmosphere of its emblematic market. Here, Tuareg culture unfolds in all its splendor through vibrant colors, traditional fabrics and handcrafted objects.

After one last dinner, savoring local delicacies one last time, we head to the airport around 10:30 pm. It is with our minds filled with unforgettable memories of our Saharan adventure that we leave this land of contrasts and wonders.

We assist you with check-in in the middle of the Saharan night, under a starry sky that adds a magical touch to this stage of your journey. After check-in formalities, you board your flight which will take you to Algiers in the early morning.

Upon your arrival, you can continue your journey to Paris or other destinations.