Canyons and Gueltas of Tassili n'Ajjer
Camel trekking in the heart of Tassili n'Ajjer, between sculpted sandstone towers and secret waterholes
Duration
9 days
From
€750/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
This beautiful and short camel trek immerses us at the heart of Saharan life. Accompanied by our Touareg guides and camel herders, we explore the western slope of the majestic Tassili n'Ajjer, living at the ancestral rhythm of nomads. This fascinating excursion transports us to a region located northwest of Djanet, where we follow the edge of the plateau, navigating between the golden dunes of the Erg Admer and the high sandstone cliffs. We penetrate to the heart of the Tassili by following its cracks, canyons and lush oases.
The Tassili is a world of remarkable diversity, where ancestral rock art evokes the life of populations in an era once far more verdant. The ancient eroded earth, marked by the sun and millennia, charms us with its incredible variety. The journey takes you through varied traditional Tassili landscapes:
Bare plateaus and jagged sandstone formations where wadis wind.
Stone forests and labyrinths, shelters and caves carved at the foot of rocks.
Lost dunes among the rocks, with streams of sand flowing between the sandstone towers.
Secret gueltras set into the stone.
Rock paintings and engravings testifying to the presence of ancient populations and rich fauna, at a time when the climate was far more humid.
This camel trek is an immersion at the heart of the beauty, history and nature of Tassili n'Ajjer, an experience where each day holds new surprises.
STAGES AND SCHEDULE
15 to 20 km per day are covered on foot.
In the morning, departure between 6 and 7am. Start between 8am and 9am. Stop between 12pm and 2pm. In the afternoon, departure between 2pm and 3pm. Evening stop around 5pm. That is, 5 to 7 hours of walking per day.
The terrain is gently undulating and walking is generally easy despite sometimes rocky relief. Many short breaks for visiting rock art or natural sites.
When we do not meet up with the caravan for lunch, the transport of the collective picnic is ensured by the participants.
ITINERARY
It is given as an indication and can be done in either direction. It depends on the season, weather conditions, pastures and water sources. Before departure and even on site, itinerary variations can be proposed taking into account the wishes and physical capabilities of the groups.
For technical reasons, this itinerary can be done in the reverse direction without its quality being affected.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
PARIS > DJANET via Algiers
Paris Aéroport → Alger
It is possible to reach Djanet, via Algiers, in different ways and departing from different cities depending on your options.
By default, we schedule the journey departing from Paris.
In Algiers, you obtain your visa and then you change terminals to take the domestic flight Algiers > Djanet.
DJANET > DIDER (TIN TEHERT) > TAN EDGEMADI
Djanet → Dider
By 4x4 vehicle we reach the northern region of Ajjer, the vast Dider basin as the starting point for our camel trekking.
By midday we are ready to go. Lunch is taken near the Assar guelta, the only permanent water point in the region.
In the afternoon, we pass through the mountains and descend to the Tin Tehrert rock art site.
Late afternoon is the perfect time to admire the engravings; indeed, these are on a barely inclined slab and only the glancing light preceding sunset allows us to admire them in all their splendor.
Dating from the Bubalian era (approximately – 8000 years ago), it is an entire bestiary that these mysterious Neolithic men left us. The non-exhaustive list includes several giraffes, gazelles, owls and even a rabbit. All of unequaled artistic quality and sometimes of impressive size (an entirely decorated cow is more than 6 meters long).
Before nightfall, we cross the plain that stretches below us to find our caravan at the Tan Egemadi camp.
Walking time: Intentionally, we do not mention walking times because, often on this itinerary, we arrive at the camp site at midday after covering about ten kilometers. Then, in the afternoon, we set out to discover these fascinating environments rich in discoveries.
TAN EDGEMADI > UPSTREAM OUED TIN MATINE
We leave the great depression of Dider. Two very beautiful rock art sites await us along the way. Dating from the Bovidian and Proto Berber period, a new crowd of animals (especially cattle) invites us to imagine what life could have been like for these men and women during a period so much greener than today.
The Emintanamast pass marks the end of the Dider plateau and on the other side we find ourselves in an entirely different landscape. Sand makes its appearance and we establish our bivouac north of a small dune.
After a good midday salad, we explore the surrounding heights in search of large sandstone slabs containing a multitude of marine worm fossils of all sizes.
TIN MATINE > TAN RAÏCHA
We descend the wadi of Tin Matine to arrive in the morning at the guelta of Circaya. We help our camel drivers fill up with water before setting off again. The landscape opens up again for a few hours and after leaving the Tin Séga mountain on our right, we stop in the wadi Tan Raicha.
In the afternoon, the most courageous can attempt the climb of Tin Séga, while others can choose a more leisurely walk to admire the second guelta of Circaya.
TAN RAÏCHA > OUED AZATORAT
Crossing a small pass allows us to reach the Oued Tin Amadasartofan. This quite complicated name actually means: Black Earth. By scratching the surface of the soil, we discover sand of a quite unique color and texture. We go back up the Oued Tin Amadasartofan and the small pass of the same name allows us to descend into the Oued Zaouiat. Our south-east direction forces us to cross the numerous oueds that descend from the plateau and generally go in the south-west direction, so it is quite quickly that we pass into the Oued Azatorat, where we stop for lunch.
In the afternoon we leave the camels and go up the oued to a magnificent guelta. Then a donkey path gives us access to the impressive canyon upstream of the guelta. Cut into the plateau, this gorge just a few meters wide offers us a lovely walk in the shade of its vertical walls several tens of meters high. We then return to meet our camel drivers for the bivouac at the place where we had our lunch.
OUED AZATORAT > OUSANELAM
A beautiful morning hike brings us to Ousanelam and one of the most beautiful bivouacs on the circuit. Astonishing small cliffs form a network of "streets" which, due to their sunken nature, are always very lush. We thus have a good opportunity to discover the richness of desert plants.
In the afternoon we set off again on an exploration. We will admire the Ousanelam arch which, although completely unknown (probably only because it is inaccessible to 4x4s), is one of the most beautiful in the region.
OUSANELAM > ABISCHOUAL
The caravan passes again in front of the arch from the day before and the photographers will therefore have another chance to photograph it with the morning light. It is today that after a small pass we arrive at the edge of the intermediate plateau. The landscape opens up entirely and, at the bottom of the large Tanahat valley that stretches out before us, we can see the first dunes of the Erg Admer. Guardian of the place, the double peak of Endalac marks the separation between the sand and the plateau. Just before reaching its base, we head back towards the east to quickly reach the Izoras plain and the midday break.
We then continue by the most difficult pass of the circuit. Obviously, it is only for our loaded camels that the Ouan Bender pass poses some problems, and we will support our camel drivers in order to supervise our animals during the descent. At the foot of the pass, an immense Tamarisk offers us a comfortable bivouac site in the Abischoual wadi.
ABISCHOUAL > ESSENDILENE > DJANET
We go up the Essendilene wadi before abandoning the caravan which will wait for us. Taking the picnic, we set off to explore this very beautiful canyon made famous by Frison Roche. The laurel forest and the guelta offer us coolness and tranquility. It's an opportunity to slow down after the long day before.
In early afternoon the cars come to pick us up. We separate from our camel team before heading to Djanet.
Free visit to this pretty little town then meal.
In the evening, transfer to the airport.
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
- The cost of the visa obtained upon arrival on Algerian territory
- The Paris > Algiers > Djanet > Algiers > Paris flight
- The pre-transport Province - Paris
- Fees incurred by a flight via Algiers (assistance in Algiers)
- Insurance "Cancellation", "Repatriation", "Travel Risks" and Covid-19 coverage
- Your personal expenses: all beverages during meals at the restaurant and hotel (including water), telephone calls, tips at your discretion, etc...
- All expenses incurred as a result of a possible extended stay beyond our control outside the planned program (accommodation, meals and additional transfers, etc.)
Included
- Movements according to the program
- The procedures for obtaining a visa on arrival on Algerian territory
- Full board throughout your stay
- Accommodation in Djanet in Double or Twin room
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.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Algérie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Algérie, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada doivent être en possession d'un visa valide pour entrer en Algérie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Il n'existe pas d'exemption de visa pour ces nationalités.
Le visa doit être obtenu avant le départ, auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Algérie compétent selon votre pays de résidence. Il est conseillé d'en faire la demande plusieurs semaines à l'avance, les délais de traitement pouvant être variables.
Les documents généralement requis pour la demande de visa comprennent :
un passeport valide avec au moins six mois de validité résiduelle,
un formulaire de demande de visa dûment rempli et signé,
des photos d'identité récentes conformes aux normes requises,
un billet d'avion aller-retour ou une réservation,
une preuve d'hébergement (réservation d'hôtel ou invitation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour.
La durée de séjour autorisée est généralement de 30 jours, selon les conditions mentionnées sur le visa délivré.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Santé
Aucune vaccination n'est officiellement exigée pour entrer en Algérie pour les ressortissants de l'EEE, de la Suisse et du Canada. Toutefois, il est recommandé de consulter un médecin ou un centre de vaccination avant le départ et de s'assurer que les vaccinations de base sont à jour (diphtérie, tétanos, poliomyélite, hépatite A).
Il est également conseillé de souscrire une assurance santé internationale couvrant les frais médicaux et le rapatriement pour toute la durée du séjour.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Algérie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
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Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
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Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Oui, un visa touristique est obligatoire pour les ressortissants français, à demander auprès du consulat d'Algérie (environ 85 euros, traitement en 2-3 semaines). Lettre d'invitation ou attestation d'hébergement requise. Passeport valide au moins 6 mois après l'entrée. Les conditions peuvent être exigeantes.
Rendez-vous dans la section Mes Voyages pour retrouver tous vos projets.
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Pour un voyage sur mesure de qualité, comptez entre 140 et 240 euros par jour et par personne, incluant hébergement, repas, transports internes et guide francophone. Les vols internationaux (350-700 euros A/R) sont en supplément. Le Sahara algérien (Tassili, Hoggar) reste un budget spécifique.
Vos documents sont accessibles dans l'onglet Documents de votre voyage.
Absolument. Nous adaptons chaque circuit au profil des voyageurs. Pour les familles, nous privilégions des rythmes détendus, des hébergements familiaux, des activités ludiques et pédagogiques, et des transferts privés confortables. Nos guides locaux francophones savent capter l'attention des enfants avec des anecdotes adaptées à leur âge.
C'est simple. Vous échangez avec notre équipe locale pour définir vos envies, votre budget et vos dates. Vous recevez une proposition d'itinéraire détaillée sous 48 heures. Vous ajustez ensemble chaque détail jusqu'à la version parfaite. Vous confirmez et partez l'esprit tranquille. Votre agence locale reste disponible 7j/7 pendant toute la durée du voyage.
En cas d'urgence, contactez immédiatement votre agence locale.
Le paiement s'effectue généralement en deux fois.
Notre agence fait partie du réseau Nomadays, immatriculé en France. Vous bénéficiez de la garantie APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) qui couvre 100% de vos fonds. Paiement sécurisé, assurance rapatriement incluse, et assistance francophone 24h/24 sur place pendant tout votre séjour.
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.
— Sylvain
