Tassili & Sefar: Journey into the World’s Largest Open-Air Museum

Overview Highlights Includes/Excludes Itinerary Faqs

Presentation

Durée / Prix:10 days / 1 200 €
Langue:English, French, Italian

• Distance from Algiers: approximately 2,300 km – Direct flight: ~2h30.
• Visa on arrival: Yes (on request via a local agency).
• Best time / temperatures: October to April, daytime temperatures 20–28°C, cool nights (10–15°C). Summer very hot (35–40°C).
• Recommended stay duration: minimum 5 days to discover the main Tassili sites, up to 7 days to fully immerse yourself in the Sahara.
• Accommodations: local hotels, guesthouses, organized bivouacs.
• 4 Possible circuits: The Tadrart – Ihiri Oasis – Sefar – Combined Tadrart and Ihrir.
• Activities: exploration of Tassili n'Ajjer (Sefar, Jabbaren, natural arches), canyon hikes, discovery of rock art and prehistoric paintings, desert bivouacs with Tuareg guides.
• Djanet's highlight: The world's largest open-air prehistoric city

Highlights

Exploration of Sefar, the world's largest open-air prehistoric city
Thousands of rock paintings and engravings dating back 8,000 to 10,000 years
Bivouacs under the stars at the heart of Tassili n'Ajjer (UNESCO)
Tamrit canyons and millennial cypress trees of the Sahara
Djabaren site — masterpiece of Saharan rock art
Guided hikes by passionate local Tuaregs
Night in traditional huts of the Ihrir oasis
Breathtaking panoramas over orange sandstone plateaus

Included / Not included

Round-trip flights Algiers–Djanet
French-speaking archaeological guide
4×4 transport with Tuareg driver
Full board (Saharan cuisine)
Organized bivouac (tents, mattresses, blankets)
One night in traditional huts in Ihrir
Donkeys for baggage transport
Visa on arrival managed by the agency
Mineral water during the tour

Personal expenses and souvenirs
Alcoholic beverages
Travel insurance (mandatory, to be purchased before departure)
Entry fees to Tassili National Park (~1,500 DA)
Guide and driver tips
Personal hiking equipment

Cancellation Policy

Vous pouvez annuler jusqu'à 72 heures avant le départ pour un remboursement complet.

Itinéraire

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Day 1 — Departure from Algiers, arrival in Djanet

Depart Algiers on night flight (22:00), arrive Djanet around 00:25.
Welcome by Tuareg guide and transfer to base camp.
Installation at bivouac, first night under the starry Saharan sky.
Tour briefing and distribution of bivouac equipment.

Day 2 — Akba Tafilalet & Tamrit Canyon

Early morning departure toward Akba Tafilalet pass, gateway to the Tassili plateau.
Gradual ascent through red sandstone formations — first encounter with rock engravings.
Exploration of Tamrit Canyon: millennia-old Saharan cypress trees, remnants of ancient forests.
Bivouac at the foot of the Tamrit cliffs, dinner prepared by Tuareg guides.

Day 3 — In Etouhami Cliffs, route toward Sefar

Crossing the imposing In Etouhami cliffs — labyrinths of wind-sculpted rocks.
Hike through the heart of the plateau, endless lunar landscapes of orange sandstone.
First discoveries of rock art panels en route to Sefar.
Evening arrival near the Sefar archaeological site and camp setup.

Day 4 — White Sefar — the prehistoric city (Part 1)

Full day exploring "White Sefar": a cave-dwelling city perched among pale rocks.
Discovery of prehistoric dwellings carved into sandstone, shelters inhabited over 8,000 years ago.
Hundreds of figurative rock paintings: cattle, giraffes, elephants, human silhouettes in hunting attire.
Archaeologist-guide explains the different artistic periods (Bubaline, Bovidian, Caballine...).
Bivouac in the heart of Sefar, sunset over the rocky formations.

Day 5 — Black Sefar — thousands of prehistoric works

In-depth exploration of "Black Sefar", a sector of dark rocks sheltering the world's largest concentration of rock art.
Thousands of engravings and paintings superimposed over several millennia — a true open-air library of humanity.
Scenes of daily life, hunting rituals, dances and animal representations of striking precision.
Free time to photograph and absorb this exceptional heritage.
Bivouac on the plateau summit, an unforgettable starlit night.

Day 6 — Plateau crossing toward Djabaren

Long crossing of the sandstone plateau toward the Djabaren site, approximately 18 km of hiking.
Grandiose landscapes of sand erg framed by sandstone cliffs — colors ranging from ochre to blood red.
Passage through natural arches and rock formations sculpted by wind erosion.
Lunch break in the shade of a rock face, rock engravings discovered along the way.
Camp set up near the Djabaren site at sunset.

Day 7 — Djabaren & descent via Akba Aroum

Morning at Djabaren: major rock art site with unique Bovidian frescoes and pastoral scenes.
Among the most iconic works of the Tassili: the "dance of the women", archers and herds of oxen.
Spectacular descent via Akba Aroum pass, panoramic views over sand valleys.
Return to Djanet, visit of the Tuareg Adjahil quarter and local craft market.
Night at a hotel or guesthouse in Djanet.

Day 8 — Ihrir Oasis & traditional huts

Excursion to Ihrir Oasis, a hidden gem of the Tassili — a freshwater spring in the middle of the desert.
Possible swimming in the gueltas (natural pools) surrounded by lush vegetation.
Meeting with oasis inhabitants, mint tea and cultural exchanges.
Night in traditional stone and dried clay huts — an authentic accommodation experience.

Day 9 — Return to Djanet, city discovery

Morning return to Djanet via a different route, last views of the Tassili.
Visit of Djanet's old town: mud-brick ksar, traditional mosque, picturesque alleyways.
Tassili n'Ajjer Museum: casts of rock engravings, prehistoric objects, Tuareg culture exhibition.
Souvenir shopping: Tuareg silver jewelry, Berber rugs, chèches, local pottery.
Farewell dinner around the fire with the tour team, Tuareg music.

Day 10 — Departure from Djanet, return to Algiers

Breakfast and luggage preparation.
Transfer to Djanet airport (Tiska).
Return flight to Algiers (departure around 01:35).
Arrival in Algiers early morning, end of tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is this tour available?

This tour is available from October to April, on any dates of your choice. Summer (May to September) is not recommended: temperatures on the Tassili plateau can exceed 40°C.

Contact the agency with your availability: they will form a group or organize the departure according to the flight schedule to Djanet.

Note: price calculated on the basis of a minimum of 6 people.

How does the visa on arrival process work?

A visa is mandatory for foreign nationals, but thanks to the visa-on-arrival procedure, you no longer need to visit consulates or embassies.

The visa-on-arrival process is managed by your travel agency. From the moment you book, the agency handles all necessary formalities.

Form & Documentation:
• At the time of booking, your agency sends you a form to fill out.
• Complete the form and return it to the agency along with a scan of your passport.

Agency Processing: The agency submits the completed form and a copy of your passport to Algeria's Ministry of Tourism and Crafts. You will then receive a confirmation in the form of a "laissez-passer", usually within 15 days.

At Check-in: Present your laissez-passer to board. This document is essential for check-in and entry into the country.

Upon Arrival in Algeria, you will need to present:
• Your laissez-passer.
• Pay the visa fee: €96 or 14,000 Algerian dinars (cash, euros accepted — price subject to change).
• A bank statement or proof of financial resources (payslip, tax notice, or pension certificate).
• Your round-trip flight ticket.
• Your repatriation insurance certificate.

Visa Stamp: Once these steps are completed, a visa will be affixed to your passport, allowing you to begin your journey in Djanet.

What should I know before departing?

• Best time to visit: October to April — pleasant temperatures (20–28°C during the day, 10–15°C at night). Summer (35–40°C+) should be strictly avoided.
• Physical fitness: This circuit involves 15 to 20 km of hiking per day on uneven terrain (sandstone, sand, scree). Good physical condition is essential.
• Respect local customs: The region is conservative. Covered clothing is recommended, especially when visiting villages and the Ihrir oasis.
• Mobile network: Very limited or non-existent on the Tassili plateau. Plan to disconnect and enjoy the Saharan experience.
• Altitude: The Tassili plateau reaches approximately 1,500–2,000 m. Nights can be cool even in October — pack warm clothing.

What to pack for this tour?

This list is not exhaustive — your travel agent will give you a complete packing list.

• Lightweight clothing for the day and warm layers for the night.
• Lightweight waterproof hiking trousers.
• High-ankle hiking boots (essential on sandstone terrain).
• Trekking poles (recommended).
• Cap or chèche (sun and sand protection).
• Sunscreen SPF 50+.
• Moisturising cream for face and hands.
• Lip balm.
• Sunglasses.
• Water bottle or hydration pack (minimum 3 litres/day).
• Head torch.
• Solar charger or power bank.
• Personal first aid kit.
• Wet wipes and toilet paper.

When is this tour available?

How does the visa on arrival process work?

What should I know before departing?

What to pack for this tour?

Tour Map

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