Into the Hoggar: Immersion in the Heart of the Sahara

Overview Highlights Includes/Excludes Itinerary Faqs

Presentation

Durée / Prix:8 days / 520 €
Langue:English, French, Italian

• Distance from Algiers: approximately 1,900 km – Direct flight to Tamanrasset (~2h15).
• Visa on arrival: Yes (upon request through a local agency).
• Best period / temperatures: October to May, daytime between 18–28°C, cold nights (5–12°C). Very hot summer.
• Recommended stay: minimum 7 days, 8 days for a complete immersion.
• Points of interest: Assekrem, Gueltat d'Afilal, Tinakachaker, Ifoulounane arch, Hadbataïn plateau, rock engravings, Tamekresst waterfalls.
• Activities: hiking, rock engravings, starry sky bivouacs, sunrises/sunsets, Tuareg cultural encounters.

Highlights

Mythical sunrise at the Assekrem (2,780 m)
Hermitage of Charles de Foucauld
Millenary rock engravings on the Hadbataïn plateau
Ifoulounane natural arch
Bivouacs under an exceptional starry sky
Crossing the volcanic Kel Ahaggar plateau
Tamekresst waterfalls
Immersion in Tuareg culture

Included / Not Included

Round-trip flights Algiers – Tamanrasset
French-speaking Tuareg guide
4×4 transport
Full board and Saharan cuisine
Guesthouse accommodation (nights 1 & 8)
Organised bivouacs with full equipment
Mineral water throughout the circuit
Visa on arrival managed by the agency

Personal expenses and souvenirs
Alcoholic beverages
Repatriation insurance (mandatory — must be arranged before departure)
Hoggar National Park entry fees
Tips for guides and drivers
Personal hiking equipment

Itinéraire

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Day 1 — Departure from Algiers, Arrival in Tamanrasset

Flight from Algiers to Tamanrasset, welcome by your Tuareg guide at Aguenar airport
Check-in at the guesthouse and rest time
Trek briefing and preparation for the days ahead
Dinner with typical Saharan cuisine

Day 2 — Tamanrasset Market, Gueltat d'Afilal, Assekrem

Morning visit to the Tamanrasset craft market
Stop at the Gueltat d'Afilal: natural pool hidden among volcanic rocks, with fresh water and migratory birds
Ascent to the Assekrem (2,780 m) through the volcanic needles of the Hoggar
Visit to the hermitage of Charles de Foucauld, monk-explorer who lived here from 1905 to 1916
Exceptional sunset from the Assekrem viewpoint — 360° panorama
Overnight bivouac at the Assekrem

Day 3 — Assekrem Sunrise, Tinakachaker & Igharghar Dune

Wake up before dawn for the legendary Assekrem sunrise — sky ablaze over the volcanic peaks
Descent and visit to the village of Ifak
Crossing of the fossil Igharghar wadi
Tinakachaker site: natural arches and prehistoric rock engravings
Ascent of the great Igharghar dune for sweeping views
Overnight bivouac

Day 4 — Ifoulounane Natural Arch, Youfahket

Discovery of the Ifoulounane natural arch — one of the most spectacular geological formations in the Hoggar
Exploration of unique volcanic geological formations
Arrival at Youfahket
Evening bivouac with Tuareg music around the fire

Day 5 — Teghssi Village, Youfaghlal

Trek towards Youfaghlal via Teghssi, a traditional Tuareg village
Encounter with local inhabitants: local craft discovery (jewellery, leather goods, weaving)
Cultural exchanges and authentic hospitality
Overnight bivouac at Youfaghlal

Day 6 — Hadbataïn Plateau & Rock Engravings Cave

Ascent to the Hadbataïn plateau, crossing of volcanic lava fields
Discovery of a rock engraving cave over 6,000 years old: animals, pastoral scenes and geometric compositions
Descent through a black basalt canyon with spectacular walls
Overnight bivouac on the plateau under a sky of exceptional stellar density

Day 7 — Tinakarine, Tiblisst & Tikadirine Wadi

Trek to Tinakarine and the Tiblisst site: exceptionally fine and detailed rock engravings
Walk along the Tikadirine wadi, carved through pink granite — a mineral landscape of rare beauty
Last night bivouac under the stars of the Hoggar

Day 8 — Tamekresst Waterfalls, Return to Tamanrasset

Morning visit to the Tamekresst waterfalls — natural pools fed by a permanent spring in the heart of the desert
Swimming in the natural pools, a unique experience in the Sahara
Return to Tamanrasset by 4×4
Transfer to Aguenar airport
Return flight to Algiers — end of circuit

Frequently Asked Questions

When is this circuit available?

This circuit is available from October to May, on any desired dates.

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

Note: price calculated based on a minimum of 6 people.

How does the visa on arrival work?

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

The visa-on-arrival procedure is handled by your travel agency. From the moment you book, the agency takes care of all the necessary formalities.

Form and Documentation:
• At the time of booking, your agency will send you a form to fill in.
• Complete this 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 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 the following documents:
• Your laissez-passer.
• Pay the visa fee: €96 or 14,000 Algerian dinars. Payment can be made in cash, with euros accepted (price subject to change).
• A bank statement or proof of financial resources (such as pay slip, tax assessment, or retirement certificate).
• Your return airline ticket.
• Your repatriation insurance certificate.

Visa Stamping: Once these steps are completed, a visa will be stamped in your passport, allowing you to begin your journey to Tamanrasset.

What to know before you go?

• Best period: October to May — pleasant days (18–28°C), cold nights (5–12°C). Thermal layers essential.
• Moderate hikes: 6 to 10 km per day on varied terrain (volcanic rock, sand, granite). Good physical fitness recommended.
• Altitude: The Assekrem reaches 2,780 m — slight altitude effects possible on the first night; stay hydrated.
• Respect local customs: modest dress recommended when visiting villages and meeting Tuareg communities.
• Mobile network: Non-existent on most of the route. Embrace total disconnection.

What to pack for this circuit?

This list is not exhaustive; your travel agent will give you the complete list of necessities to bring with you.

• Light clothing for the day and warm layers for the night (fleece + windproof jacket).
• Thermal underwear for cold nights at altitude.
• Comfortable hiking shoes or boots.
• Cheche or neck gaiter (wind and sand protection).
• Cap and UV-protective sunglasses.
• SPF 50+ sunscreen.
• Moisturising cream for face and hands.
• Lip balm.
• Water bottle or hydration bladder (minimum 2 litres/day).
• Headlamp with spare batteries.
• Portable power bank.
• Personal first aid kit.
• Wet wipes and toilet paper.

When is this circuit available?

How does the visa on arrival work?

What to know before you go?

What to pack for this circuit?

Tour Map

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