Sahara- Tassili N'Ajjer 9 - 22 December 2023

ACTIVE PERIOD: 9 - 22 December 2023
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 3

DURATION: 14 days

Sahara- Tassili N'Ajjer 9 - 22 December 2023

Price from €2870

Overview

Explore the wonders of the Sahara Desert and Tassili N’Ajjer National Park like never before!

As you may already know, Sahara is the largest desert on our planet, covering almost the entire northern part of Africa and stretching from the Atlantic to the Red Sea. But did you know that this vast expanse of sand dunes is not the only terrain you'll find in the Sahara? In fact, the desert surface is mostly dirt and rocks, with dunes occupying only 20% of the surface area.

Throughout its history, Sahara has gone through various climatic states, sometimes much drier than today and sometimes green and full of animals. And now, you have the opportunity to explore one of the most remarkable places in this incredible desert - Tassili N'Ajjer National Park.

This stunning landscape covers a vast area of 80,000 sq km, filled with silent gorges, stone towers, and caves. And that's not all, it is also home to over 5,000 prehistoric troglodyte dwellings and more than 15,000 rock paintings and petroglyphs, some of which are up to 12,000 years old.

But what makes these paintings particularly fascinating is that they depict strange characters in helmets and flying devices resembling cosmonauts, people in fashionable clothes, and more. They are among the oldest and most enigmatic paintings in the world, and have been called the 8th wonder, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.

Our adventure will begin in the easternmost part of Algeria, where we'll explore the Tin Merzounga dunes on the border with Libya. We'll then venture deeper into Tassili N'Ajjer National Park, where we'll spend five days trekking and exploring the park on foot. Donkeys will carry our luggage as we traverse this inaccessible area, and we'll get to witness the breathtaking natural beauty of the park up close.

After our trek, we'll spend another five days wandering the dunes of Tadrart, soaking in the desert's unparalleled tranquility and stunning vistas. This journey promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, full of adventure, history, and beauty.

View on map

Day 1: Flight Algiers - Djanet
Day 2: Start of 5-day trekking in Tassili N'Ajjer
Day 3: Trekking στα Tin Nezen, Tamalet - Tan Ζoumaltek
Day 4: Trekking in Sefar Black
Day 5: Trekking in Sefar White – Tin Aboteka
Day 6: Trekking in Wantouhani
Day 7: Completion of trekking, return to Djanet
Day 8: Start of a 5-day jeep tour in Tadrart- In Djarren - Moul n'Aga
Day 9: Canyons and rock caves in Tin Tetak
Day 10: March in the fire-red dunes of Tin Merzouga
Day 11: Crossing of Wadi Taffassaset
Day 12: Visit to the "Weeping Cow", return to Djanet
Day 13: Flight to Algiers and visit
Day 14: Return flight

Activities / Schedule

Flight Algiers - Djanet

Our journey will begin with a departure from Athens at 12:40, flying via Rome to Algiers, where we'll arrive at 16:55. From there, we'll have some time to explore the vibrant city of Algiers before our night flight to Djanet, which will depart later in the evening.

Upon our arrival in Djanet, we'll be transferred to our hotel where we'll spend the night in comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast provided.

Djanet is known as the "gateway to the Sahara", and it's the perfect place to begin our journey into this incredible desert.

Trekking in Tassili N'Ajjer - Tamrit

Rise and shine! It's time to start our epic journey into the heart of Tassili N'Ajjer National Park, and we couldn't be more excited.

After our breakfast, we'll hop in our trusty 4x4 cars and head to the Akba Tafilalet area. There, we'll meet our expert guide and our loyal companions for the next 5 days - a team of sturdy and reliable donkeys who will carry our equipment as we venture deeper into the park.

As we prepare for our trek, we can feel the anticipation building. We're about to enter a world of incredible geological and cultural significance, a place where the past and present merge in breathtaking ways. And with the help of our guide and donkeys, we're ready to tackle the challenge ahead.

Our ascent to the Tassili N'Ajjer plateau is a gradual one, but the journey is full of wonder and discovery. We'll make our way through slopes and gorges, passing majestic cliffs and marveling at the beauty of the landscape around us. It's a journey that takes about 5 hours, but we'll be so absorbed in the sights and sounds that time will fly by.

And then, we'll finally arrive at Tamrit - our first stop on this incredible adventure. We'll set up camp, with the help of our expert staff, and get settled into our cozy tents. As our cook prepares a delicious meal for us, we'll have the chance to explore the area around us, taking in the unique and otherworldly beauty of this lunar landscape.

Tin Nezen, Tamalet – Tan Ζoumaltek

Let's get ready for a journey through the Tamrit, Tin Nezen, and Tamalet regions! Our adventure begins with a thrilling exploration of the vast Sahara Desert. As we travel through winding paths and towering monoliths, we'll discover ancient caves adorned with intricate rock paintings. The sandstone rocks and gentle desert wind create an eerie backdrop as we traverse the rocky terrain.

In the Tan Zoumaitak area, we'll encounter some of the most well-preserved rock paintings and petroglyphs in the world. Experts estimate that these superimposed figures of round-headed people date back to 4,000 to 6,000 BC and have been described by Erich von Deniken as "Martian". It's a style of painting unique to this area and truly awe-inspiring to witness.

On our way back, we'll follow a gorge that leads us to a special microclimate where some of the oldest cypress trees in the world have been preserved. These trees date back thousands of years to the period when vegetation had spread from the Mediterranean coast to the desert.

We'll end our day with a cozy evening camping in the area of Initilen (breakfast, lunch, dinner), surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Sahara. Don't forget to capture some stunning photos to share with your loved ones back home!

Sefar Black

As we continue our journey through the Tassili N'Ajjer National Park, we reach the Titarasneliesse stage, where we come across Sefar, the heart of our magical adventure through time. This place is a cultural treasure trove of prehistoric art, with some of the most important and famous rock paintings in the world. It's as if we're wandering through a stone forest with tall sandstone pillars, reminiscent of a skyscraper city's streets and avenues. The scenery is breathtaking, and we can't wait to explore every corner, cave, and rock formation to discover the ancient images and artwork hidden within.

Sefar Black, a group of large black figures from the Roundhead period, is a particular highlight of the area, and we spend the entire afternoon searching for more prehistoric images around every turn. We're camping in the area, so there's no need to rush as we take our time to soak in the stunning surroundings (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Sefar White – Tin Aboteka

As the sun rises, we set out to explore Sefar White, a maze of rocks that hides a treasure trove of ancient art. With each step, we uncover more paintings, each more fascinating than the last. Some of these works of art are so remarkable that they've sparked the imaginations of visitors who believe they depict alien figures and their flying machines. The crown jewel of this collection is the "great god," an imposing figure painted on the ceiling of a cave that will leave you in awe.

Our journey then takes us to Tin Tazarift & Tin Aboteka, where we discover more breathtaking artwork. Among the many masterpieces are a famous figure of a great archer and a scene depicting a chariot. As we take in these stunning sights, we can't help but marvel at the talent and creativity of the ancient artists who left their mark on this landscape.

As the day comes to a close, we return to camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Wantouhani

Our adventure continues with a circular route as we explore the fascinating Wantouhani area, with its unique rock formations and mesmerizing landscapes. We will be amazed by the intricate rock paintings that depict the daily life of ancient inhabitants, including hunting scenes and everyday activities.

We return to Tamrit where we will spend the night. (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Back to Djanet

As we bid farewell to the stunning Tassili N'Ajjer plateau, we make our way back down to where our 4x4 cars are waiting to take us back to Djanet. This charming town, founded in the Middle Ages and inhabited by Tuaregs, has recently become a popular tourist destination in the Algerian Sahara.

Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and enjoy a refreshing swim to wash away the dust of the desert. Later in the afternoon, we will take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant town and its bustling market, filled with a colorful array of souvenirs and local wares.

As the day winds down, we retire to our comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms at the hotel for a well-deserved rest (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

In Djarren – Moul n’Aga

After savoring our breakfast, we embark on the second phase of our adventure, venturing into the mesmerizing region of Tadrart. The vistas of the Tadrart are simply breathtaking, with stunning landscapes of vibrant red dunes bordered by rugged gorges and a variety of sandstone cliffs.

Over the course of five days, we will cover a distance of approximately 600 km, traversing vast stretches of the desert terrain in comfortable Land Cruiser or High Lux vehicles. We will cross diverse terrains and marvel at the shifting scenery, often journeying close to the Libyan border.

Our journey begins on a paved road that leads southeast from Djanet, in the direction of Niger and Libya. Soon, we will veer off-road onto a "track," traversing through the desolate landscape, following only the faint imprints of previous crossings in the dried riverbeds or dunes.

We will set up camp in the Moul n' Aga area, where we will rest to our comfortable tents for a peaceful night's sleep under the starry sky. (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Tin Tetak

As we continue our journey through Tadrart, we are constantly in awe of the stunning scenery that surrounds us. The towering red dunes and rocky gorges create a dramatic backdrop that is unlike anything else on Earth. Along the way, we stop to explore the many cavernous cavities that are home to incredible petroglyphs and rock paintings, each one a testament to the rich history and culture of the Sahara.

The open gorges that we cross are simply breathtaking, with towering rocks on either side and natural arches that seem to defy gravity. The most impressive of these is the Cathedral, a towering rock formation that is truly awe-inspiring.

Throughout our journey, we take short and long walks whenever the opportunity arises, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the stunning natural beauty that surrounds us.

We settle in for the night in the Tin Tetak area, where we enjoy a delicious meal and rest up for the next leg of our adventure. (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Tin Merzouga

Our expert guides lead us through winding canyons and endless dunes, creating a mystical atmosphere that only the Sahara can offer. The mesmerizing red sand creates an illusion of being on another planet. We finally reach the Tin Merzouga area, which boasts of having the most incredible dunes in the entire Sahara.

Scaling the towering dunes is no easy feat, but the effort is well worth it as we're rewarded with a breathtaking view of the seemingly endless expanse of sand as the sun sets in the background, painting the sky with a palette of warm colours.

In the evening, our Tuareg guides demonstrate their traditional baking skills by making bread on the hot sand, while we sip on unlimited cups of steaming hot desert tea. As night falls, we retire to our camp for a well-deserved rest (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Wadi Taffassaset

We set off on our final day of the desert trek, ready to explore the unique and striking landscape of Tadrart. We come across the intriguingly named Coup d'Afrique rock formation, with its distinctive cup shape, before venturing into the narrow and winding Afazo Gorge.

The day's journey takes us back along the course of a dried-up riverbed, allowing us to appreciate the rugged beauty of the desert from a different perspective.

As the sun begins to set, we reach our final desert campsite, where we share one last meal together under the starry sky (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Weeping Cow, Djanet

As our epic journey through the Sahara draws to a close, we take a detour to marvel at one of the most intricate petroglyphs in the desert. These ancient engravings offer a glimpse into a time long gone, depicting cows in agony as the harsh desert landscape threatened to overtake their once fertile habitat. It's a poignant reminder of the fragility of life in this unforgiving terrain.

Returning to Djanet, we have time to unwind at our hotel with a refreshing bath and some well-deserved relaxation (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Flight to Algiers and visit

As our adventure comes to an end, we bid farewell to the stunning Tadrart region and embark on a night transfer to the airport for our flight to Algiers, with departure time 04:05 and arrival time 06:35. Even though it's an early morning flight, we can still catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Algerian landscapes from above as we approach the city.

Upon arrival, we dive straight into exploring the city's rich history and culture, starting with the Casbah of Algiers, a maze-like neighborhood of narrow alleys and houses made of stone. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Casbah offers an authentic glimpse into the city's past.

Our accommodation for the night is at the Lamaraz Hotels 4* hotel, where we can unwind and relax after a long day of travel. In the afternoon, we have the opportunity to explore the city further, perhaps taking a stroll through the vibrant Martyrs Square in the Lower Casbah.

Return flight

After breakfast, we'll head to the airport for our return flight to Greece (end of tour guide services), with ITA Airways via Rome. Our flight departs at 12:05 and is expected to arrive at Eleftherios Venizelos at 18:40.

Important Info

In a glance

SURFACE AREA: 2.381.741 sq.km
POPULATION: 45.400.000
CURRENCY: Algerian Dinar (exchange rate 1€ = 153 DZD)
TIMEZONE: -1 hour from Greece

Highlights

Trekking in Tassili N'Ajjer, the largest open-air museum in the world
Exploring the 5,000 prehistoric troglodyte dwellings in the National Park, known as the 8th wonder of the world
Hunting for prehistoric rock paintings and petroglyphs, including enigmatic images of strange characters and flying devices suggestive of aliens
Discovering some of the oldest and most unique paintings in the world
Exploring Tadrart, an area filled with impressive rock formations and dunes
Trekking to the fire-red dunes of Tin Merzouga and camping at their base

Fixed Departures

9 - 22 December 2023

Price

2.870 € / person (for 8-12 persons)

Note 1: Each ready group of 2+ persons can request any other departure date as a semi-guide or with a guide from our office

Note 2: The participation in the trip must be decided by the end of September, when is the deadline for confirmation and payment. Any cancellation of participation after this date will result in the loss of the airfare cost.

Difficulty Level

Book your seat

To reserve a place on the tour, it is necessary to carefully review the terms of participation outlined in the Participation Form. If you accept these terms, you can proceed to fill out the form, which can be accessed at https://forms.gle/JYY58M7Evr3Cwx4c8.

Once you have completed the form, a deposit of 500 € must be sent within 10 days. An additional payment of 500 € must be made until September 30, and the remaining balance must be paid in stages up to one month prior to departure. It's important to note that the cancellation of air tickets is subject to the terms and restrictions of each individual airline, and these policies are separate from the cancellation terms of the rest of the tour package.

The advance payment and payment should be sent to the account of ALPHA BANK with IBAN number: GR1001407960796002002013550, in the name of OUTDOORS TRAINING IKE.

During the transfer or deposit process, please note in the REASON field your name and the title of the trip TREKKING IN SAHARA.

General Information

Moving around

Local transfers: 4X4 Land Cruiser or Hi Lux cars with 3-4 people in each car; drivers have knowledge of the desert and driving in such areas; during trekking, luggage and equipment transported by donkeys.

Accommodation

Algiers: 4* hotel in double rooms with bathroom and breakfast.
Desert towns: simple hotels in double rooms with bathroom and breakfast.
Desert: new unused tents provided by Greece for each participant; new inflatable mattress and pillow provided for sleeping comfort; equipment (tent, mattress, pillow) remain with each participant after the trip; sleeping bag (2-3 seasons) required.

Meals

Cook with assistant accompanies group; prepares all meals from breakfast to hot dinner, including the famous taghella bread cooked under the hot sand and ashes of the evening fire; desert tea offered at every meal.

Climate

Suitable months for travel to the Sahara: October to April; large temperature differences during the day; daytime temperatures reach 20-30°C depending on the month, and at night from 5-10°C, dropping to zero at higher altitudes; rainfall extremely rare during these months, only in the mountains.

Money

Local currency change available at airport/hotel; Euro accepted everywhere, change given in local currency.
If entering the country with over €1,000, declaration at customs required.

Visa

Visa required to enter Algeria; process handled by office, but bureaucratic procedures must be completed one month before departure.
Last minute participation impossible.

Tips for photographers

Use low sensitivities of 50-100 ASA due to high light intensity in the desert.
Bring several memory cards; afternoon/morning light offers warm colors.
Bring tripod to capture starry night sky; protect lenses with UV filters.
Sand can damage equipment; carry plastic bags to protect it.
Battery charging can be done from a car plug; bring appropriate fast charging equipment.
Ask for permission before photographing people in towns or nomadic camps.
Photography of rock paintings and petroglyphs does not require flash.
Bulky professional photographic equipment may be withheld at customs; drones and binoculars are prohibited in Algeria.

Health

No vaccinations required; no mosquitoes or dangerous animals.

Change of program

Guide has discretion to modify program if weather or other local conditions require it; any costs arising from changes covered by participants.

Tipping

Tipping optional but meaningful reward for office and local people who work hard to ensure a good trip; practical thank you and meaningful help to people with low income.

Safety/insurance

The cost of the trip includes basic travel insurance which provides coverage for various unforeseen situations such as health emergencies (e.g. injury on a course at an altitude of up to 3,000 m requiring transportation and hospitalization), loss of a flight, and other cases. The insurance even covers the total cancellation of the trip for up to €5,000, including cancellation due to COVID-19.

The coverage included is for ages up to 70 years old. For those between ages 70 and 80, an additional amount is required. Please contact us for more information.

You can click on the link below to see the benefits of the plan and get in touch with our travel consultant to have your questions about the coverages answered: Travel Insurance from Trekking Hellas - Travel Insurance

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