Sebiba 06 July 2025, Djanet: festivities and cultural immersion

Detailed description of the holiday

Day 1: In the heart of the Iherir Valley

We begin our journey by discovering the north of the Tassili n’Ajjer. Like a welcome mirage, we come across the Iherir oasis, a veritable haven of life in the middle of the desert. We explore this valley, the only real watering place in the region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve. The Iherir valley is home to some exceptional landscapes, with its wadis and gueltas offering a lush picture of greenery. You’ll have the chance to take a relaxing dip in the oasis. At the end of the day, we settle into a traditional Tuareg house for an authentic night’s sleep.

Day 2: Idharen and Tin Taghirt, between village and rock art

Near Iherir, we explore Idharen, an ancient village of huts once inhabited by nomads during the date harvest. The panoramic view offers a majestic perspective on the village below, where the huts, known as ‘ikebran’, made of reeds, wood and stone, blend harmoniously into the landscape. We reach the Tin Taghirt site and observe Neolithic rock engravings, including the famous gazelle depicted on the 1000 dinar banknotes. Each engraving tells its own story, from mystical representations of majestic animals to human figures. The lines drawn exude a certain energy, as if the ancient artists had breathed a part of their soul into each rocky incision. We set up camp in the dunes for a night under the stars.

Day 3: Essendilène, Tikoubaouine and preparations in the El Mihan district

At dawn, we set off on a walk through the Essendilène valley. This hike among the oleanders offers a unique sensory experience, with the brilliant colours and intoxicating scent of these flowering shrubs. On the horizon, the rock faces narrow, forming an impressive canyon leading to the emerald guelta.

We continue our day at Tikoubaouine, the emblematic site of the Tassili n’Ajjer. Its wind-sculpted rock formations, including the elephant arch, are astonishingly beautiful. We also discover pre-Islamic tombs, fascinating relics of the past.

At the end of the day, we set off for Djanet to watch the preparations for the Sebiba in the El Mihan district. The Sebiba is an ancestral competition between the El Mihan and Zelouaz neighbourhoods. This evening, we are attending the first evening of rehearsals in the El Mihan district, called Doughiya.

We watch the traditional dances and songs, where every movement and note has a profound meaning. We share these intense moments with the locals before returning to our guest house for a well-deserved night’s rest.

Day 4: Imeurouden, rock art and preparations in the Zelouaz district

We take to the desert track again to discover Imeurouden. As we travel, we see shelter after shelter of rock paintings that take us back to the Neolithic period, linking us to the prehistoric artists and their stories painted on the walls. Scenes of hunting, wild animals and evidence of life transport us into the mysterious world of those who once lived in these lands.

Returning to Djanet at the end of the day, we discover a new atmosphere on our way to the Zelouaz district, El Mihan’s rival during the Sebiba. Tonight, the rehearsal goes by another name: Timoulaween. On this second evening of preparations, the atmosphere is just as vibrant.

The men rehearse their warrior choreographies, competing in power and precision to be ready to impress. The women, dressed in their finest traditional garb, sing songs of pride and history.

Day 5: Discovering the ‘Weeping Cow’ and Adaik

We begin the day in the immensity and majestic beauty of the desert dunes at the heart of one of the largest massifs in the Sahara, Erg Admer. We reach the Tegharghart site to contemplate one of the most emblematic engravings of the Tassili n’Ajjer: ‘the crying cow’, dating back over 7,000 years. Tuaregs and scientists consider this engraving to be a masterpiece of Neolithic sculpture, thanks to its carving, its realism and the emotion it conveys.

We continue our journey towards Adaïk, the little Sefar of the Tassili. The path leads us through a forest of stones where the light reveals astonishing natural sculptures. The stone trees seem to have taken root in a world frozen in time. We admire a magnificent sunset before returning to our guesthouse in Djanet, ready to experience the Sebiba to the full the next day.

Day 6: Sebiba Festival

D-Day: the long-awaited Sebiba has finally arrived. We take part in this emblematic festival, the most important in the Tassili n’Ajjer. The effervescence of the two communities in full preparation is striking: the women carefully choose their outfits, put on make-up and sublimate their appearance by adorning themselves with sumptuous jewellery, while the men prepare with the determination and allure of true warriors.

This celebration, rich in traditions, dances, songs and specific rites, is a wonderful illustration of the depth of Tuareg culture.

Included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014, the Sebiba enables the transmission of Tuareg heritage, promotes the culture to tourists and mobilises skills thanks to the craftsmen who make the outfits, jewellery, instruments and swords.

Day 7: Visit to Djanet

We visit the old town and the local market, where Tuareg crafts come to life. Shimmering fabrics, jewellery and handicrafts evoke the cultural richness of the region and bear witness to Tuareg art and know-how.

We continue with a visit to the ksour, typical fortified dwellings that offer an insight into the way of life of the ancient inhabitants. We end our visit with a cultural break at the Djanet museum.

It’s the perfect way to round off our stay in the heart of the desert’s wonders. We take advantage of the last few hours to savour the serenity of this unique place before taking the road back and setting up our last camp in the desert, close to the airport.

In order to ensure the smooth running of your trip and to guarantee your safety, our guide reserves the right to modify the program according to various unpredictable factors such as traffic, weather conditions, force majeure or other exceptional circumstances. Any changes are made in the interest of your comfort and safety. We thank you for your understanding and look forward to give you an unforgettable travel experience.