Terres Touareg
North Tassili n’Ajjer Circuit: Iherir Valley, Essendilène and Tikoubaouine
7 days in the heart of the Algerian Sahara, between desert and green havens
200 kilometres north-west of Djanet in Algeria, in the Tassili n’Ajjer cultural park, we are immersed in the breathtaking Sahara desert. Our trek begins with the discovery of the Iherir Valley, an oasis nestling in a valley hemmed in by imposing cliffs. A UNESCO-listed natural wonder.
From the Dider plateau, with its exceptional rock engravings, we cross a diverse and contrasting Saharan landscape: canyons, dunes, wadis, plateaux, lush oases and gueltas. Along our route, Neolithic rock art is revealed like an immersive visit to an open-air museum.
At the leisurely pace of our stay, we reach the legendary Essendilène canyon, embraced by oleanders. The canyon reveals astonishing forms of erosion, before taking us to the emblematic site of Tikoubaouine, where impressive sandstone spires stand tall.
Added to this adventure is the enchantment of spending the nights in bivouacs (tents or under the stars) under the starry sky, in an incomparable Touareg atmosphere.
Highlights of the North Tassili n’Ajjer Circuit
- A 7-day itinerary through diverse and captivating panoramas
- Visit to the green valley and oasis of Iherir
- Overnight stay in a traditional Tuareg house
- Discover the rock engravings at Didier, Tikoubaouine, Imeurouden and Tegharghart
- Hike through the famous Essendilène canyon
- Explore the impressive landscape of Tikoubaouine
- Immersion in a nomadic camp
Charter
Responsible tourism
Transport
Hiking and 4×4
Travel
Cultural stay
Bivouac
Under the starry sky
Physical Level
Simple
Duration
7 days
Calendar
Between march & nov.
Number of people
10 max.
Privatisation
On request
Miscellaneous information
Detailed description of the holiday
Day 1: Crossing the Erg Admer to reach Tegharghart
We begin our journey in the immensity and majestic beauty of the desert dunes, in the heart of one of the biggest massif of Sahara, the Erg Admer.
We reach the Tegharghart site to gaze at on the most emblematic rock carving of the Tassili n’Ajjer ‘the crying cow’, older than 7000 years. Tuaregs and scientists consider this engraving as a masterpiece of neolithic art, by its sculpture, realism and emotions its transmits.
Day 2: Discover the Iherir oasis
We come through the golden dunes to a hidden jewel into the desert immensity. Like a welcome mirage, here comes the Iherir oasis, a haven of life in the middle of the desert. We discover this valley, only real water point in this region and classified in UNESCO Wolrd Heritage and Man and Biosphere Reserve. The Iherir valley contains exceptional landscapes with wadis and gueltas revealing a lush array of greenery.
Day 3: Idharen and Tin Taghirt, between village and rock art
Next to Iherir, we explore Idharen, an old village huts where nomad lived once upon a time during the harvest of dates. The panoramic view offers a majestic perspective on the village below where the huts, called ‘ikebran’, made of reeds, wood and rocks, blend harmoniously into the landscape.
We reach the site of Tin Taghirt and observe neolithic engravings, especially the famous gazelle represented on 1000 dinars banknotes. Each rock carving is telling its own history, mystical representations of majestic animals with human faces. The drawn lines give off a certain energy as if the ancient artists had insufflated a part of their souls in each rock incision.
Day 4: Hike to the Essendilène canyon and its emerald guelta
A hiking in the middle of oleanders is waiting for us for a unique sensory experience, where nature deploys its appeal throughout a vibrant color palette and the heady scent of these flowering shrubs.
The trail is opening in front of us as a tunnel of oleanders, creating enchanted alcoves where time seems to stop. On the horizon, the rocks walls rise and tighten to form an impressive canyon to the emerald guelta.
At the turn of a dusty track is emerging a nomad village. Traditional tents, weaved with natural fibers, stand humbly under the vast sky. We take the time to stop in this village to live a true moment of share with the Tuareg women and children.
Day 5: Tikoubaouine, between rock formations and cave paintings
In the unknown spreading in front of us while we cross diverse landscapes, we discover Tikoubaouine, emblematic location of Tassili n’Ajjer. An elephant shape sandstone arch is standing in front of us. A masterpiece built by millenia of erosion. Rock formations surrounding us are taking fascinating shapes, as sculptures molded by an invisible artist. Amidst the waving dunes, we discover a pre-Islamic tomb, a sanctuary of the past offering us a travel through time. During of journey, we contemplate, shelter after shelter, multiple cave paintings which bring us to neolithic era, linking us to prehistoric artists and their drawn stories. Hunting scenes, wild animals and testimonies of life transport us to the mysterious universe of those who lived there once.
Day 6: Adaik, little Sefar
As we move forward, the path is guiding us through a stone forest we the light of the day reveals astonishing natural sculptures. Stone trees seem to have taken roots in a world frozen by time. We admire a magnificent sunset. As the last breath of dawn fades, the sky transforms into a dazzling celestial theater.
Day 7: Visit to Djanet
We continue our trio towards Tifartasen and go to Djanet, cradle of Tuareg culture. We visit the old town and local market, where Tuareg craftmanship takes place. Shimmering fabrics, jewels and crafted items remind us the cultural richness of the region and give evidence of Tuareg art and know-how.
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.
Available dates and prices per person
| Prices | Dates | Book |
| 120€/day/person | from 14 to 20 September 2025 | Book |
| 120€/day/person | from 21 to 27 September 2025 | Book |
What’s included in the price
- Meet and greet at the airport by an experienced professional Tuareg guide, with perfect knowledge of the terrain.
- Entrance fees for national parks and protected sites.
- Use of 4×4 all-terrain vehicles for travel.
- Four meals a day during bivouacs, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner.
- Water, tea and soft drinks provided throughout the trip.
- Presence of a cook for the duration of the trip.
- Provision of bivouac equipment, including tents, comfortable sleeping bags (0°C), mattresses and blankets.
- Assistance and obtaining a regularisation visa.
What’s not included in the price
- International and domestic air tickets.
- Travel insurance to cover possible incidents during the stay.
- Personal expenses and any tips for staff.
- Visa fees.
Length of stay : 7-day programme for a complete experience.
Recommended travel period: Recommended all year round, with pleasant weather conditions between March and November.
Administrative formalities: Passport + regularisation visa (arranged by the agency).
Travel and transport: Excursions and exploration by 4×4 through the varied landscapes of the Sahara.
Physical level: Suitable for a simple physical level, 2-hour walks per day.
Accommodation: Bivouac under the stars for total immersion in nature and local culture.
Group size: The group is made up of a maximum of 10 people.
Supervision: Tuareg guide, cook, 4X4 logistics driver.
Terres Touareg is a company that puts our local Touareg partner in touch with travellers looking for an immersive and authentic experience in the Algerian Sahara.
Our partner is committed to five things:
Quality travel
Our partner selects the best itineraries and panoramas to enrich your experience. Trips are adapted to different levels, with a guide and team attentive to every detail. Comfort is taken into account for bivouacs, meals and logistics, depending on local resources. To ensure a friendly, personalised environment, groups are limited to between 4 and 15 participants, with an average of 10.
A professional team
With over 25 years’ experience in Saharan tourism, our partner offers itineraries that have been tested by expert guides. The Tuareg team knows the desert inside out, ensuring a safe and rewarding trip. As well as mastering Arabic and Tamahaq, they also speak French, English, Italian and Polish.
Trips in complete safety
Safety is guaranteed by local guides and a 24-hour escort service. A satellite telephone assistance service is also available. Terres Touareg and its partner are committed to ensuring maximum safety, with quality equipment and a first-aid kit.
Fair rates
By working with our partner, you are supporting a fair remuneration model that values the expertise of local guides and contributes to the economic development of Tuareg communities.
Eco-responsible tourism
Our partner ensures that the sites are clean and that waste is managed responsibly. It also raises travellers’ awareness of the importance of preserving the balance of the environment.
Our travellers testify
J’ai passé un séjour incroyable à Djanet avec Terres Touareg. Tout était bien organisé du début à la fin. L’équipe est gentille, à l’écoute, toujours souriante, et on se sent vite en confiance.
J’ai découvert des paysages magnifiques, dormi sous les étoiles, goûté à la vraie vie dans le désert, et partagé des moments forts avec les guides et les autres voyageurs. Chaque jour était une surprise : randonnées, canyons, peintures rupestres, dunes, et bien sûr, beaucoup de thé autour du feu accompagné des chants des musiciens touaregs.
On a aussi eu la chance incroyable de participer à la Sebiba, une fête traditionnelle impressionnante, pleine d’émotions, de chants et de danse. Mais aussi la préparation du pain de sable, cuit sous les braises, que nous avons ensuite partagé ensemble dans le désert. Une vraie immersion !
Un immense merci à Adigo, notre guide pendant tout le séjour et notre hôte au camping Belle Étoile, pour sa bienveillance et sa bonne humeur. Merci aussi à Hamid, Hamza, Kelly, Abdelkader, aux cuisiniers comme Djamel, et à tous les autres membres de l’équipe, même ceux que je n’ai pas mentionnés. Vous avez tous contribué à rendre cette expérience inoubliable.
C’est un voyage que je n’oublierai jamais. Merci pour tout ❤️
Un grand merci pour cette belle expérience
Je vous conseille de partir avec Terres Touareg, on a beaucoup appris sur la culture touareg et son mode de vie.
Une merveilleuse équipe, je me suis sentie en sécurité et bien entourée. On s'attache très rapidement à ses personnes qui ont le cœur sur la main.
J'ai adoré la musique qu'ils ont pu nous partager, que des bons moments.
Le festival Sebeïba très bien organisé, nous avons pu nous rapprocher au maximum sans gêner le festival et ses participants.
( séjour du 01 au 09 juillet + festival Sebiba )
- Des paysages à couper de souffre
- Des rencontres enrichissantes
- Des gravures et sculptures impressionnantes
Merci à Kelly pour l'organisation avant le voyage
Merci à l'ensemble des Touaregs pour leur présence, leur patience, leur compréhension, leurs sourires, leur bonne humeur communicative.
Ce voyage c'est grâce à vous
Je viens de revenir d'un séjour absolument incroyable organisé par Terres touareg. Je n'ai pas l'habitude de laisser des avis mais là je suis ravi de partager mon expérience. L'agence a tout parfaitement orchestré, du début jusqu'au dernier moment. La découverte du désert a été un vrai coup de cœur. Les guides étaient d'une grande gentillesse, passionnés par leur région et vraiment disponible pour nous faire découvrir les trésors cachés de cet endroit grandiose.
Le désert du Tadrart rouge est un endroit magique, avec des paysages à couper le souffle, des dunes de sable, des formations rocheuses impressionnantes et des peintures rupestres anciennes. Des moments d'émerveillement quotidien, que ce soit lors du coucher du soleil sur les dunes ou tout le long de la journée.
Les excursions étaient bien rythmées, et nous avons pu profiter de chaque moment, entre petites balades et moments de détente, de contemplation.
Le confort était également au rendez-vous avec des tentes spacieuses et des repas délicieux, préparés avec soin, même en plein désert.
Des images pleins la tête, un souvenir inoubliable. La gentillesse et la disponibilité de l'équipe est vraiment un vrai plus. L'esprit libre.
L’organisation et la gestion par Terres Touareg a été parfaite du début à la fin. Kelly a su être disponible et rassurante durant toute l’organisation de mon séjour. Non seulement je recommande vivement Terres Touareg mais j’ai hâte d’organiser avec Kelly mon prochain séjour dans le désert.
Kelly a pris le temps de comprendre nos attentes et a conçu un itinéraire sur mesure. Tout a été parfaitement géré, des réservations d’hôtels aux excursions, en passant par les petits détails auxquels nous n’aurions jamais pensé. Nous avons pu voyager l'esprit tranquille, en toute sérénité.
Le confort, les bons repas sont au rdv.
L'équipe de Touareg a été au top. A l'écoute de nos besoins, et attentifs et flexibles.
La communication avec Kelly et les touaregs a été fluide et réactive.
Etre pris en charge par Kelly et son équipe est rassurant.
Le séjour a été parfaitement organisé.
Un grand merci à toute l’équipe pour leur disponibilité et leur gentillesse.
Un voyage inoubliable grâce à une organisation parfaite !
Merci 10 x
Merci 100 x
RDV l'année prochaine !
Nous recommandons vivement cette agence avec laquelle nous reviendrons prochainement voyager dans la région de Tamanrasset.
Kelly a vraiment été une accompagnatrice d’une grande gentillesse et disponibilité pour l’organisation de ce voyage.
Merci à elle !
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