Sebiba 2025 in Djanet (Sebeiba): festivities and cultural immersion

Detailed description of the holiday

Day 1: Discovery of the Tegharghart site and the ‘Weeping Cow’.

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: In the heart of the Iherir Valley

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: Djanet: Sebiba festival

We continue our trio towards Tifartasen and go to Djanet, cradle of Tuareg culture. We assist to Sebiba, the most important celebration of Tassili n’Ajjer.

We lunch with the artists creating an unforgettable moment steeped in tradition and sharing. Immersed in the preparations, we witness the excitement of the two communities preparing for the celebration. Women are busy choosing their outfits, making up with care and adorning their silhouette with beautiful jewelry. On their side, men are preparing with warrior determination.

This celebration is associated with tradition, dances, songs and specific rites reflecting Tuareg culture richness.

Inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2014, Sebiba allows transmission of Tuareg heritage, promotes culture among tourists, and mobilize know-how thanks to the craftsmen who make the outfits, jewels, instruments and swords.

Day 7: Visit to the old town of Djanet

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.
Possibility to take a shower before the departure, the we make our last camp in the desert near 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.