Tuareg Trails-Djanet

Tour Price - £1695

Deposit

A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking. 

Highlights

• 4x4 exploration in the heart of Djanet North Visit the breathtaking Oasis of Ihrir
  
• Swim in hidden gueltas and walk through palm-filled valleys
• Cross the majestic dunes of Erg Admer Traditional markets & artisan shopping in Djanet
• Nights in desert bivouacs and a Tuareg guesthouse

At a Glance

Meals

Transport

Group Size

Carbon Contributions

Expert Team

Accommodation

Entrance Fees

Fitness Rating

* LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1- 2 hrs).

Itinerary

Day 01: Algiers - Djanet (Desert Welcome)

Evening domestic flight from Algiers to Djanet. On arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our Sahara team and transferred directly to your desert bivouac for your first night in the dunes.

Day 2 – Djanet City Tour & Tikoubaouine

After breakfast, enjoy a short visit of Djanet town and the local museum, before heading into the Sahara by 4x4. 

Today’s adventure includes exploring stunning desert scenery and discovering your first prehistoric rock paintings. Lunch is served in Tikoubaouine, surrounded by iconic rock formations. In the afternoon, visit more sites including a natural arch and the beautiful Touia guelta, before returning to camp.

Day 03: Journey to the Oasis of Ihrir

Today, we travel deeper into the desert towards the magical Oasis of Ihrir, one of the Sahara’s most beautiful hidden gems. 

Along the way, stop for lunch near the famous Dider rock engravings, before arriving in Ihrir in the afternoon. Tonight, experience true Tuareg hospitality with an overnight stay in a traditional guesthouse.

Day 04: Ihrir Oasis Exploration - Essendilene

This morning is dedicated to discovering the charm of Ihrir: a small Tuareg village with traditional houses and peaceful walks through palm-lined wadis.

Explore the lush scenery of the oasis, including flowing streams, pink oleanders, and crystal-clear gueltas. In the afternoon, depart for Essendilene, and settle into your desert camp near Tewdjedit.

Day 05: Essendilene Canyon & Tilalène Dunes

After breakfast, explore the spectacular Oued Essendilene, famous for its dramatic canyon landscapes and refreshing guelta. 

After lunch, continue toward the golden dunes of Tilalène, visiting rock paintings in two different locations and discovering the fascinating Imourouden caves. Evening bivouac in the heart of the desert at In Aloukou.

Day 06: Erg Admer Crossing & Return to Djanet

Today you cross the legendary dunes of Erg Admer, one of the Sahara’s most breathtaking dune fields.

Stop for lunch near the famous rock engraving known as “The Crying Cow”, one of the most emotional symbols of the Sahara’s ancient past. In the afternoon, return to Djanet for time in the local market and artisan shops.

Enjoy a comfortable hotel night before your airport transfer.

Day 07: Djanet - Algiers (Return Home)

Very early morning flight back to Algiers, bringing this unforgettable Sahara adventure to an end.

Accommodation

As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from trip to trip.

TRIP ACCOMMODATION SCOOP

Kick off this adventure with one night of hotel comfort, then dive into the wilderness with wild camping! Our trusty crew will do the heavy lifting—pitching and packing up tents. But a heads-up: shower facilities are more "splash and dash" (think wet wipes and a bowl of water), and bathrooms are au naturel (picture a private spot behind a sand dune). This escapade is perfect for those who thrive in such rugged conditions. 



To sprinkle a bit of comfort in the desert, we’ll provide camping tables and chairs. But let’s be clear—this isn’t glamping with all the bells and whistles! You’ll have sleeping mats and pillows at your disposal, but don’t forget to pack your trusty sleeping bag. 

Also, when staying at Algerian hotels, remember they might not yet compete with the swank of Morocco or Tunisia, though they're on the up and up! So, adjust those expectations and prepare for a thrilling ride!

Getting There

Visa on Arrival – Free Support Service 

To make travel easier, we also provide a free Visa on Arrival support service. There is no need to visit a consulate. You simply complete a short form and provide the required details, and we take care of the process for you, ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival in Algeria.

If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below. 

If you plan to book your own flights, please check with us first to confirm the trip is going ahead. We also recommend choosing flights that are flexible and preferably refundable, as adventure travel plans can change at any time. For full details, please see our booking conditions. 

Letters of Invitation can only be issued when your full travel plans, both before and after the tour, are arranged through us. ALGERIAN ADVENTURE serves as your sponsor during your visit, so we’re unable to provide this document if any part of your trip is booked independently. Our team is happy to guide you before you confirm any plans to make sure all required paperwork can be arranged. 

Extensions

If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.



Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.

Algiers & Coastal Charm (2 nights)

Stay longer in the capital. Visit the Bardo Museum, stroll along the Kasbah seafront, and enjoy a day trip to Cherchell or Zeralda for history and beaches.

Tipaza – Roman Coast (2 nights) 

Relax by the sea in Tipaza, where turquoise waves meet ancient Roman ruins. Explore the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania and enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the Mediterranean.

Oran – The Andalusian Spirit (2–3 nights)

A lively port city blending cultures. Visit the Santa Cruz Fort, wander the seafront promenade, and soak up Oran’s Andalusian music and vibrant nightlife.

Tlemcen – Granada of Africa (2–3 nights) 

Discover Tlemcen’s Islamic art and architecture. Visit the Great Mosque, explore the old medina, and enjoy cooler mountain breezes near the coast.

Annaba – Saint Augustine’s City (2–3 nights)

A coastal city with history and charm. Explore the Basilica of Saint Augustine, relax on sandy beaches, and enjoy fresh Mediterranean cuisine.

Skikda – Hidden Coastal Gem (2 nights) 

Known for its unspoilt coastline and laid-back charm, Skikda offers quieter beaches, colonial architecture, and a chance to unwind away from the crowds.

Bejaia – The Pearl of Kabylia (2–3 nights) 

A stunning coastal city where mountains meet the sea. Explore Cap Carbon, wander through the old town, and enjoy breathtaking coastal views unique to Kabylia.

Jijel – Nature & Coast (2 nights)

Famous for its lush green mountains and dramatic coastline. Visit the Caves of Jijel, relax by sandy beaches, and enjoy a blend of nature and sea.

All extensions include guided visits, seaside accommodation, and airport transfers.

Climate

Algeria can be visted year round but summer temperatures in the desert can be intense (often exceeding 40 degrees C) and winter is likely to see snowfalls in the high mountains. During spring and autumn, daytime temperatures are likely to range from around 20-25 degrees C on the north coast, increasing to between 30- 35oC in the desert region. Night-time temperatures will feel cooler, especially in the desert where you’ll notice the change in temperature.

Key Aspects to Consider

Algeria has minimal tourist infrastructure and receives far fewer visitors than neighbouring countries like Morocco or Tunisia. As such service levels cannot be compared and logistically Algeria remains a ‘challenging’ destination, almost guaranteeing that things are unlikely to always go according to plan! However for us that is half the enjoyment of travelling in Algeria. 

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. Although there are no major walks involved in this trip, please be aware that some of the Roman sites and city tours can involve a fair amount of walking uphill and downhill over uneven ground and on stairs.

It is important to note that during the trip, some restroom facilities may be traditional squat toilets or long-drop toilets. We recommend bringing toilet paper and hand sanitizer. 

Please note that when driving in Algeria it is often compulsory for tourist groups to be accompanied by a security convoy in places. The guards in the convoy will change over as we cross from one wilaya (province) to the next. This can significantly increase journey times, resulting in a number of quite long drives so please be prepared for this. 

Please be aware that vegetarians can be catered for quite well but the selection and variety for vegans and especially for gluten-free can be very limited in places. People with specific dietary requirements should consider such limitations carefully and we suggest you discuss your needs with us before booking this tour. 



Flexibility and the nature of travel in Algeria: For security reasons it might be necessary to change this itinerary at very short notice, and clients must be flexible enough to deal with this and acknowledge that this is an inherent part of travel to Algeria. While we will always try & visit as much of the itinerary as possible, we reserve the right to omit any destination due to security concerns and offer an alternative in its place.

What's Not Included

We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour. 

Visas and Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory 

Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents.

International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK

Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs.

Dates and Prices

For any extensions that you wish to include on this trip, please contact the office for more details.