Terres Touareg
Official name: People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
Capital: Algiers
Population: approximately 45 million (according to 2022 data)
Official languages: Arabic and Tamazight (Berber language)
Currency: Algerian dinar (DZD)
Religion: Islam (mostly Sunni)
Geography: located in North Africa, Algeria shares borders with Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Morocco, Mediterranean sea and also a maritime boundary with Spain.
Climate: mostly arid with regional variations. Most of the country is characterized by hot and dry summers, while winters can be mild on the coast.
Culture: imbued with an Arab-Berber influence that is reflected in its rich artistic, literary and musical tradition.
Localization: Djanet is located in the southeast of Algeria, 1200 km as the crows flies from Algiers, in the heart of Tassili n’Ajjer, mountain range. It is in the wilaya (province) of Djanet, next to Libya and Niger borders. The town is surrounded by the vast desert of Sahara, offering deserted landscapes and a unique experience to travelers.
Altitude: Djanet’s altitude is about 1035 meters above the sea level.
Climate: Djanet’s climate is subtropical desert type, characterized by mild winters, even if the nights are cold, and hot, dry and sunny summers. From October to February, days are pleasant while nights are cold. The period of sandstorms, previously fixed, has become random du to climate change. Historically, March remains the windiest month in the region.
Population: approximately 22000 inhabitants (according to 2022 data)
Economy: Djanet’s local economy relies mostly on agriculture, with potato, beet, tomato, date and other plantations playing and essential role in the economic development in the area. These last years, tourism has grown in Djanet, contributing to local economic development.
For your trip, make sure you have your passport, visa and family record book if you travel with your minor children. If you travel with children, please note that French minors are subjects to the same requirements as adults.
Passport is the essential document for any travel to Algeria. It must be in perfect condition, without stains, staples, paper clips or tears, with blank pages available.
Diverse scenarios are to consider while planning your trip :
Foreign visitors wishing to explore the South of Algeria have the possibility to obtain a regularization visa, avoiding so all the procedures related to standard visa application from consulates. This specific visa is processed by the partner tourism agency which collects the necessary information from the traveler.
Obtaining delay: approximately two weeks
Touristic visa fees: 110€
Since December 2022, Air Algérie company is proposing direct flight from Paris to Djanet. However, if you prefer avoiding the transport from Paris or if the flight is complete, you can make a stopover in Algiers. To get to Djanet, Air Algérie is proposing multiple flights every week from Algiers, generally at night. We will ensure your welcome from your arrival to Djanet Tiska (DJG) airport. The acquisition of plane tickets is not supported by our services. However, we stay at your disposal to give you advice and assistance if needed.
Official currency is Algerian dinar. In Djanet, it is rarely necessary to use money except for tips and the purchase of souvenirs in local market. The official exchange rate in January 2023 is 1 EUR = 146 DZD.
Exchange offices in Algiers airport allow transactions to be carried out or in Algerian banks, safe places to exchange currencies. Please note it is impossible to get Algerian dinars in banks in France.
Travelers entering Algeria are not facing an restriction concerning importing currency. However, a customs declaration is mandatory for amounts exceeding 1000 €.
For travelers leaving Algeria, no declaration is required up to 1000 € for nationals and 5000 € for foreigners.
Beyond these amounts, travelers can export up to 7500 € if they present a bank certificate. Declaration forms are available in customs offices and can also be submitted electronically on the official website of the Directorate General of Customs (https://www.douane.gov.dz/).
Tips must remain an optional gratitude. However, it is part of the country’s culture. It is customary to make an envelope to give to the team at the end of the trip. This gesture of gratitude, the amount of which varies according to the itinerary and the duration of the trip, is left to the appreciation opf everyone and is always welcomed.
Djanet is located in the Southeast of Algeria, in an altitude of 1035 meters. The climate is subtropical desert type, characterized by mild winters, even if the nights are cold, and hot, dry and sunny summers. From October to February, days are pleasant while nights are cold. The period of sandstorms, previously fixed, has become random du to climate change.
Throughout the year, the temperature generally varies from 4°C to 38°C. Temperatures below 0°C or above 40°C are rare.
To observe complete information on the climate and weather predictions in Djanet, please click on the following link. https://www.tameteo.com/meteo_Djanet-Afrique-Algerie-Provincia+de+Illizi-DAAJ-1-8843.html
Although we do not require a medical certificate to participate in the tour, it is strongly recommended to make a check-up visit with your treating doctor by informing him of your trip. Some chronic diseases (asthma, respiratory diseases, epilepsy, heart disease, etc.) can sometimes be a contraindication to the practice of a trek. For security reasons, it is imperative to inform us if you are undergoing any particular treatment. A good physical condition without major health problems remains required to participate in a circuit.
No vaccine is required to enter Algeria, however, some are highly recommended such as TDAP, as well as those against hepatitis A and B, and typhoid.
A first aid kit, provided by the partner agency, is under the responsibility of your guide. However, we recommend that you prepare your own pharmacy kit in collaboration with your doctor or pharmacist.
It is recommended to provide:
When traveling, eyeglasses can become uncomfortable if they are not properly fitted. It is recommended to choose a mount that fits properly. Opting for lenses has advantages such as better vision and no risk of scratches. However, the use of lenses requires hygiene precautions, including handling with clean hands, in a dust-free environment preferably in you tent or in the car. It is strongly recommended to have a pocket mirror for easy handling.
Halfway you will have access to a shower and water, as long as there is enough.
The use of wipes is recommended to refresh your body. Preferably opt for biodegradable or ecological wipes and be sure to throw then in your own trash.
Hydroalcoholic gel remains a practical hygiene tool for washing hands.
Despite the availability of water during the circuit, it remains a precious resource in the desert. It is essential to use it judiciously, especially for personal and dental hygiene needs.
For toilets, it is necessary to adjust to the environmental conditions, either in the desert. Rest assured that lunch breaks and camping are always planned in places offering privacy for everyone. In order to preserve the environment, be sure to keep your personal waste that you can dispose of at the end of the day in the collective bin provided for this purpose.
For your journey, it is recommended to provide:
Please note that security measures at the airport are now strict: be sure to place knives, scissors, nail files and spare batteries in your checked baggage.
Here is an indicative list to help you prepare your luggage:
These suggestions can vary depending on the duration of your journey.
An adapted equipment is crucial to guarantee your safety and ensure your comfort along your journey. To accompany you in this preparation, here is a list of essential and optional equipment for your trip.
Essential equipment:
Optional equipment:
In Algeria, the electrical voltage is 230 V with a frequency of 50 Hz. If the voltage in your country is between 220 V and 250 V (as in Europe, Australia and most Asian countries), your devices can be used without problems. On the other hand, if the voltage of your devices is between 100 V and 127 V (as in the United States, Canada and most countries in South America), you will need a voltage converter and a type C or F adapter to use them.
It is also possible to charge your devices in the car using your USB cables while on the go.
The desert offers an ideal terrain for photography enthusiasts with its rich and varied landscapes. Before departure, make sure that the batteries of your camera are fully charged to 100%. Check your entire equipment (lenses, body, memory card, film, cables, etc.). It is recommended to use a plastic bag to protect your devices from sand.
The magical moments for photography in the desert are at sunrise and sunset. The soft light creates interesting shadows and adds warmth to your images. Use wide-angle lenses to capture the vastness of the desert. This will highlight the vast landscapes and create an impressive perspective.
Above all, be patient. The beauty of the desert can take time to reveal itself. Be prepared to wait for the right moment and explore different places to find the most captivating compositions.
In Algeria, the use of sophisticated cameras, drones, binoculars and telescopes is prohibited.
To photograph the cave paintings, turn off the flash.
If you have an international mobile package including Algeria, it will automatically switch when you arrive. Nevertheless, you have the possibility to buy a Mobilis prepaid card at Algiers airport. You will find points of sale or distributors offering these cards. Take into consideration that during circuits, access to the telephone network is severely restricted.
Each meal is carefully prepared by our chef to offer you a diverse culinary experience, combining local flavors, fresh products and gastronomic traditions. Whether at breakfast with sweet and savory options, at lunch with fresh salads and fruit, or at dinner with traditional hot dishes, our team ensures to satisfy all palates. Each meal is marked by the tea ritual, adding a friendly touch, thus completing your gastronomic immersion.
Water and soft drinks are of course included. Our team will provide you with bottled water. You do not need to take purification tablets.
It is recommended to take snacks along the way, such as biscuits, cereal bars, protein bars, dried fruits, etc.
In case of food intolerance, please inform us before the stay.
We have carefully chosen a book selection on Tuareg culture, perfect to read before or during your trip.
Odette BERNEZAT, Campements Touareg, 2008
Hélène CLAUDOT-HAWAD, Touareg, apprivoiser le désert, 2002
Charles DE FOUCAULD, Chants Touareg, 1997
Jean-Marc DUROU, L’exploration du Sahara, 1993
Henri LHOTE, À la découverte des fresques du Tassili, 2006
André ROGER VOISIN, Contes et légendes des nomades du Sahara, 2007
Pierre ROGNON, Biographie d’un désert, 2000
Alberto VAZQUEZ-FIGUEROA, Touareg, 2009
Collectif, Proverbes et dictons Touareg, 2014
