North Tassili n’Ajjer circuit: Iherir Valley, Essendilène and Tikoubaouine

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.