Sahara- Tassili N'Ajjer 24 December 2025 - 5 January 2026

Sahara- Tassili N'Ajjer 24 December 2025 - 5 January 2026

Trekking in the world's largest open-air museum

ACTIVE PERIOD
24 December 2025 - 5 January 2026
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
3
DURATION
13 days
Sahara- Tassili N'Ajjer 24 December 2025 - 5 January 2026
Price from €2640
PRICE FROM € 2640 - BOOK NOW!

Overview

Explore the wonders of the Sahara Desert and Tassili N’Ajjer National Park like never before!

As you may already know, Sahara is the largest desert on our planet, covering almost the entire northern part of Africa and stretching from the Atlantic to the Red Sea. But did you know that this vast expanse of sand dunes is not the only terrain you'll find in the Sahara? In fact, the desert surface is mostly dirt and rocks, with dunes occupying only 20% of the surface area.

Throughout its history, Sahara has gone through various climatic states, sometimes much drier than today and sometimes green and full of animals. And now, you have the opportunity to explore one of the most remarkable places in this incredible desert - Tassili N'Ajjer National Park.

This stunning landscape covers a vast area of 80,000 sq km, filled with silent gorges, stone towers, and caves. And that's not all, it is also home to over 5,000 prehistoric troglodyte dwellings and more than 15,000 rock paintings and petroglyphs, some of which are up to 12,000 years old.

But what makes these paintings particularly fascinating is that they depict strange characters in helmets and flying devices resembling cosmonauts, people in fashionable clothes, and more. They are among the oldest and most enigmatic paintings in the world, and have been called the 8th wonder, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.

Our adventure will begin in the easternmost part of Algeria, where we'll explore the Tin Merzounga dunes on the border with Libya. We'll then venture deeper into Tassili N'Ajjer National Park, where we'll spend five days trekking and exploring the park on foot. Donkeys will carry our luggage as we traverse this inaccessible area, and we'll get to witness the breathtaking natural beauty of the park up close.

After our trek, we'll spend another five days wandering the dunes of Tadrart, soaking in the desert's unparalleled tranquility and stunning vistas. This journey promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, full of adventure, history, and beauty. 

Highlights

  • Trekking in Tassili N'Ajjer, the largest open-air museum in the world
  • Exploring the 5,000 prehistoric troglodyte dwellings in the National Park, known as the 8th wonder of the world
  • Hunting for prehistoric rock paintings and petroglyphs, including enigmatic images of strange characters and flying devices suggestive of aliens
  • Discovering some of the oldest and most unique paintings in the world
  • Exploring Tadrart, an area filled with impressive rock formations and dunes
  • Trekking to the fire-red dunes of Tin Merzouga and camping at their base
Day 1
Flight Algiers - Djanet
Day 2
Start of 4-day trekking in Tassili N'Ajjer
Day 3
Trekking at Wan Agrabben - Tamrit
Day 4
Trekking in Sefar Black
Day 5
Trekking in Sefar White
Day 6
Completion of trekking, return to Djanet
Day 7
Start of a 5-day jeep tour in Tadrart- In Djarren - Moul n'Aga
Day 8
Canyons and rock caves in Tin Tetak
Day 9
March in the fire-red dunes of Tin Merzouga
Day 10
Crossing of Wadi Taffassaset
Day 11
Visit to the "Weeping Cow", return to Djanet
Day 12
Flight to Algiers and visit
Day 14
Return flight

Activities / Schedule

Flight Algiers - Djanet

Our journey will begin with a departure from Athens at 12:40, flying via Rome to Algiers, where we'll arrive at 17:00. After the necessary entry formalities into the country, we transfer for the evening flight to the town of Djanet, which is the starting point for trekking in Sefar.

Upon our arrival in Djanet, we'll be transferred to our hotel where we'll spend the night in comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast provided. 

Djanet is known as the "gateway to the Sahara", and it's the perfect place to begin our journey into this incredible desert.

Overnight at the Hôtel Ténéré Village in double/twin rooms with bathroom and breakfast.

Trekking in Tassili N'Ajjer - Wan Aghrebben

Rise and shine! It's time to start our epic journey into the heart of Tassili N'Ajjer National Park, and we couldn't be more excited.

After our breakfast, we'll hop in our trusty 4x4 cars and head to the Akba Tafilalet area. There, we'll meet our expert guide and our loyal companions for the next 5 days - a team of sturdy and reliable donkeys who will carry our equipment as we venture deeper into the park.

As we prepare for our trek, we can feel the anticipation building. We're about to enter a world of incredible geological and cultural significance, a place where the past and present merge in breathtaking ways. And with the help of our guide and donkeys, we're ready to tackle the challenge ahead.

Our ascent to the Tassili N'Ajjer plateau is a gradual one, but the journey is full of wonder and discovery. We'll make our way through slopes and gorges, passing majestic cliffs and marveling at the beauty of the landscape around us. It's a journey that takes about 5 hours, but we'll be so absorbed in the sights and sounds that time will fly by.

And then, we'll finally arrive at Tamrit - our first stop on this incredible adventure. We'll set up camp, with the help of our expert staff, and get settled into our cozy tents. As our cook prepares a delicious meal for us, we'll have the chance to explore the area around us, taking in the unique and otherworldly beauty of this lunar landscape.

Wan Aghrebben - Tamrit

Let's get ready for a journey through the Tamrit, Tin Nezen, and Tamalet regions! Our adventure begins with a thrilling exploration of the vast Sahara Desert. As we travel through winding paths and towering monoliths, we'll discover ancient caves adorned with intricate rock paintings. The sandstone rocks and gentle desert wind create an eerie backdrop as we traverse the rocky terrain.

In the Tan Zoumaitak area, we'll encounter some of the most well-preserved rock paintings and petroglyphs in the world. Experts estimate that these superimposed figures of round-headed people date back to 4,000 to 6,000 BC and have been described by Erich von Deniken as "Martian". It's a style of painting unique to this area and truly awe-inspiring to witness.

On our way back, we'll follow a gorge that leads us to a special microclimate where some of the oldest cypress trees in the world have been preserved. These trees date back thousands of years to the period when vegetation had spread from the Mediterranean coast to the desert.

We'll end our day with a cozy evening camping in the area of Initilen (breakfast, lunch, dinner), surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Sahara. Don't forget to capture some stunning photos to share with your loved ones back home!

Sefar Black

As we continue our journey through the Tassili N'Ajjer National Park, we reach the Titarasneliesse stage, where we come across Sefar, the heart of our magical adventure through time. This place is a cultural treasure trove of prehistoric art, with some of the most important and famous rock paintings in the world. It's as if we're wandering through a stone forest with tall sandstone pillars, reminiscent of a skyscraper city's streets and avenues. The scenery is breathtaking, and we can't wait to explore every corner, cave, and rock formation to discover the ancient images and artwork hidden within.

Sefar Black, a group of large black figures from the Roundhead period, is a particular highlight of the area, and we spend the entire afternoon searching for more prehistoric images around every turn. We're camping in the area, so there's no need to rush as we take our time to soak in the stunning surroundings (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Sefar White

As the sun rises, we set out to explore Sefar White, a maze of rocks that hides a treasure trove of ancient art. With each step, we uncover more paintings, each more fascinating than the last. Some of these works of art are so remarkable that they've sparked the imaginations of visitors who believe they depict alien figures and their flying machines. The crown jewel of this collection is the "great god," an imposing figure painted on the ceiling of a cave that will leave you in awe.

Our journey then takes us to Tin Tazarift & Tin Aboteka, where we discover more breathtaking artwork. Among the many masterpieces are a famous figure of a great archer and a scene depicting a chariot. As we take in these stunning sights, we can't help but marvel at the talent and creativity of the ancient artists who left their mark on this landscape.

As the day comes to a close, we return to camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Back to Djanet

As we bid farewell to the stunning Tassili N'Ajjer plateau, we make our way back down to where our 4x4 cars are waiting to take us back to Djanet. This charming town, founded in the Middle Ages and inhabited by Tuaregs, has recently become a popular tourist destination in the Algerian Sahara.

Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and enjoy a refreshing swim to wash away the dust of the desert. Later in the afternoon, we will take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant town and its bustling market, filled with a colorful array of souvenirs and local wares.

As the day winds down, we retire to our comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms at the hotel for a well-deserved rest (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

In Djarren – Moul n’Aga

After savoring our breakfast, we embark on the second phase of our adventure, venturing into the mesmerizing region of Tadrart. The vistas of the Tadrart are simply breathtaking, with stunning landscapes of vibrant red dunes bordered by rugged gorges and a variety of sandstone cliffs.

Over the course of five days, we will cover a distance of approximately 600 km, traversing vast stretches of the desert terrain in comfortable Land Cruiser or High Lux vehicles. We will cross diverse terrains and marvel at the shifting scenery, often journeying close to the Libyan border.

Our journey begins on a paved road that leads southeast from Djanet, in the direction of Niger and Libya. Soon, we will veer off-road onto a "track," traversing through the desolate landscape, following only the faint imprints of previous crossings in the dried riverbeds or dunes.

We will set up camp in the Moul n' Aga area, where we will rest to our comfortable tents for a peaceful night's sleep under the starry sky. (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Tin Tetak

As we continue our journey through Tadrart, we are constantly in awe of the stunning scenery that surrounds us. The towering red dunes and rocky gorges create a dramatic backdrop that is unlike anything else on Earth. Along the way, we stop to explore the many cavernous cavities that are home to incredible petroglyphs and rock paintings, each one a testament to the rich history and culture of the Sahara.

The open gorges that we cross are simply breathtaking, with towering rocks on either side and natural arches that seem to defy gravity. The most impressive of these is the Cathedral, a towering rock formation that is truly awe-inspiring.

Throughout our journey, we take short and long walks whenever the opportunity arises, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the stunning natural beauty that surrounds us.

We settle in for the night in the Tin Tetak area, where we enjoy a delicious meal and rest up for the next leg of our adventure. (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Tin Merzouga

Our expert guides lead us through winding canyons and endless dunes, creating a mystical atmosphere that only the Sahara can offer. The mesmerizing red sand creates an illusion of being on another planet. We finally reach the Tin Merzouga area, which boasts of having the most incredible dunes in the entire Sahara.

Scaling the towering dunes is no easy feat, but the effort is well worth it as we're rewarded with a breathtaking view of the seemingly endless expanse of sand as the sun sets in the background, painting the sky with a palette of warm colours.

In the evening, our Tuareg guides demonstrate their traditional baking skills by making bread on the hot sand, while we sip on unlimited cups of steaming hot desert tea. As night falls, we retire to our camp for a well-deserved rest (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Wadi Taffassaset

We set off on our final day of the desert trek, ready to explore the unique and striking landscape of Tadrart. We come across the intriguingly named Coup d'Afrique rock formation, with its distinctive cup shape, before venturing into the narrow and winding Afazo Gorge.

The day's journey takes us back along the course of a dried-up riverbed, allowing us to appreciate the rugged beauty of the desert from a different perspective. 

As the sun begins to set, we reach our final desert campsite, where we share one last meal together under the starry sky (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Weeping Cow, Djanet

As our epic journey through the Sahara draws to a close, we take a detour to marvel at one of the most intricate petroglyphs in the desert. These ancient engravings offer a glimpse into a time long gone, depicting cows in agony as the harsh desert landscape threatened to overtake their once fertile habitat. It's a poignant reminder of the fragility of life in this unforgiving terrain.

Returning to Djanet, we have time to unwind at our hotel with a refreshing bath and some well-deserved relaxation (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Flight to Algiers and visit

As our adventure comes to an end, we bid farewell to the stunning Tadrart region and embark on a night transfer to the airport for our flight to Algiers,  with arrival time 04:05. Even though it's an early morning flight, we can still catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Algerian landscapes from above as we approach the city.

Upon arrival, we dive straight into exploring the city's rich history and culture, starting with the Casbah of Algiers, a maze-like neighborhood of narrow alleys and houses made of stone. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Casbah offers an authentic glimpse into the city's past.

Our accommodation for the night is at the Hôtel RALF 4* , where we can unwind and relax after a long day of travel. In the afternoon, we have the opportunity to explore the city further, perhaps taking a stroll through the vibrant Martyrs Square in the Lower Casbah.

Return flight

Very early in the morning we transfer to the airport of Algiers for the flight back to Athens with ITA at 05:20 in the morning and arrival time 11:50.

Important Info

In a glance

SURFACE AREA
2.381.741 sq.km
POPULATION
45.400.000
CURRENCY
Algerian Dinar (exchange rate 1€ = 153 DZD)
TIMEZONE
-1 hour from Greece

Price

  • 2.640 € / person (for 13-14 persons)

  • 2.700 € / person (for 10-12 persons)

Difficulty Level

  • 3/5

Book your seat

  • To book your seat you will need to book and pay a deposit of €500 via our ‘Book now’ section.
  • Payment of the trip must be completed up to 65 days before departure to the account of ALPHA BANK with IBAN number: GR1001407960796002002013550, in the name of OUTDOORS TRAINING IKE.
  • During the transfer or deposit process, please note in the REASON field your name and the name of the trip ALGERIA 2026.

Cancellations

  • Any cancellation made from the day of booking up to 65 days before departure will be charged 150 € per person for administration costs.
  • Cancellation from 64 to 30 days before departure: 40% of the total value of the trip.
  • From 29 to 14 days before departure: 75% of the total value of the trip.
  • From 13 days before departure until departure (no show): 100% of the total value of the trip.

FAQs

What travel documents are required to participate in the trip?

A visa and passport with an expiry date at least 6 months after the date of exit is required to enter the country and should not have an Israeli stamp

The visa is issued by our office through the Algerian Embassy in Athens.

Two (2) passport photos, recent and in colour.

All documents for visa issuance must be sent no later than 50 days prior to departure and in case of late dispatch causing late issuance of the visa, we will not be responsible for any additional exit or entry ban in the country.

Non-Greek participants should contact the Algerian embassy of their country.

Alternatively, the issue can be done at the airport with an additional charge of approximately 80€ (cost to be borne by the customer) and a waiting time of at least 2 hours.

Until when can I make a reservation?

The reservation should be finalised at least two months before departure, when the visa process will start.

Is travel insurance required / included?

Travel insurance is not included in the cost of the trip, but is required for the visa.

We recommend that you contact any travel insurance agency in your country to find out about packages suitable for you.

Travel insurance is required to include medical, hospitalisation and repatriation cover in order for the visa to be issued and the duration of the cover must be for a minimum of 30 days regardless of the duration of the trip.

What will the climate be like during the trip?

The best months to travel to the Sahara are from October to April. During the day there are large temperature differences, with daytime temperatures depending on the month reaching 20 to 30o C, and at night from 5 to 10o C, while at altitudes it can drop to zero. In these months rainfall is extremely rare and only in the mountains.

What about foreign exchange?

Change into local currency can be made at the airport or at the hotel. However, the euro is accepted everywhere, but you will be given change in local currency If you enter the country with more than €1,000, you will have to declare it at the customs office.

What type of accommodation is included?

In Algiers the accommodation is in a 4* hotel in double rooms with bathroom and breakfast. In Djanet the sleep is in a simple hotel, in double rooms with bathroom and breakfast, depending on the available options.

In the desert the nights are spent in tents with mattress, which will be provided by the local office. Everyone will only need to have their own sleeping bag, 2-3 seasons.

What kind of food is included?

Breakfast is included on all days that we stay in a hotel.

A cook with his assistant accompanies us all days of desert tour. He prepares all the meals required from breakfast (coffee, tea, bread, butter, jam, cakes, etc), cold lunch (vegetable salads, rice, eggs, cheese, fruit, etc) and hot dinner (shorba soups, stews, couscous, and the famous taghella bread, cooked under the hot sand and ashes of the evening fire). Desert tea is offered at every meal and repeatedly in as much quantity as anyone wants.

How will the transfers take place?

Local transfers are made by 4X4 Land Cruiser or Hi Lux cars with 3 or 4 people in each car. The local drivers have great knowledge of the desert and driving in such areas. During the trekking the transportation of luggage and equipment will be done by donkeys.

What about tips?

Tipping is an optional extra that is usually skipped even by happy travellers. However, such a meaningful reward both to the office attendant and (much more so) to the local office people who will work hard to make sure we have a good time, is not only a practical thank you, but also a meaningful help to people with little income.

Will there be a change of program?

Our office escort or the local guide has the discretion to modify the program if weather or other local conditions (strikes, political unrest, etc.) require it, with the main criterion being the smooth progress of the program and the safety of the participants. Any costs arising from such changes will be covered by the participants.

Equipment

  • Daypack 20-30 litres
  • Sleeping bag suitable for temperatures of 0°C to -5°C
  • Trekking or sports shoes
  • Canteen 1 litre
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Buff
  • Small microfiber towel
  • Wet wipes
  • Toilet paper and lighter (to burn after use)
  • Head torch
  • Sunscreen
  • Moisturizer
  • Lip balm
  • Aspirin or paracetamol
  • Antidiarrheal
  • Eye drops
  • Sleeping pillow

Sahara- Tassili N'Ajjer 24 December 2025 - 5 January 2026

Trekking in the world's largest open-air museum

Price from €2640

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