Travel to the heart of the Sahara desert's most beautiful region, meeting Tuareg villagers and camping out under the stars amidst stunning desert scenery in the Hoggar Mountains and Tassili n'Ajjer.
The south of Algeria contains some of the most spectacular desert scenery to be found anywhere in the world. The peaks of the Hoggar Mountains rise dramatically from the desert floor, vast pristine fields of dunes carpet the earth, and the wind has eroded the rocks into the most marvellous and breathtaking shapes. Travelling here feels like you are travelling in a different world – a world far away from modern life, where the desert sets the pace and reminds you of the overwhelming supremacy of nature. On this trip we travel through superlative landscapes which harbour a fascinating history and equally intriguing people. This is the home of the Tuareg, those masters of the desert, and as well as exploring the natural monuments we also take opportunities to interact with these majestic people. Exploring ancient rock engravings at Tassili N’Ajjer, we spend nights camping under the clearest skies you’ll ever see, marvelling at the sheer beauty of the landscape and wishing the trip would never end. This remote region of the African continent hides treasures that few have seen – join us on this truly pioneering voyage of discovery to its mysterious heart.
Day 1 –Tamanrasset Arrive in Tamanrasset and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Auberge In Zawen or similar.
Day 2 - Assekrem Meet our guides and drivers who will accompany us throughout our journey. We then depart this morning towards the hermitage of the French monk, Pere Foucauld, who made his base in this part of the Sahara. We pass beautiful peaks such as Ighaghen and Adaouda before ending up at Assekrem and its monastery. After watching a spectacular sunset we spend the night at the refuge, privileged to be in such a profoundly beautiful setting. (BLD)
Day 3 – Tellhouet We head towards the small Tuareg village of Tellhouet on the edge of the Atakor plateau, with its shady gardens – a welcome respite from the fierce sun. After setting up our tents under the tamarisk trees we set off on foot to explore a nearby black basalt cliff. (BLD)
Day 4 – Amadror – Erg Tihodaine We travel across the Amadror plain, where salt is still gathered into blocks to make the long journeys by camel caravan to the markets in Niger. We then walk to Erg Tihodaine, an expanse of sand dunes which are among the most beautiful in all of the Sahara. We set up camp here for the night. (BLD)
Day 5 – Afara – Tassete Travel through a labyrinth of dunes littered with remains from the Neolithic period. Travel alongside the Tassili N’Ajjer, across dried up river beds and rocky ground, before arriving at the beautiful hamlet of Afara. We then climb up the cliffs of the Tassili N’Ajjer to marvel at the amazing rock paintings and carvings left here thousands of years ago. (BLD)
Day 6 – Iherir Travel to the Tuareg village of Iherir where we explore the numerous shady gardens and cool inviting gueltas – a great place to cool off from the Saharan sun. (BLD)
Day 7 – Essendilene – Tikoubawine Travel across the Admer plain, a vast expanse of sand between the cliffs and sand dunes. We have lunch in the beautiful gorge at Essendilene and then visit the arch of Tikoubawine. Later we head towards Djanet, where we set up camp between the dunes and the sandstone towers at Tegahahart. (BLD)
Day 8 – Djanet – Erg Admer At Tegahahart we visit the ‘crying cows’, a well preserved engraving carved into the rocks by the ancient inhabitants of this region. We visit Djanet, then drive to the Erg Admer, where in the middle of amazing towers rising from the dunes, we set up our camp. (BLD)
Day 9 – Oued Tadante After a short walk through the dunes of Erg Admer we drive to Oued Tadante, where we set up camp. (BLD)
Day 10 – Youf Aghlal Drive to Youf Aghlal, where we have our first sight of the Tassili N’Ahaggar, a marvellous landscape of dunes, rocks and sandstone peaks sculpted by the wind over centuries. The scenery here is superb, and a photographer’s dream. (BLD)
Day 11 – Youf Ahakit – Tahagart Drive to Youf Ahakit to meet our Tuareg guide, who will guide us through scenery of dunes, rocky peaks, Neolithic carvings and ancient inscriptions. We then rejoin our vehicles to travel to a prehistoric river where we can find rocks covered with beautiful carvings. We finally arrive at Tahaggart where we walk among the Tassili N’Ahaggar and set up our camp beneath the shade of the moon and the imposing sandstone pinnacles of rock. (BLD)
Day 12 – Tagrera – In Akachaker We explore the remnants of lost civilisations and the ancient inhabitants of the Sahara, among fossilised graves and numerous Neolithic remains. This afternoon we walk among the dunes and rock pinnacles, exploring the Sahara before setting up camp at In Akachaker. (BLD)
Day 13 – El Ghessour – Oued Aghar Ghare Continue our walk through the desert before we head to El Ghessour to explore its amazing labyrinthine rock formations and canyons. We then travel to Oued Aghar Ghare for our camp. (BLD)
Day 14 – Tamanrasset Drive back through yet more amazing scenery to Tamanrasset, where a shower awaits us! This evening we have time to reflect upon our amazing voyage through the Sahara. Overnight Auberge In Zawen or similar. (BLD)
Price Includes All accommodation based on twin/double share All transport (4WD vehicles throughout) and transfers Meals as listed above Park entrance fees An English speaking guide
Price does not include International flights Travel insurance Drinks Visa Single Supplement
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Our trip was wonderful- The staff in Angola met all of our expectations and went above and beyond- a special thanks to Ray who met us at airport, got us started on our trip, entertained us at the Flamigo Lodge and met us again on our return to Lumabgo and took us to airport for our departure to Namibia
