Tassili n'Ajjer is a sandstone plateau in southeastern Algeria, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 — one of the largest open-air prehistoric museums in the world. 15,000 rock paintings and engravings, some 12,000 years old, tell the story of a green Sahara once populated by giraffes and hippos. A trek here is one of the most extraordinary on the planet. But it's also a trip that needs preparation. Here's everything you need to know.
When to go?
| Month | Conditions | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| Oct–Nov | 18°C day / 5°C night | ✅ Ideal |
| Dec–Feb | 15°C day / 0°C night (cold) | ✅ For pure skies |
| Mar–Apr | 22°C day / 8°C night | ✅ Ideal |
| May | 30°C day | Borderline |
| Jun–Sep | 40–50°C | ❌ Impractical |
How much does it really cost?
All-inclusive 2026 prices, per person, based on a 4–6 person group, excluding flight to Djanet:
| Duration | Typical itinerary | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | Sefar loop | 60,000 – 80,000 DZD |
| 5 days | Sefar + Jabbaren | 95,000 – 130,000 DZD |
| 7 days | Full Tamrit + Sefar + Tin Tazarift loop | 130,000 – 180,000 DZD |
| 10–12 days | Extreme trek + Erg Admer | 180,000 – 260,000 DZD |
Normally included: Tuareg guide, camels for carrying, meals, bivouac, administrative permits, transfers from Djanet.
Not included: flight to Djanet (~30,000–50,000 DZD round-trip from Algiers), insurance, drinks, tips (~5,000–8,000 DZD for the team).
How to get to Djanet?
Algiers–Djanet flight: Air Algérie and Tassili Airlines operate the route 4–6 times a week. Duration 2h30. Price 30,000–50,000 DZD round-trip depending on season.
Book your flights 3 weeks to 2 months in advance — seats go fast, especially in high season.
Classic itineraries
3 days — the discovery
Djanet → Tamrit → the "Forest of Stone" (Sefar) → return to Djanet. For those with little time. You'll already see hundreds of frescoes.
5 days — the compromise
Djanet → Tamrit → Sefar → Jabbaren (major prehistoric city) → return. The most popular itinerary. Optimal value-for-money-and-fatigue ratio.
7 days — the immersion
Full loop with Tin Tazarift, Tan Zoumaitak, Erg Admer. You see Tassili in all its forms: sandstone, dunes, palm groves, main rock art sites. Recommended for those who can take a full week.
10–12 days — total adventure
Long trek with technical passages, isolated sites. Reserved for those who already have desert experience and a good fitness level.
How to choose your agency?
Good questions to ask
- Is the agency licensed by the Wilaya of Djanet? (mandatory)
- Is the guide a local Tuareg? (safety + knowledge)
- What camel-to-person ratio? (1 camel per person max is ideal)
- How many hot meals per day? (3 are mandatory)
- Drinking water: pulled from guelta pools or brought in jerry cans? (prefer cans + filtering)
- What's the policy in case of medical emergency? (satellite phone, evacuation)
Red flags
- ❌ No physical address, just a WhatsApp number
- ❌ Abnormally low prices (under 50,000 DZD for 5 days)
- ❌ Refusal to provide their license number
- ❌ No reply within 24h on your questions
The right profile
A real Djanet agency has a shop, a license to show, a guide who explains in French, English or Tamashek, and recent traveler reviews.
What to pack
Essentials:
- Broken-in hiking boots (not brand new!)
- Sleeping bag (5 to -5°C depending on season)
- Headlamp + batteries
- Sunglasses category 4
- High-protection sunscreen
- 2 water bottles (2 L total)
- Cheche / scarf (anti-sand-wind)
- Personal medication + paracetamol + diarrhea remedy
To avoid:
- Hard suitcase (the camel only carries soft bags)
- Too many clothes (no washing possible)
- Drone (very complex permits, often refused)
Security and permits
Tassili n'Ajjer is a protected zone. Administrative permits are mandatory, handled by your agency. No individual visits possible. The gendarmerie checks at Djanet and on the tracks.
Book your tour on Algérie Tourisme
On Algérie Tourisme, you find licensed tour operators in Djanet and the Saharan wilayas, with their photos, detailed itineraries, transparent prices, and traveler reviews. 0% commission, direct contact, secure payment.