The Sahara is the largest desert on Earth, having undergone various climatic phases—at times much drier than today, and at other times lush and teeming with wildlife. The most renowned inhabitants of the desert are the Tuareg, a proud nomadic people with remarkable survival skills in challenging environmental conditions.
The Tassili N’Ajjer National Park is an 80,000-square-kilometer lunar-like landscape, covered with silent canyons and a breathtaking scenery of stone towers, all filled with caves, around 5,000 prehistoric troglodyte dwellings, and more than 15,000 rock paintings and petroglyphs dating back up to 12,000 years. It is also known as the “8th wonder”, being the largest open-air museum in the world, and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1982.
This specific program extends to the easternmost edge of the park and Algeria, reaching the Tin Merzounga dunes on the border with Libya, and concludes with a visit to the secluded valley of Ihrir, an area isolated for centuries from the outside world.
It also includes an introduction to Constantine in northeastern Algeria, a city founded by the Phoenicians, with a rich architectural heritage.
Departure from Athens to Algiers via Frankfurt, with a departure time of 17:10 and arrival at 12:30 after midnight. After completing the necessary entry procedures, we will transfer to the M Suite Hotel 4* or a similar hotel for accommodation.
After breakfast, we will spend time exploring Algiers and its major attractions, including the Casbah of Algiers—a historic area with fortress-like houses and narrow souks, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the evening, we will transfer to the airport for the flight to Constantine, with a scheduled departure time of 18:25 and arrival at 19:35 (times may vary). Transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
A day dedicated to exploring Constantine, a city of 900,000 residents founded by the Phoenicians. The city is surrounded by a 200-meter-deep ravine. We will visit the Casbah and the medina, areas rich in architectural heritage, featuring ancient mosques, the Palace of Ahmed Bey, and historic houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, now recognized as a national heritage site.
In the afternoon, there will be free time for strolling around the city and its market. Later in the evening, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Djanet via Algiers. The flight departs at 20:15, arriving in Djanet at 01:35 after midnight.
Djanet is a medieval town with approximately 15,000 inhabitants, primarily Tuareg, and has recently become a major tourist destination in the Algerian Sahara. Upon arrival, we will transfer to Hotel Tenere Village or similar, settling into our rooms to rest after the flights. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
We depart for the Tadrart region, located in the southeastern corner of Algeria. This area is considered one of the most impressive parts of the vast Sahara, with breathtaking landscapes of sand dunes framed by rocky canyons and diverse sandstone formations.
Traveling by Land Cruiser or Hilux vehicles, we frequently change landscapes and approach the border with Libya on a route totaling approximately 600 km, half of which crosses the desert. Initially, we follow a paved road that heads southeast towards Niger and Libya. Then, we leave the road and proceed along a “piste”—a desert route where we drive off-road along tracks left by previous travelers, through dry riverbeds or across dunes.
Overnight stay in the Moul n’Aga area. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
We continue by following various Wadi routes, making stops at cave-like shelters with petroglyphs and rock paintings. The open canyons we traverse are framed by rocks, many of which feature impressive formations and natural arches, the most striking of which is the Cathedral.
Along the way, we will take short or longer hikes at every opportunity. Overnight stay in the Tin Tetak area. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
The crossing continues with our experienced guides navigating areas with extensive sand dunes, where it may be necessary to deflate the tires to traverse them. The photographic interest of the journey now dictates the pace, the stops we make, and the time we dedicate to each point of interest. At various points along the route, there will be hikes of up to one or two hours, with minimal changes in elevation.
The vehicle/kitchen follows, preparing our lunch at selected spots along the route. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
We continue to our final destination, the Tin Merzouga region, home to blazing red sand dunes—possibly the most impressive sand dunes in the entire Sahara. We will dedicate the afternoon to climbing the tall peaks of the dunes, which rise over 100 meters, with the warm colors intensifying to a surreal hue as the sunset approaches.
At the evening camp, our Tuareg guides will bake bread in the hot sand, lighting a fire upon it in a traditional process that has been passed down for centuries. Desert tea will be offered without limit to all who wish to enjoy it. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Leaving Merzouga behind, we first pass an impressive rock formation resembling the FIFA World Cup trophy, known as Coup d’ Afrique. Then, in the narrow Afazo canyon, we will lose ourselves among its holes and tight passages, offering beautiful views. Later, we begin our return journey, following the Wadi In Djerane. At a selected spot along the route, we will set up camp for our final night in the desert. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
We complete the first leg of our journey by returning to Djanet. Before we arrive, we will take a detour to closely view one of the most intricate petroglyphs in the desert, the Weeping Cow. The remarkable craftsmanship of the figures, created during the late prehistoric period when artistic expression had reached higher levels, depicts cows crying, with the artist sending a poignant message about the suffering of both humans and animals due to the expanding desert and the dwindling vegetation and water sources.
Upon arriving in Djanet, we will transfer to the hotel for a bath and relaxation. In the afternoon, we will take a stroll through the city of Djanet and its market, where we will have the opportunity to find a reasonably good variety of souvenirs and practical items for shopping.
Overnight stay at the same hotel, in rooms with a bathroom. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
After breakfast, we depart for the secret valley of Idaren. This is a valley that has maintained human habitation in the Sahara for centuries, a fascinating microcosm isolated from the harsh conditions of the rest of the desert, as it is one of the few remaining spots in the desert with abundant water.
Next to the canyon, all the inhabitants of the region gathered, building their homes and bringing their herds, continuing to live here for centuries without any contact with the changes and developments in the rest of the world.
This valley was recently discovered by Westerners. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
A hiking exploration of the Idaren valley and interaction with some of the valley's residents. The exact schedule for the day will be determined on-site depending on the conditions. In the afternoon, we will return to Djanet and transfer to the hotel for some rest and dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Night transfer to the airport for our flight to Algiers via a connecting stop, with a departure time of 02:15 and arrival in Algiers at 06:35.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the city and have free time for sightseeing until the time of our return flight to Greece with Lufthansa via Frankfurt, with a departure time of 13:05 and arrival in Athens at 22:25. (Breakfast included)
22 December 2024 - 2 January 2025
Transportation
Local transportation is provided with 4x4 Land Cruiser or Hi Lux vehicles, with 3 or 4 people per vehicle. Local drivers are highly experienced in navigating desert terrain. During the trekking, luggage and equipment will be transported by donkeys.
Accommodation
In Algiers and Constantine, accommodation is provided in hotels, in double rooms with a bathroom and breakfast included.
In Djanet, accommodation will be in a simple hotel, in double or triple rooms, depending on availability.
In the desert, overnight stays will be in tents, with a mattress provided by the local partner. Each participant will need to bring their own sleeping bag (2-3 seasons).
Meals
A cook and an assistant will accompany the group throughout the desert or mountain exploration. They will prepare all meals, including breakfast (coffee, tea, bread, butter, jam, cake, etc.), a cold lunch (vegetable salads, rice, eggs, cheese, fruits, etc.), and a hot dinner (shorba soup, stews, couscous, and the famous taghella bread, cooked in the hot sand and ashes of the evening fire). Desert tea will be offered with every meal and repeatedly in unlimited quantities.
Climate
The best months to visit the Sahara are from October to April. During the day, temperatures range from 20 to 35°C depending on the month, while at night they drop to 5-10°C and can even reach freezing temperatures at higher altitudes. Rainfall is very rare during these months, occurring only in the mountains.
Currency
Currency exchange can be done at the airport or hotel. However, euros are accepted in many places, and change will be given in the local currency. If you enter the country with more than €1,000, you must declare it at customs.
Visa
A visa is required for entry into Algeria, and the process will be handled by our office.
Photography Tips
In the desert, the light intensity is high. Use low ISO settings (50-100 ASA). Bring extra memory cards as you'll be captivated by the variety of landscapes. The afternoon or morning light offers warm colors and is a photographer's delight. Carry a tripod to capture the starry desert night sky, which is especially vivid due to the absence of light pollution. Protect your lenses with UV filters, and keep in mind that wind can be a risk to your equipment by blowing sand into the lens. Have plastic bags for protection.
Battery charging can be done via the vehicle's socket, so bring the appropriate fast-charging equipment.
When photographing people, always ask for their permission.
Be cautious with bulky professional equipment (large lenses and tripods), as it may be held at the customs of the arrival airport and returned on departure. Drones and binoculars are prohibited in Algeria.
Health
Vaccines are not required for visiting the desert. There are no mosquitoes or dangerous animals.
Program Changes
The tour leader or local guide may modify the program due to weather conditions or other local circumstances (strikes, political unrest, etc.) with the main concern being the smooth running of the program and the safety of participants. Any extra costs arising from such changes will be covered by the participants.
Tipping
Tipping is optional but highly appreciated. It serves as a tangible reward for the guide and the local team who work hard to ensure a great experience. It's also a significant help to people with minimal income.
Safety/Insurance
The trip includes basic travel insurance, covering unexpected situations such as health issues (e.g., an injury during a hike at altitudes up to 3,000 meters requiring transfer and hospitalization), flight cancellations, and even trip cancellations due to COVID-19, up to €5,000.
The insurance coverage is for individuals up to 70 years old. For those between 70 and 80 years old, additional coverage is required. Please contact us for further information.
At the following link, you can view the benefits of the program and contact our travel advisor to answer any questions you may have about the Travel Insurance from Trekking Hellas.
Note 1: The program is implemented in collaboration with the Hellenic Mountaineering Club (HMA Athens) and is open to all interested parties.
Note 2: Registrations for the trip must be completed by October 10th, which is the final deadline for confirming and paying for the airline tickets. Any registrations after this date will incur additional charges due to the price difference of the airline tickets.
Note 3: The internal flights of Air Algerie have not been scheduled yet, and the final itinerary will be set in September.
To book your seat, you must first read the participation terms listed on our website. If you accept them, you should then complete the Participation Declaration at the following link: https://forms.gle/JYY58M7Evr3Cwx4c8
After completing the form, you must send a deposit of €500 within 3 days. Another €500 should be paid by October 10th. The full payment for the trip must be completed by November 20th.
The deposit and final payment should be sent to the ALPHA BANK account with the IBAN number: GR1001407960796002002013550, in the name of OUTDOORS TRAINING IKE. In the payment reference, please include your name and the name of the trip "SAHARA".
The €100 donation to the Hellenic Mountaineering Club (HMA Athens) should be sent to the National Bank account with IBAN: GR 1701100400000004048102109 in the name of Hellenic Mountaineering Club of Athens (HMA Athens). In the payment reference, write your full name and "DONATION FOR SAHARA".
In case of cancellation of participation, the following cancellation fees apply:
Price from €2590
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