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Discover the majestic Hoggar Mountains and the Assekrem plateau in the heart of the Algerian Sahara. This 9-day 4×4 adventure offers breathtaking landscapes, authentic Touareg culture, and unforgettable nights under desert skies. Travel through mountain passes, canyons, and lush oases while experiencing the peace and isolation of one of Algeria’s most iconic regions.
Explore the unique rock formations and gueltas of the Hoggar.
Witness sunrise and sunset from the panoramic Assekrem plateau.
Engage with local Touareg communities and share traditional meals.
This immersive 9-day / 8-night journey combines 4×4 driving, light hiking, cultural encounters, and desert bivouacs. Each day brings new landscapes, historical insights, and memorable experiences.
Itineraries
Day 1
Algiers – Tamanrasset
Overnight flight from Algiers to Tamanrasset. Upon arrival, our local team welcomes you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel or guesthouse for your first night in the city. Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2
Tamanrasset – Afilal – Assekrem
After breakfast, your 4×4 expedition begins. Visit the gueltas of Afilal, serene water pools surrounded by desert landscapes and wildlife. Continue to the Assekrem plateau at the base of the Atakor massif. Enjoy your first evening under the stars with a traditional tea ceremony and dates.
Days 3
Assekrem – Izarnan
Wake up early to witness a magical sunrise at Assekrem (2873m). The first golden rays illuminate the rugged peaks of the Hoggar Mountains, casting long shadows and painting the sky in pink, orange, and purple hues. After exploring the hermitage of Père Charles de Foucauld, the journey continues towards the gueltas near Izarnan.
Drive through winding oueds and mountain passes under the gaze of the Hoggar’s stone giants: Tahat (3003m), Ilamane (2760m), Koudia, Tidiamaïne, Tezouaï, and In Taraïn. Stop at Tahifet, a village nestled in a lush valley, perfect for a scenic picnic surrounded by greenery in the heart of the desert. Evening arrives with a cozy bivouac under a sky ablaze with stars. Your guide introduces you to the constellations, making this desert night truly unforgettable.
Days 4
Izarnan – Tanguet – Tamekrest – In Tounine
After breakfast, continue your exploration of the Hoggar’s dramatic landscapes. Pass through Tanguet, the highest commune in Algeria, known for its verdant gardens and abundant orchards of grapes, apples, pears, and pomegranates. Stop in Tamekrest and In Tounine, observing local life and enjoying the quiet majesty of these highland oases.
The evening returns to the bivouac, where a warm fire awaits. Relax under a pristine desert sky, share stories, and marvel at the night’s constellation map, decoded by your knowledgeable guide. Each moment in the Hoggar offers a blend of natural wonder and serene isolation.
Transfer: 4×4 • Walks: 2–3 hours/day • Overnight: Bivouac
Day 5
Tagmart – Terhenanet
Begin the day with a warm coffee or tea before heading to Tagmart, a remarkable site featuring ancient rock carvings. These millennia-old engravings are a window into the lives of nomadic populations who once roamed the region, offering travelers a rare glimpse into Algeria’s rich prehistoric heritage.
Continue your journey to the village of Terhenanet, where traditional architecture meets modern constructions. Take time to interact with locals, observe their simple lifestyle, and learn from their connection to the land. The day blends culture, history, and authentic human encounters.
Transfer: 4×4 • Walks: Light exploration • Overnight: Bivouac
Day 6
Terhenanet – Ilamane
From Terhenanet, drive towards the Ilamane cirque, a striking natural amphitheater of granite formations shaped by erosion over centuries. A short hike takes you to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Ilamane peak, revealing the intricate textures of the landscape.
As evening falls, the camp is set up alongside your travel companions. While your cook prepares a traditional chorba using fresh ingredients, everyone is invited to assist, creating a communal and memorable experience in the heart of the desert. This day emphasizes connection—with nature, local culture, and fellow travelers.
Transfer: 4×4 • Walks: 2–3 hours/day • Overnight: Bivouac
Day 7
Tagmart 2 – Tissalatine
Your journey continues from Tagmart 2 to Tissalatine, offering some of the last opportunities to spot desert wildlife. Keep an eye out for mouflons, gazelles, fennecs, and perhaps even the elusive desert leopard.
At Tagmart 2, explore the remarkable rock paintings that have withstood the test of time, climate, and human activity—a testament to the rich history of the region. As evening falls, experience a traditional taguella baking session: your cook prepares the dough, digs a shallow pit in the sand, places the bread inside, and covers it with sand and hot embers. This ancient technique yields a uniquely aromatic bread that’s perfect for sharing with your fellow travelers under the desert sky.
Transfer: 4×4 • Walks: Light exploration • Overnight: Bivouac
Day 8
Tissalatine – Tamanrasset
The journey back to urban life begins as you head towards Tamanrasset, the gateway to the desert and your final stop. Arriving in the afternoon, enjoy a refreshing hot shower at your accommodation before venturing out to explore this vibrant desert crossroads.
Tamanrasset offers a unique blend of Berber culture and Saharan influences. Stroll through local markets, discover traditional craftsmanship, and savor the flavors of Algerian cuisine. Deepen your understanding of the region by visiting sites connected to Père Charles de Foucauld, including the "frégate" (his small house/chapel) and the surrounding bordj.
In the evening, enjoy dinner before being transferred to the airport for your departure preparations.
Transfer: 4×4 • Walks: Light exploration • Overnight: Accommodation in Tamanrasset / Airport transfer
Day 9
Tamanrasset – Algiers
Your adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tamanrasset Airport for your flight back to Algiers. Take a moment to soak in the desert landscapes one last time as you reflect on the extraordinary experiences of the past eight days.
Upon arrival in Algiers, your journey concludes, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Hoggar mountains, the Assekrem plateau, the welcoming Tuareg communities, and the timeless beauty of the Sahara.
Transfer: Airport • Meals: Breakfast included • Overnight: Arrival in Algiers / End of tour
Accommodation: 8 nights in hotels, guesthouses, or desert bivouac (tent option available).
Transport: 4×4 vehicles for the entire tour, domestic flights within Algeria, and airport transfers in Tamanrasset.
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily according to the itinerary.
Afternoon snacks during excursions and desert activities.
Bottled water provided throughout the trip.
Traditional Saharan cuisine and the taguella (desert bread) experience included.
Guides: Professional English-speaking Tamacheq guide with extensive knowledge of the Hoggar region.
Support Team: Drivers, cook, and 4×4 crew to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
Excursions & Activities: All visits and activities outlined in the itinerary (Assekrem, gueltas, Tagmart rock carvings, Tamanrasset cultural exploration).
Visa Assistance: Tourist visa provided on arrival at Tamanrasset.
Camping Equipment: High-quality tents, sleeping mats, and all essential desert camping tools.
Cultural Experiences: Traditional tea ceremonies with Tuareg families, engagement with local communities, and a live Tuareg desert blues musical evening.
International Flights: Flights to and from Algeria.
Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for the duration of the trip.
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