Tadrart Rouge
Where Time Stands Still – The Magic of Tadrart
In this part of the Sahara, time feels frozen. The Tadrart region offers one of the most breathtaking desert landscapes on Earth: towering red dunes, narrow canyons, twisted stone arches, sandstone castles, and ancient cave art etched into the rocks.
Highlights & Environment:
Key Highlights:
- Journey through one of the world’s most stunning natural settings
- Experience one of the Sahara’s most beautiful trekking circuits
- Explore the iconic red dunes of the Tadrart Massif
- Visit the natural “Cathedral” of Tamezguida
- Walk across the majestic dunes of Moul N’Aga, Tin Merzouga, and the Black Dune
- Discover prehistoric rock art in Oued In Djaren
- See the famous “Crying Cow” petroglyph at Tagharghart
Tadrart is a living painting of timeless colors, a gift to its visitors.
Trip Duration: 8 Days
Special Tour: Discovering the Tadrart
This color-rich adventure, especially magical at sunrise and sunset, leads you through one of the Sahara’s most vibrant regions—where canyons, dunes, natural sculptures, and prehistoric rock engravings collide.
- Varied landscapes and hidden wonders of Tassili n’Ajjer
- Short hikes between nearby sites and dune walks
- Discovery of ancient rock engravings and paintings
- Nights under the stars—camping on dunes, in valleys, and on riverbeds
- A maze of stone formations opening into vast sand seas
- Shades of red and ochre from the Merzouga erg clashing with eroded rock
- Rock “lace” opening onto the white expanse of the Ténéré
- Djanet and its palm oasis beneath the blue cliffs of Tassili n’Ajjer
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Algiers – Djanet
Arrival in Djanet in the evening. Meet your Tuareg guide at the airport, short 4×4 transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Djanet – Tadrart
Breakfast and short visit to the local museum. Optional purchase of a traditional Tuareg headscarf (cheche). Depart by 4×4 for the Tadrart Massif (approx. 200 km). Lunch under the acacia trees at Tin Arassou. Continue via Oued In Djaren to Ouan Ahar. Set up camp, dinner, and overnight under the stars.
- Drive: 5 hours (including stops)
- Walking: 1–2 hours
Day 3: Tamezguida Cathedral – Moul N’Aga Dunes
Start the trek following the In Djaren canyon. Cross a rocky labyrinth rich with ancient engravings. Reach the massive natural “cathedral” of Tamezguida (Tihi Tahoussait). Lunch here. In the afternoon, approach the imposing Moul N’Aga dunes—rising like a fantasy fortress. Camp in the dunes.
- Walking: 5–6 hours
Day 4: Ouan Zaouaten – In Tehak
Cross the Moul N’Aga dunes. Your caravan moves like a ship on a stormy ocean of sand. From the dune crests, enjoy sweeping views of jagged rocks, canyons, and sandy valleys. Visit the rock art at Tin Tifelrar. Reach wide valleys dotted with hidden engravings. Afternoon walk through In Tehak, a peaceful sea of sand. Camp there for the night.
- Walking: 5–6 hours
Day 5: Ikanessi – Tin Merzouga Dunes
Trek toward Tin Merzouga, following Oued Ouan Zaouaten. Pass stone spires, arches, and ochre-colored canyons. Lunch at Ikanessi (Hedgehog Rock). End the day with a walk through the stunning Tin Merzouga dune amphitheater. The scenery shifts like a kaleidoscope. Camp in the dunes.
- Walking: 5–6 hours
Day 6: The Cirque – Bouhedienne
Catch the sunrise over the red sand dunes scattered with sandstone tables. After breakfast, hike through the Cirque, visit polished cave sites shaped by erosion, then continue to Bouhedienne. Camp among the dunes.
- Walking: 5–6 hours
Day 7: Tin Merzouga – Imesnegha – Black Dune
Meet the 4×4 vehicles and head to Tissatka. Short drive to Oued In Djaren and explore rock paintings hidden in Tissitekka’s gorges. Move on to the Black Dune at Adjelati. Walk the site before dinner and overnight camp.
- Walking: 1–2 hours
Day 8: Black Dune – Djanet – Oued Tigharghart
Morning departure for Djanet through wooded riverbeds. Back in town: refresh with a well-deserved shower and explore Djanet. Visit the iconic “Crying Cow” petroglyph at Tigharghart. Final dinner and camp overnight in Oued Tigharghart. Transfer to the airport and return flight to Algiers.
- Drive: 5 hours (with stops)
Notes & Practical Info:
1. Itinerary Flexibility
The schedule may change due to weather, safety, flight delays, or local conditions. The guide will adjust as needed. The route may be reversed depending on flight times.
2. Sleeping Arrangements
Sleeping under the stars is part of the magic. Bring your own sleeping bag. Stargazing in the open desert sky is an unforgettable Saharan experience.
3. Showers
Showers are available at the end of the trip. Hammam access is included. Campsites are chosen for their beauty—please help us keep them clean. We burn or take away all waste (bring a lighter if you smoke). Cigarette butts must be burned in the fire.
4. Food
Simple but tasty meals made with local ingredients: couscous, pasta, rice, vegetables, and limited meat. Evening meals are hot (soup, main, dessert, tea); lunches are cold (salads, fruit, tea). European-style breakfast (bread, butter, tea, coffee). Light afternoon snacks (dates, tea). Wood is scarce—we only use it for tea and traditional “T’Aguilla” bread. Cooking is done with gas.
5. Toilets & Hygiene
No showers in the desert—use a basin or Tupperware container for quick washes. Wet wipes are very useful. Water is always available but must be used sparingly. No toilets in the wild—burn toilet paper after use.
6. Team & Support
Your journey is guided by a local team: usually a guide, a cook, and drivers. Expect warm hospitality and authentic desert wisdom.
7. Transportation
Combination of 4×4 vehicles and walking.
All our packages include:
■ full logistics support
■ local transfers and baggage transport
■ on-site assistance from our team
