Adventure Confidently: Covid-19 Information & Vaccination Requirements

Find Your TripFree Catalog

Algeria Cultural Discovery Desert Post-Trip Extension

Ancient Rock Paintings of Red Tadrart & Tassili N'Ajjer

 

Go further on the road less traveled and head to Algeria's spectacular red mountains, the Red Tadrart, located on the UNESCO-listed Tassili N'Ajjer plateau. Also known as the Tadrart Rouge, this bewildering landscape is like Mars on Earth. And here, among the dunes and wind-sculpted spires, you'll find an epic haul of over 15,000 rock paintings dating back 10,000 years! Marvel at the art and lose yourself in the scenic "forests of rock" rising from the copper-colored sand. At night, sleep comfortably in desert hotels and camp for two nights with your expert guiding team. It's the perfect end to an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime Algerian adventure.

  • Be awestruck by one of the most important groupings of prehistoric cave art in the world at UNESCO-listed Tassili N'Ajjer

  • See the strange lunar landscape and wind-sculpted rocks of the Red Tadrart mountains

  • Delight in a desert camping experience and enjoy tea on the majestic dunes -- among the highest in the Sahara!

Contact an Expert

Arrive:

Algiers, Algeria

Depart:

Algiers, Algeria

Price: from $2,995

Duration:

7 Days

Departures:

See Dates

Group Size:

4-12 Guests

Min Age:

14 yrs

Activity:

Level 3

Expect to walk on sand dunes and follow narrow, rocky paths to view rock paintings.
Learn more here.

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

  • Fly to Djanet & See Ancient Desert Rock Art

    Day 1

    Your exciting extension begins with a morning flight to the oasis town of Djanet. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a fascinating visit to Tagharghart in the Erg of Admer. Amidst this vast ocean of sand dunes and wind-sculpted rocks, you'll find 10,000-year-old rock engravings — including the famous "crying cow." Marvel at the skillfully engraved ancient art before sipping Tuareg tea at the foot of the rocks. Contemplate sunset over the dunes and return to Djanet for dinner at the hotel.

    Accommodation: Saharan Tenere Village

    Feel at home in the heart of the desert staying at Saharan Tenere Village. The retreat offer accommodations in simple round stone bungalows, each with a hot shower, private toilet, and AC. It makes the perfect base for excursions into the desert from Djanet.

    Accommodation: Tadrart Hotel

    Feel at home in the heart of the desert staying at the Tadrart Hotel. This retreat offers accommodations in simple round stone bungalows, each with a hot shower, private toilet, and AC. It makes the perfect base for excursions into the desert from Djanet.

    Activity: 1 hour walking to visit rock sites

    Transportation: 3-hour flight transfer; 4-hour driving tour

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Travel to Djaren & Moul Ennaga Desert Camp

    Day 2

    After breakfast, journey on to Djaren — the "Gateway to the Tadrart Rouge" — and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Navigate rolling dunes to the first cave paintings hidden among the rocks, including a beautiful depiction of giraffes. Continue to Moul Ennaga, marked by gigantic rock spires and a spectacular network of dunes. Sip a refreshing cup of tea before heading to your desert camp. Dinner and overnight under the stars in Moul Ennaga.

    Accommodation: Algerian Desert Camp

    Revel in back-to-basics desert camping in the Algerian Desert. Sleep in individual or double tents with a mattress and blankets (and your own sleeping bag). Eat hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches, and hot camp meals made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Mineral water is provided in sufficient quantities and refreshing "Tuareg Tea "is prepared by the team during desert exploration. Washing and basic showers are possible at the camp water point.

    Activity: 2 hours walking to visit rock sites

    Transportation: 6-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Journey to Bouhediane & Tin Merzouga Desert Camp

    Day 3

    Travel through dunes and ocher-colored canyons on today's journey to Tin Merzouga. Along the way, explore the interesting engravings and paintings at Bouhediane. Stop for a picnic lunch and tea before reaching the colossal red sand dunes of Tin Merzouga — among the highest in the Sahara! Watch the sunset over the magnificent landscape including Libya's Akakus Massif. Dinner and overnight at camp in Tin Merzouga.

    Accommodation: Algerian Desert Camp

    Revel in back-to-basics desert camping in the Algerian Desert. Sleep in individual or double tents with a mattress and blankets (and your own sleeping bag). Eat hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches, and hot camp meals made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Mineral water is provided in sufficient quantities and refreshing "Tuareg Tea "is prepared by the team during desert exploration. Washing and basic showers are possible at the camp water point.

    Activity: 2 hours walking to visit rock sites

    Transportation: 5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Explore Engravings at Tessaketa & Return to Djanet

    Day 4

    Rise for your last morning at the desert camp. Then journey across the sand and through rock-strewn gorges to find more rock paintings and engravings, including those at Tessaketa in Djaren. Stop for tea on the way and return to the hotel in Djanet for dinner and an overnight stay.

    Accommodation: Saharan Tenere Village

    Feel at home in the heart of the desert staying at Saharan Tenere Village. The retreat offer accommodations in simple round stone bungalows, each with a hot shower, private toilet, and AC. It makes the perfect base for excursions into the desert from Djanet.

    Accommodation: Tadrart Hotel

    Feel at home in the heart of the desert staying at the Tadrart Hotel. This retreat offers accommodations in simple round stone bungalows, each with a hot shower, private toilet, and AC. It makes the perfect base for excursions into the desert from Djanet.

    Activity: 2 hours walking to visit rock sites

    Transportation: 6-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Expedition to Tikabaouine

    Day 5

    Set off for a full day expedition to Tikabaouine, an extraordinary site with wind-hewn stone arches, sandstone obelisks, and recently discovered rock paintings. Toast your adventure with tea in the desert and return to Djanet in the late afternoon. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.

    Accommodation: Saharan Tenere Village

    Feel at home in the heart of the desert staying at Saharan Tenere Village. The retreat offer accommodations in simple round stone bungalows, each with a hot shower, private toilet, and AC. It makes the perfect base for excursions into the desert from Djanet.

    Accommodation: Tadrart Hotel

    Feel at home in the heart of the desert staying at the Tadrart Hotel. This retreat offers accommodations in simple round stone bungalows, each with a hot shower, private toilet, and AC. It makes the perfect base for excursions into the desert from Djanet.

    Activity: 1 hour walking to visit rock sites

    Transportation: 5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Tour Djanet & Return to Algiers

    Day 6

    Start the morning with a tour of Tassili N'Ajjer Park Museum, housing 15,000 rupestral rocks dating from 6,000 to 12,000 years ago! Then explore Djanet's oasis and market, where Tuareg artisans sell locally crafted wares. Bid farewell to the desert after lunch and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Algiers. Settle into your luxury hotel and enjoy dinner at your leisure, on your own.

    Accommodation: El Aurassi Hotel

    With its breathtaking views of the Bay of Algiers and excellent location near the city's most impressive landmarks, including the Great Mosque, El Aurassi is the perfect first stop on your Algerian adventure. Its rooms are elegantly furnished, and come with contemporary features and luxury extras. Take a dip in the state-of-the-art outdoor pool and enjoy spectacular vistas from the lounge.

    Activity: 2 hours walking to see sights

    Transportation: 3-hour flight transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Depart from Algiers

    Day 7

    Your epic adventure ends in Algiers today. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

    Meals: Breakfast

show more

Algeria Cultural Discovery Desert Post-Trip Extension

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

What to Expect

 

Why take this trip with us?

Reason #01

MT Sobek takes you to the heart of the Algerian Desert on this unique adventure for intrepid cultural explorers.

Reason #02

Our team of local guides are true experts and have decades of experience leading guests through Algeria.

Reason #03

This 6-day extension adventure has been crafted to pair effortlessly with our 9-day Algeria Cultural Discovery to help you maximize your time in the country.

Meet your guides

Local Tour Guide

Local Tour Guide

We work with only the most experienced and knowledgeable local tour guides on our trip extensions. While you will not be accompanied by an MT Sobek through guide on this tour, you will be in excellent hands with a fully licensed and accredited local guide who will share their expertise in everything from history and architecture, to culture and traditions, the best local cuisine, activities and crafts, or even shopping. Local guides live, breathe, and love their trips because as locals they are an integral part of their communities. Their connections run deep and pride in their piece of the world is contagious.

Activities

Exploring UNESCO-listed desert landscapes and ancient rock engravings on foot and in 4X4 vehicles with an expert guiding team.

Lodging

Simple stone bungalows at retreats in the oasis town of Djanet and basic desert camping at Moul Ennaga and Tin Merzouga.

Climate

Algeria's Desert is hot, dry, mostly sunny with a little wind and with temperatures reaching 80's - 90's°F and dropping to 50's - 60's°F at night.

FAQ

Do I need to bring a sleeping bag for the desert camping experience?

Yes. Guests need to bring their own sleeping bag.

Can I book this as a trip instead of as an extension?

This itinerary was designed with the Algeria Cultural Discovery trip in mind. At this time, it can only be booked as a post-trip extension for that trip.

How can I book this extension now that I've booked on the Algeria Cultural Discovery trip?

Please give our trip consultants a call to book the extension.

Testimonials

"A prominent reason we have chosen MT Sobek as our favorite adventure travel company has been the excellent travel guides."

Carol & Burt D.
MT Sobek Guest

"MT Sobek took care of everything for our extended family vacation. Not a hiccup in the planning, the itinerary, the lodging or the guide. Everything in life should be so easy."

Kathy J.
MT Sobek Guest

Trustpilot
  • 2022
  • 2023
  • Go Custom

2022

The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

Scheduled Dates

  • Sep 24 - 30, 2022
    $2,995 price per person dbl occ
    +$360 internal airfare+$250 single supplement
    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Nov 05 - 11, 2022
    $2,995 price per person dbl occ
    +$360 internal airfare+$250 single supplement
    Available
    Request This Trip

Price Includes

  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert

800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

2023

The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

Scheduled Dates

  • Feb 22 - 28, 2023
    $3,095 price per person dbl occ
    +$360 internal airfare+$300 single supplement
    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Apr 30 - May 06, 2023
    $3,095 price per person dbl occ
    +$360 internal airfare+$300 single supplement
    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Sep 24 - 30, 2023
    $3,095 price per person dbl occ
    +$360 internal airfare+$300 single supplement
    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Nov 05 - 11, 2023
    $3,095 price per person dbl occ
    +$360 internal airfare+$300 single supplement
    Available
    Request This Trip

Price Includes

  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert

800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

Go Custom

Create Your Very Own Adventure

Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.

When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.

*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.

Start Planning

Inspiration to Explore

more articles

20 Best Hikes of 2022

20 Best Hikes of 2022

It’s the start of a new year and time to present our round-up of the...
read more

  • Adventure Experts
  • Jan 2022
Why Take Kilimanjaro Western Breach Route

Why Take Kilimanjaro Western Breach Route

There are over a dozen trails used to climb Kilimanjaro....
read more

  • Adventure Experts
  • Oct 2021
20 Best Hikes of 2021

20 Best Hikes of 2021

The BEST 20 Hikes of 2021 Presenting our round-up of the 20 best...
read more

  • Adventure Experts
  • Dec 2020