Circuit Sefar — Plateau Tassili n'Ajjer

9 days of expedition across the plateau, towards the forbidden city of stones and its 10,000-year-old frescoes

Journey to the forbidden city of stones. Sefar is a labyrinth of sculpted rocks and caves decorated with prehistoric frescoes, some dating back nearly 10,000 years. Accessible only on foot after several days' trek, this is one of the most remote and awe-inspiring destinations in the Sahara.

This 9-day expedition crosses the Tassili plateau on foot, sleeping in bivouac each night, guided by our expert Tuareg team who know every path of their ancestral land.

Reserved for adventurers ready for a longer, more physical journey — and rewarded with one of the most extraordinary archaeological and natural experiences on earth.

More information

Detailed day-by-day description

Day 1: Arrival in Djanet

Welcome and camp installation. Equipment check and briefing for the expedition ahead.

Day 2: 4×4 to the plateau base

Long 4×4 drive to the foot of the Tassili plateau. Begin the ascent on foot to our first bivouac site.

Day 3: First plateau trek

Cross the extraordinary plateau landscape — a world of sculpted sandstone, natural arches and ancient river valleys.

Day 4: First cave paintings

Discovery of the first major prehistoric paintings — scenes of cattle, elephants, giraffes and human figures from the Green Sahara.

Day 5: Approach to Sefar

Trek deeper into the plateau towards the city of stones. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic and otherworldly.

Day 6: Sefar — the city of stones

Full day in Sefar — an extraordinary labyrinth of rock pillars, caves and galleries covered in prehistoric frescoes. One of the world's most important archaeological sites.

Day 7: More cave art sites

Visit additional painting galleries known only to our Tuareg guides. Each site reveals a new chapter of Saharan prehistory.

Day 8: Return descent

Descend from the plateau, crossing landscapes transformed by the changing light. Final bivouac at the foot of the massif.

Day 9: Return to Djanet

Morning drive back to Djanet. Transfer to airport. End of an extraordinary expedition.

This itinerary is given as an indication. It may be adapted on site by your guide according to weather conditions, the rhythm of the group, or local opportunities. The spirit and quality of the experience remain unchanged.

Price from

On request

Based on a small group. Excludes international flights. Contact us for a detailed quote.

Upcoming departures

2026 season

18 – 26 January 2026 Available

Included

Airport welcome and farewell by your Tuareg guide
All 4×4 transport throughout the tour
4 meals per day — breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner
Water, tea and soft drinks throughout the trip
Professional Tuareg cook for the entire duration
Tents, sleeping bags (0 °C), mattresses and blankets
Entrance fees for all national parks and protected sites
Assistance in obtaining a regularisation visa
First-aid kit and satellite telephone

Not included

International flights to/from Algeria
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Alcoholic beverages
Tips for guides and team (optional, at your discretion)

Safety & quality

Itineraries tested in the field by experienced guides
Maximum group size of 15 participants for an intimate atmosphere
Satellite phone and first-aid kit at all times
Multilingual guides (French, English, Spanish)
25+ years of experience in Saharan tourism

Responsible tourism

Fair remuneration of local teams
Active support of Tuareg communities of Djanet
Waste management and respect for the desert environment
Preservation of cultural and prehistoric sites
Limited group size to minimise impact

Tassili n'Ajjer Plateau: Sefar