Tamanrasset & the Hoggar
Hoggar & Assekrem: sunrise over the Atakor
Volcanic peaks, Tuareg camps and a night near Charles de Foucauld's hermitage to watch the sun rise over the Hoggar mountains.
From €1,650
Desert expedition
Assekrem and Taessa: a walking trek in the Atakor
Nine days on foot through the volcanic peaks of the Atakor and the granite domes of the Taessa, with a night near Charles de Foucauld's hermitage on the Assekrem.
Overview
The Atakor is the high heart of the Hoggar, a landscape of volcanic plugs, basalt columns and, further east, the rounded granite of the Taessa. This trek crosses it on foot, with a camel caravan carrying the camp, and climbs to the Assekrem plateau for one of the most famous sunrises in the Sahara.
Days combine wadis, passes and plateaus, with rock paintings and the guelta of In Outer along the way. Good fitness for daily mountain walking is needed; teenagers used to hiking are welcome.
Day by day
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Day 1 Arrival in Tamanrasset Tamanrasset
Welcome at Tamanrasset airport by the SEFAR team and transfer to a guesthouse.
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Day 2 Among the volcanic peaks Oued Atalis
Drive to Aguendou Wan Tamalra, then first walk among volcanic peaks to the wadi Atalis.
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Day 3 Wadis and rock paintings Imezeroug
Along the wadi to Imezeroug, with a visit to painted shelters.
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Day 4 Assekrem and the hermitage Assekrem
Climb to the Assekrem plateau and Charles de Foucauld's hermitage, then descend towards Tin Eguefes.
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Day 5 Across the Taessa Ilaman
Crossing the granite massif of the Taessa on foot to the foot of Ilaman.
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Day 6 Basalt and the guelta of In Outer Essouf Mellen
Basalt plateau, the wadi Terhenanet and the guelta of In Outer.
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Day 7 Granite domes Tignal
A day among the great granite domes of the Taessa to Tignal.
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Day 8 Back to Tamanrasset Tamanrasset
Last walk to Mawalène, where vehicles take you back to Tamanrasset.
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Day 9 Departure Tamanrasset
Transfer to Tamanrasset airport for your flight.
What's included
Included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- 4x4 transfers to and from the start of the trek
- English- or French-speaking local guide throughout
- Camel or donkey team and cameleers to carry luggage and camp
- All meals during the trek, breakfast in towns
- Camping equipment: tents, mattresses, kitchen
- National park entry fees and permits
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Sleeping bag
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for the crew
Practical information
- Departures
- Private departures on the dates you choose. Ask us about small-group dates in season.
- Accommodation
- Hotel or guesthouse in town at the start and end; tented bivouac with full board during the trek.
- Group size
- 2 – 12 travellers
- Difficulty
- Moderate
A valid passport (6 months) and an Algerian visa or visa-on-arrival authorisation are required. We send the invitation documents you need once your booking is confirmed. See our practical information (checked 19 October 2026).
Hoggar and Tamanrasset region: travel in this area depends on the authorisations and escort rules set by the Algerian authorities, which can change at short notice. We confirm that your dates are feasible before any booking, and adapt the route if needed.
Photos
Map
Price on request
9 days
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