Saharan Adventure
Tadrart Region, South Algerian Sahara Duration : 7 Days Terrain : Desert Vehicle ; 4×4 with 1 day Camel (Maharee) option Tour Level : Moderate to Hard Price $3500 Per Person Photographers : Tom Hoops,Phil Behan All meals and accomadtion included.Brief Itineary Day 1 Welcome introduction and short pre tour briefing at Paris CDG International Airport. Visa and document check before transfer on Air Algerie Airlines to Djanet via Algiers.On arrival in Djanet airport (Algeria) we will transfer to our hotel to get some rest for our long journey ahead.(The responsibility is on the participants to be in Paris on the set date,and no refunds for no shows etc) Day 2 Breakfast at 9am. After breakfast and some traditional Saharan mint tea our journey into Al-Sahra (The desert) begins. !! Our 4×4 transportation heads over the stony Hamada of El-Barakat (Volcanic Desert landscape) and then towards the magnificent Wadi Baridj (A wadi is a valley).There is a constant stream of photo opportunities along the route. Day 3 Breakfast 7am. Saharan sunrise’s become an important photo opportunity but the option to lie in until 7.30am each morning is not an issue. Our day will be devoted to the stunning sands of the Tadrart region. Gradually the group will start to adapt to the surroundings and become more familiar with the landscapes. Time to start shooting! Participants will be encouraged to photo as much as possible and interact with each other on their ideas for the trips end photography review. Day 4 Breakfast 7am. We will visit the stunning sand dune area of Moul N’aga region and the historic rock art sites of In DJaren Tilfaza region where we can absorb pieces of history untouched by humans for thousands of years. This day will be devoted mainly to landscape photography and also shooting in strong sunlight. Phil will give a small talk on desert culture and a brief look into Tuareg history. Day 5 Breakfast 7am For the daring and adventurous of the group there is an option to add this day on camel. The camel embodies the spirit of desert travel and one has not truly experienced Saharan travel until they have travelled on the back of one.As the trip concludes,Tom will give a small talk / brief workshop on portariture phography and the use of light. Day 6 Breakfast 5am (Saharan Sunrise) Awaking first thing,we will capture photos and a last glimpse of a Saharan sunrise marking the ending of our trip.The rest of the day we will be making our way back to Djanet across the lonely deserts of the Tadrart Region taking in our last views of this desolate land.A time to reflect on the journey home ! On arrival in Djanet,we shall visit the local market to purchase some original tribal Tuareg jewellery and then mark the end of the journey with a celebratory feast ! Tour Guides Phil along with our Tuareg guides have concise knowledge on desert travel. Phil has traversed some of the Sahara’s most difficult routes, including a 2 weeks camel trek across Mauritania’s remote Gueld Er Richat region,several tours into the Algerian Tefedest and Hoggar Mountains and also an overland trip from Tamanrassett up to In-Salah via Algeria’s stunning Immidir region.He has already established a great understanding of the land, the people and the desert itself. Participants are advised to comply with his and the Tuaregs’s instructions when necessary.Our team will also be in close contact with the government authorities and Tuareg nomads. Our team is well informed and will avoid any known or anticipated risks. All our tours our approved by the Algerian authorities. We carry a satellite phone for emergencies on particular tours; nevertheless we cannot rely on rapid helicopter evacuation. Location The Sahara in Algeria is one of the most isolated places on the planet, considering it is roughly the same size as the United States, one needs to understand the risks involved with such intrepid travel. Phil has drawn up a document for safe and responsible Saharan travel which will be issued to each trip participant 3 weeks before departure. One very important part of tours in respecting local culture.Tuareg by nature are very welcoming people, but further into the desert the culture becomes less familiar with tourists. Please ask guides before any photography in tribal encampments, villages, or please ask permission before photographing subjects. Ecological Impact In collaboration with our ground operators and with your co-operation, we are committed to applying low-impact and sustainable environmental practices in the Tassili N’Ajjer (Sahara). We want to ensure a future for tourism in the pristine wilderness of the Sahara. On the trek we leave only our tracks and discrete fire pits; all in-organic and incombustible refuse, of which there is little, is disposed of at town dumps. Beside logistics, this is the main reason why bottled water is not used. Medical Briefing We are travelling in remote desert areas far from medical facilities. However we are also travelling in a relatively sterile environment where, realistically, the biggest health issue is sunburn and possibly sprained limbs. Please ensure that you’re fit enough to trek for days in desert conditions and dress appropriately: a hat or cheche, light, loose clothing and comfortable, thick-soled footwear are the keys to trouble-free desert trekking. For drinking and cooking we will use drinking water from the last town, pure rainwater from reliable Desert Gueltas, unpolluted wells which will be sterilised with tasteless chemicals (e.g. Micropur). You might also like to use your own personal filter or purifying device. At our time of year scorpions and snakes have reduced their activity and are dormant most of the time. Realistically, no country-specific jabs are required for this trip, but many people feel more comfortable after courses or boosters against diphtheria; hepatitis A and typhoid. Like at home, make sure that your protection against tetanus and poliomyelitis is up to date. Yellow fever is only necessary if you have recently travelled in countries where Yellow fever is endemic. In the Algerian Sahara treatment against malaria is not necessary. If you are unsure, consult your doctor before departure. Medical Kit Bring sun tan lotion with you and a supply of your normal medicines to last the whole trip. Insect repellent may be useful in more humid areas. Moisturising cream is important to protect dry skin. ‘Wet-wipes’ help you to keep clean while saving save water. Some pain killers and anti-diarrhoea tablets to complete your emergency kit. Logistics / Clothing / Equipment Maximum weight of all your baggage, including day pack and camera gear, is 20kg! Please limit your baggage to a minimum.A day pack of up to 30 litres capacity is ideal for all your day-use items: water, cameras, snacks, extra clothing.A three-season sleeping bag (minimum temperature -5 °C, in December an January -10 °C), ground sheet. Note that Thermarest-type inflatable mattresses are vulnerable to thorns and sand in the valve, a closed-cell karrimat may be less bother.Torch with new batteries, plus spares. LED head torches are recommended.A well worn-in pair of light hiking boots. Sandals offer less support and inadequate protection.A 1.5 litre water bottle or Camel-Back-style hydrator. Suggested Clothing Long trousers, long sleeve shirt, light jacket or windbreak. In December or January a polar fleece. Sorry, shorts or leggings are not appropriate in Algeria although baggy shorts covering the knees are OK for men. Women do not require veils but of course head wear is advisable. Sugested links Air Algeria for internal flights from Algiers to Djanet.
Air France – Flies direct from Paris and Marseille to Djanet. www.sahara-overland.com Saharan Travel Resource
