Frequently asked questions.

General Information:

What are the best times to visit Djanet?

The ideal time to visit is between October and April when temperatures are milder. Summer months can be extremely hot, making outdoor activities challenging.

Why the Tassili n’Ajjer?

The Tassili n’Ajjer is known for its unique rock formations, prehistoric cave paintings, and rich biodiversity. The area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its cultural and natural significance. Explore more at UNESCO.

Who are the Tuareg?

The Tuareg are a nomadic indigenous group primarily found in the Saharan regions of Mali, Niger, Algeria, Libya, and Burkina Faso. Renowned for their unique culture and traditions, they have historically been camel herders and traders, adapting to the harsh desert environment. The Tuareg are often recognized for their distinctive blue clothing, especially the indigo-dyed garments worn by men, which has become a symbol of their identity. Their language, Tamasheq, is a part of the Afroasiatic language family, and many Tuareg people are bilingual, speaking Arabic and French as well.

how to book:

How do i sign up for a tour?

Booking your tour with Duneya Tours is a straightforward process designed to ensure your experience is as smooth as possible. To get started, simply complete our booking forms, where you can choose between joining a group tour or arranging a private tour. Once you submit the form, you'll receive a confirmation within 48 hours regarding the availability of your spot. Please note that your reservation will only be finalized upon receipt of a €200 deposit per person via PayPal or bank transfer. This deposit secures your place on the tour and helps us prepare for your adventure. Please note the deposit will be applied toward the total cost of your tour.

how do i pay for my tour?

To pay for your tour, guests are required to settle the remaining balance, minus the initial deposit, in cash upon arrival in Djanet. Payment in cash is necessary due to Algeria being primarily a cash economy, which facilitates easier transactions. However, if paying in cash is not feasible for any reason, we can make exceptions. In such cases, we are happy to accept payments via PayPal or bank transfer.

deposit policy:

To secure your spot for a desert tour with us, we require a non-refundable deposit of 200 euros via Paypal or bank transfer. This deposit is essential as it allows us to begin the preparation process for your tour, including applying for the necessary visas and permits that ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding our deposit policy, feel free to contact us.

about our tours:

Is Djanet Safe for Tourists?

Although Djanet is a remote location, the Algerian government maintains strict security measures throughout the region to ensure the safety of tourists. Duneya Tours works closely with local authorities to ensure the safety of every guest. In accordance with regulations, the entry and exit of all tourists traveling in the desert must be reported to authorities, ensuring that your journey is closely monitored. Duneya Tours also takes every precaution necessary to maintain your safety throughout your stay, allowing you to fully enjoy the awe-inspiring landscapes and rich culture of the region.

what languages are your tours in?

At Duneya Tours, we pride ourselves on offering tours in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Swiss German, Arabic, and Spanish. This multilingual approach ensures that every guest can fully enjoy their experience, regardless of their preferred language. Our founders bring a unique international perspective, hailing from Vancouver, Canada, and Bern, Switzerland, which equips us to ensure all guests feel at home during their stay.

what is accommodation like?

In the spirit of going back to basics, our tours offer bivouac-style accommodation that embraces the essence of desert living. While we do not provide luxury amenities, the breathtaking natural setting more than compensates for it. We equip each guest with tents, mattresses, and blankets, creating a comfortable setup under the expansive desert sky. As the Tuareg often say, the experience of sleeping under the night sky isn’t "cinq étoiles" (five stars) but "milles étoiles" (a thousand stars).

What age groups can join your tours?

All ages are welcome on our tours! What matters most is having a spirit of adventure and a willingness to embrace the desert lifestyle. Whether young or old, it is important to note that desert travel can be physically and mentally challenging. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. If you have younger children or seniors interested in joining, we can tailor certain aspects of the trip to ensure everyone's comfort and safety. Please feel free to contact us for more specific recommendations based on your group.

are there toilets in the desert?

There are no formal toilets in the desert during our tours. Guests will need to find a spot outdoors for their personal needs. While it is local practice to use of water for cleaning, if guests prefer paper, we encourage them to bring biodegradable toilet paper. Although this is a more basic experience, it’s an authentic part of desert life and allows for full immersion in the remote and untouched landscapes of the Sahara.

can i drink alcohol on the tour?

While alcohol is not explicitly prohibited on our tours, it is essential to respect local customs and cultural sensitivities, particularly in the more conservative areas of Algeria. In general, alcohol is not widely consumed in Algerian culture, public drinking may be frowned upon and alcohol might be difficult to find. However, guests are welcome to bring alcohol if they wish and can enjoy their beverages in the privacy of their accommodations or designated areas during the tours.

is there internet or cell service in the desert?

During your trip in the desert, you can expect to be completely disconnected, as there is no internet or cellular service available. This lack of connectivity is not a drawback; rather, it is an integral part of the experience. Embracing this digital detox allows you to immerse yourself fully in the stunning landscapes and rich culture of the region.

How physically fit do I need to be for the tours?

Our tours are designed to cater to all activity levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the unique experience of exploring the desert. Whether you're an avid hiker or someone looking for a more leisurely adventure, we can accommodate your needs. While a moderate level of fitness is helpful for activities like hiking and camel trekking, we emphasize that the tours are paced to allow for breaks and exploration.

If you have specific fitness concerns or preferences, please communicate with us through the booking form so we can tailor the experience to match your abilities. Our goal is to make desert tourism accessible for everyone, regardless of their physical fitness level.

preparing for your trip:

What is the visa process?

Travellers with tours booked in the desert can obtain a special travel authorization, which grants them a visa on arrival upon entering Algeria. This process makes it easier for guests to obtain a visa. To initiate this process, travellers should provide the necessary documentation directly to Duneya Tours. Duneya Tours works as freelance guides with our family's agency, Reves et Nature. Due to this, all travel documents will be prepared in the name of Rêves et Nature. For further inquiries or specific guidance regarding the visa process, feel free to contact us.

how do I get to djanet?

To reach Djanet, travellers generally fly from Algiers or directly from Paris. It’s crucial to book your flights as soon as possible, as they are limited and often get booked quickly. In the event that you're unable to find flights through these cities, there are sometimes options available through other cities in Algeria, such as Constantine or Oran. The airlines that operate flights to Djanet are Air Algérie and Tassili Airlines.

Most flights to Djanet arrive at night, so planning to arrive the day before your tour starts is essential. The Duneya Tours team will be there to pick you up from the airport.

What should I pack?

Clothing:

  • Hat

  • T-shirts

  • Long-sleeved shirts

  • Sweaters 

  • Light jacket

  • Comfortable pants

  • Shorts or bermuda shorts

  • Warm clothing for cold nights

  • Comfortable walking shoes and/or sandals

Essential Gear:

  • Headlamp with spare batteries

  • Water bottle

  • Sleeping bag (optional as mattresses and blankets are provided)

  • Sunglasses and sunscreen

  • Toiletries, including wet wipes and lip balm

  • Insect repellent

  • Small bag to carry essentials during daily walks

  • Power bank if needed

  • Any sort of entertainment (books, e-readers, notebooks, card games, etc.)

Personal Medication

Bring your regular medication, pain relief, and basic first aid items. 

Camera Equipment

In Algeria, all drones, binoculars and telescopes are prohibited.

can i pay with card in algeria?

Algeria operates primarily as a cash-based economy, meaning credit and debit cards are not accepted outside major hotels. While it is possible to withdraw cash at the airport in Djanet, we highly recommend that guests bring all the cash they will need for their trip before arrival to avoid any inconvenience. While you can exchange currency at the airport or withdraw cash upon arrival in Djanet, keep in mind that official exchange rates are often less favourable compared to other options. For your convenience, Duneya Tours can assist with all currency exchanges.

do i need travel insurance?

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for your trip to Algeria. Travel insurance provides coverage for unexpected events, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage, which can give you peace of mind while traveling. Given that Algeria's remote desert areas, like the Tassili n'Ajjer, are far from major cities, it’s especially important to have insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation if necessary. Be sure your insurance includes coverage for all activities on your itinerary, such as trekking or camping in the desert.

how should i dress during my trip?

Dressing appropriately in Djanet is essential to respect local customs and adapt to climate conditions. Given the predominantly Muslim culture, modest clothing is recommended for both men and women.

That said, the most important thing to keep in mind for the desert portion of your trip is comfort and temperature; choosing clothing that allows for ease of movement and the changing temperatures will enhance your overall experience. For desert travel, bringing layers is essential to accommodate the warmth of the day and the cold at night.