The Sebiba Festival in Djanet
10 Days / 09 Nights
CULTURAL TOUR Sebiba Festival in Djanet
(Algiers - Djanet - Iherir Valley - Idharen - Tin Taghirt - Essendilene - Tikoubaouine - Imeurouden - Tassili n'Ajjer)
Your receptive in Algeria offers you : 10 Days / 09 Nights
The Sebiba Festival: A Celebration of Tuareg Tradition
The Sebiba Festival is a renowned Tuareg celebration held annually in Djanet.
Tuaregs from Tassili n’Ajjer and neighboring regions come together for this festival, which traces its origins to an ancient event that brought an end to a war between two Tuareg tribes.
Cultural travel program in Algeria with Algeria DMC
Day 1 Saturday : Arrival in Djanet
Arrival at Algiers International Airport and transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Djanet. Upon arrival in southern Algeria, you will be met and transferred by our Tuareg team.
Day 2 Sunday : In the Heart of the Iherir Valley
We begin our journey by exploring the northern Tassili n’Ajjer. Like a welcome mirage, the Iherir oasis appears, a true haven of life in the middle of the desert. We explore this valley, the only real water source in the region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. The Iherir Valley boasts exceptional landscapes with its wadis and gueltas, offering a lush panorama of greenery. You will have the opportunity to swim in the oasis for a relaxing moment. At the end of the day, we settle into a traditional Tuareg house for an authentic night’s stay.
Day 3 Monday: Idharen et Tin Taghirt, entre village et art rupestre
Near Iherir, we explore Idharen, an ancient village of huts once inhabited by nomads during the date harvest. The panoramic view offers a majestic perspective of the village below, where the huts, called “ikebran,” made of reeds, wood, and stone, blend harmoniously into the landscape. We reach the Tin Taghirt site and observe Neolithic rock carvings, including the famous gazelle depicted on the 1000 dinar banknote. Each carving tells its own story, from mystical representations of majestic animals to human figures. The lines exude a certain energy, as if the ancient artists had breathed a part of their soul into each incision in the rock. We set up camp in the dunes for a night under the stars.
Day 4 Tuesday: Essendilène, Tikoubaouine, and preparations in the El Mihan district
At dawn, we begin a hike in the Essendilène Valley. This trek amidst oleanders offers a unique sensory experience, with vibrant colors and the intoxicating fragrance of these flowering shrubs. On the horizon, the rock walls narrow, forming an impressive canyon leading to the emerald guelta (waterhole).
We continue our day in Tikoubaouine, an iconic site of the Tassili n’Ajjer. Its wind-sculpted rock formations, including the elephant-shaped arch, are breathtaking in their beauty. We also discover pre-Islamic tombs, fascinating vestiges of the past.
At the end of the day, we travel to Djanet to witness the preparations for the Sebiba (religious festival) in the El Mihan district. The Sebiba is an age-old competition between the El Mihan and Zelouaz neighborhoods. Tonight, we’re attending the first evening of rehearsals in the El Mihan neighborhood, called Doughiya.
We’re watching the traditional dances and songs, where every movement and note carries profound meaning. We’ll share these intense moments with the locals before returning to our guesthouse for a well-deserved night’s rest.
Day 5 Wednesday: Imeurouden, Rock Art and Preparations in the Zelouaz Quarter
We return to the desert trail to explore Imeurouden. During our journey, we contemplate rock art, one shelter after another, which transports us to the Neolithic period, connecting us to prehistoric artists and their painted narratives on the walls. The hunting scenes, wild animals, and depictions of daily life immerse us in the mysterious world of those who once inhabited these lands.
Returning to Djanet at the end of the day, we discover a new atmosphere as we visit the Zelouaz quarter, El Mihan’s rival during the Sebiba festival.
Tonight, the rehearsal has a different name: Timoulaween.
On this second evening of preparation, the atmosphere is just as vibrant.
The men rehearse their war choreography, vying with each other in power and precision to be ready to impress. The women, dressed in their finest traditional attire, sing songs imbued with pride and history.
Day 6 Thursday: Discovering the "Weeping Cow" and Adaik
We begin the day amidst the immensity and majestic beauty of the desert dunes in the heart of one of the largest massifs in the Sahara, the Erg Admer. We reach the Tegharghart site to contemplate one of the most iconic engravings of the Tassili n’Ajjer: « The Weeping Cow, » dating back more than 7,000 years. The Tuareg people and scientists consider this engraving a masterpiece of Neolithic sculpture, due to its precision, realism, and the emotion it conveys.
We continue our journey towards Adaik, the « Little Sefar » of the Tassili. The path leads us through a forest of stones where the light reveals astonishing natural sculptures. The stone trees seem to have taken root in a world frozen in time. We admire a magnificent sunset before returning to Djanet to our guesthouse to be ready to fully experience the Sébiba the next day.
Day 8 Saturday: Sebiba Festival.
The long-awaited moment has finally arrived. We are taking part in this iconic festival, the most important in the Tassili n’Ajjer. The excitement of the two communities in the midst of preparations is striking: the women carefully choose their outfits, apply their makeup, and enhance their appearance with sumptuous jewelry, while the men prepare with the determination and bearing of true warriors.
This celebration, rich in traditions, dances, songs, and specific rituals, perfectly illustrates the depth of Tuareg culture. Inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014, the Sebiba allows for the transmission of Tuareg heritage, promotes the culture to tourists, and mobilizes skills thanks to the artisans who craft the clothing, jewelry, instruments, and swords.
Day 9 Sunday: Visit to Djanet
We visit the old town and the local market, where Tuareg craftsmanship comes to life. Shimmering fabrics, jewelry, and handcrafted items evoke the region’s rich cultural heritage and showcase Tuareg art and expertise.
We continue with a visit to the ksour, these typical fortified dwellings that offer a glimpse into the way of life of the ancient inhabitants. We conclude our visit with a cultural break at the Djanet Museum.
This day perfectly concludes our stay in the heart of the desert’s wonders. We enjoy the last few hours savoring the serenity of this unique place before heading to the hotel for the night.
To ensure the smooth running of your trip and guarantee your safety, our guide reserves the right to modify the program due to various unforeseen factors such as traffic, weather conditions, force majeure, or other exceptional circumstances. Any changes are made in the interest of your comfort and safety. We thank you for your understanding and look forward to providing you with an unforgettable travel experience.
Day 10 Sunday: Flight to Djanet from Algiers
Flight departing from Djanet to Algiers, then return flight.
Program of your cultural trip to Algeria :
The itinerary may be subject to adjustments depending on airline schedules and the official dates of the Sebiba Festival.
Notes with our receptive in Algeria, Algeria DMC :
This tour in Algeria is confirmed with a minimum of 10 participants and accommodates up to 14 people.
All our tours can be customized or privatized upon request.
Possibility to extend your stay in Algiers or to combine this itinerary with another tour.
Highlights of this cultural circuit Festival of the Sebiba:
- An ancient warrior celebration rich in Tuareg dances, songs, and rituals.
- Must-See Natural Sites (UNESCO)
- Discovery of the Tassili n’Ajjer region
- Neolithic Rock Art and "The Weeping Cow"
- Swim in its gueltas (waterholes)
The Sebiba Festival is an unforgettable experience, filled with enchanting music, chants, dances, and vibrant costumes. It reflects the glittering jewelry worn by Tuareg women and the proudly carried weapons of the men. Attending the Sebiba offers a unique opportunity to learn about Tuareg culture.
This festival in Djanet dates back over three thousand years and takes place annually on a date determined by the wise men of the oasis. It is a rare and authentic chance to discover the mysterious world of the Tuaregs, a culture that has preserved its ancestral traditions away from modern advertising and media.
Prices and notes :
Contact us for 2026 departure dates and prices
Price per person includes:
Welcoming and assistance at the airports
Domestics flights
Transfers in 4×4 vehicles with driver + cook
01-night hotel in Djanet upon arrival
01-night Guesthouse in Iherir
01-night accommodation in a bivouac
06 nights at the Ambassador Hotel in Djanet
Full board from bed and breakfast on day 2 to dinner on day 9
Full board meals
English, French, Spanish, or Arabic speaking guides throughout the tour
Logistical support during the entire circuit
2-person tent + mattress included
Algeria DMC will provide all necessary documents for your visa application
Price per person does not includes:
- International flight
- Multi-risk cancellation and repatriation insurance
- Drinks, extras and personal expenses
- Visa fees: €145
Contact your travel agency for Algeria :
Please contact us to receive a personalized quotation based on your request.
Our email : algeria.dmc@gmail.com
Our WhatsApp:+33 6 15 32 59 16 or +33 6 58 20 36 79