Festival of Sébiba: Saturday 20 June to Saturday 27 June 2026

Rooted in a millennia-old past, the Sébiba is a ritual celebration where agricultural traditions intertwine with historical reconciliation between rival clans.

This artistic contest pits the neighbourhoods of Zelouaz and El Mihan against each other in spectacular sword dances and rhythmic songs, accompanied by costumes with ancestral motifs reminiscent of the rock art of the Tassili.

Under the watchful eye of the elders “imgharen”, this grand spectacle culminates in the solemn renewal of a centuries-old peace pact.

Long before the big day, excitement fills Djanet: each costume is meticulously restored, and the nighttime rehearsals, open to all, fill the city with the rhythm of drums.

Day 1 – Saturday, June 20: Flight Algiers / Djanet
Your adventure begins in Algiers, where the hustle and bustle of the capital give way to the allure of the vast desert. Late in the evening, you'll fly to Djanet, the pearl of the Tassili n'Ajjer. At 9:55 pm, your direct flight from Algiers to Djanet will take off. As the lights of the coast fade into the distance, prepare to enter a different world. You'll land at 0:10 am in the heart of southern Algeria. The moment you step off the plane, the pure air and silence of the desert will envelop you.

Upon arrival, our local team will be waiting to give you a warm welcome and provide a private transfer. You'll be taken to your hotel for a peaceful first night, an essential prelude before venturing, starting tomorrow, into the lunar landscapes and golden dunes of the Sahara.

Day 2 - Sunday, June 21: In the heart of the Iherir Valley
We begin our journey by exploring the northern Tassili n'Ajjer. Like a welcoming mirage, the Iherir oasis appears, a true haven of life in the heart 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, creating a lush, verdant scene. You will have the opportunity to swim in the oasis for a relaxing moment. At the end of the day, we'll camp and spend the night under the stars.

Day 3 – Monday, June 22: Idharen and Tin Taghirt, between village and rock art
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, June 23: Essendilène, Tikoubaouine and preparations in the El Mihan district
At dawn, we begin our hike in the Essendilène Valley. This trek through 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. We continue our day at Tikoubaouine, an iconic site in 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 set off for Djanet to witness the preparations for the Sébiba in the El Mihan neighbourhoods. The Sébiba is an age-old competition between the El Mihan and Zelouaz neighbourhoods. This evening, we attend the first rehearsal in El Mihan, called Doughiya.

We observe the traditional dances and songs, where every movement and note carries profound meaning. We share these intense moments with the locals before returning to our guesthouse for a well-deserved night's rest.

Day 5 – Wednesday, June 24: Imeurouden, rock art and preparations in the Zelouaz district
We return to the desert trail to discover Imeurouden. During our journey, we contemplate shelter after shelter, countless rock paintings that transport us to the Neolithic period, connecting us to prehistoric artists and their painted narratives on the walls. The hunting scenes, wild animals, and glimpses 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 district, El Mihan's rival during the Sébiba 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 dances, 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, June 25: Sébiba 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 jewellery, 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 Sébiba allows for the transmission of Tuareg heritage, promotes the culture to tourists, and mobilizes skills thanks to the artisans who craft the clothing, jewellery, instruments, and swords.

Day 7 – Friday, June 26: Discovery of 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 Sahara's largest massifs, 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 over 7,000 years. The Tuareg people and scientists alike 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 small 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 return to Djanet with a visit to the old town and the local market, where Tuareg crafts come to life. Shimmering fabrics, jewellery, and handcrafted objects evoke the region's rich cultural heritage and showcase Tuareg art and craftsmanship.
We continue with a visit to the Ksours, these typical fortified dwellings that offer a glimpse into the way of life of the ancient inhabitants. We conclude our tour with a cultural break at the Djanet Museum. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8 – Saturday, June 27: Return flight Djanet – Algiers
Your Saharan adventure is ending, but the spirit of the desert remains with you. After a final night lulled by the absolute silence of the South, it's time to say goodbye to the dunes. At 0:30 AM, our team will provide your private transfer to Djanet Airport. A final glance at the starry horizon before beginning your journey home. Departure at 2:15 AM for the Djanet-Algiers flight. Enjoy the light of day from the air and take in the vastness of the Sahara one last time from above. Landing in Algiers at 5:55 AM. End of our services. Back in the capital, you return to the Mediterranean, your heart filled with breathtaking images and authentic encounters. Whether you continue your stay in Algiers or connect with your international flight, Algeria Tours remains at your side to facilitate your transit.

Learn more about the festival: https://algeria-dmc.com/festival-of-the-sebiba-in-djanet/