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OVERLAND DREAMING
ALGERIA - Tassili n'Ajjer Photography Tour
Sahara for Aspiring Photographers!
Next tour November 09-16, 2024!
Photography Tour of Superlatives with Award-Winning Photographers
Matjaz Krivic & Luka Vunduk
See their photographs at the bottom of this page
Tassili n'Ajjer is a mountain range in the southern Algerian Sahara, located on the border of Niger. It is known for its unique landscape of towering sandstone formations and rock art, which dates back thousands of years and provides important insights into the lives and cultures of ancient peoples in the region. The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
The name "Tassili n'Ajjer" translates to "Plateau of the Rivers" in the local Tamashek language, although the area is mostly dry with very little surface water. However, its geology reveals evidence of a once-wetter climate, with ancient river systems and abundant flora and fauna.
The rock formations of Tassili n'Ajjer have been shaped by the elements over millions of years, resulting in a unique and mesmerizing landscape. Towering sandstone cliffs, eroded canyons, and hidden valleys create a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day adds a mystical ambiance to the already captivating scenery. Tassili n'Ajjer offers an opportunity to connect with nature, to immerse oneself in its grandeur, and to appreciate the harmony between human creativity and the natural world.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Meeting point Paris Airport – 3h before departure for Djanet
Arrival at Djanet Airport, transfer to a local 3* hotel, accommodation in single rooms with private bathroom.
Days 2, 3, 4:
three nights of camping in the desert
The Tadrart Rouge, also known as the Tadrart Acacus, is a mountain range located in the Sahara Desert in southeastern Algeria. It is a part of the larger Ahaggar Mountains system. The Tadrart Rouge is renowned for its stunning rock formations, dramatic landscapes, and prehistoric rock art.
The region is home to several ancient cultures that have left their mark in the form of rock paintings and engravings. These artworks depict various scenes of everyday life, hunting, and wildlife, providing valuable insights into the history and culture of the early inhabitants of the area.
The Tadrart Rouge is a popular destination for adventure travelers, hikers, and rock climbers who are drawn to its unique geological features and the sense of isolation it offers. Exploring the area requires careful planning and adequate provisions due to its remote location and extreme desert conditions.
The rugged beauty of the Tadrart Rouge, with its towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and vast open spaces, attracts visitors seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience in the Sahara Desert. It is a place of natural and cultural significance, offering a glimpse into the ancient past and the harsh yet awe-inspiring environment of the desert.
Day 5:
Long drive back to Djanet, overnight at our Djanet hotel
Day 6:
Drive to Tikobaouine & Essendilene, Jardin Rocheux d'Adrait (Stone Forest).
The Stone Forest, also known as the "Rocky Plateau," is characterized by its unique rock formations that resemble a forest made of stone. These formations were created over millions of years through erosion, weathering, and the geological processes that shaped the region.
The Stone Forest in Tassili n'Ajjer is a popular destination for photographers, geologists, and archaeologists due to its stunning natural beauty and also historical significance. Visitors can explore the region's rock formations, hike through the plateau, and admire the rock art. Camping.
Day 7:
Jardin Rocheux d'Adrait & drive back to Djanet, overnight at “our” hotel
Day 8:
flight to Paris/Algiers-EU/USA
3 nights in hotel, 4 nights camping - 1 tent per person
PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE
We want this tour to be about You & Your photographs. Through Matjaz’s and Luka’s guidance, you’ll learn the secrets of the masters, take your photography skills to the next level and leave (y)our Tassili n’Ajjer adventure with a collection of magnificent photographs.
Photography skills you’ll learn throughout the tour include:
• Composition, capturing The moment
• Post-processing tips and tricks
• The art of working with light
• Creatively working with your equipment and filters
• The unique techniques of landscape photography while also touching on aerial, black and white,
and night photography
Luka & Matjaz will also be there for you to offer one-on-one guidance on specific skills you’d personally like to master.
The best way to learn the art of photography is by taking photos. Luka & Matjaz will be by your side sharing insight and guidance as you shoot; helping you create best-possible photos as you shoot. You’ll learn the art with the award-winning masters.
When we stay at our hotel in Djanet (primarily there), you’ll have the opportunity to process and enhance your images using the best-available editing software – thus helping you find your unique personal style as an artist. Yes, you should bring your laptop as well.
If you wish to enter competitions, critique sessions are an important part of the learning process. Matjaz & Luka will offer one-on-one sessions during the tour. Having your work criticized can be frustrating at first but this is the most powerful way to improve your photographic skills.
All levels are welcome. The tour is designed to cover all aspects of image capture and post processing. We can help you optimize your equipment as well.
Physical considerations
You should be in good general health, however there won’t be not much walking and/or trekking. Temperatures will range from 10-15 degrees Celsius at night to 20-25 during the day.
What to bring
• Hat, sun block and sun glasses – there will be plenty of Saharan sunshine
• Comfortable clothing made of cotton is essential. Pack short and long sleeves, a light down jacket, wind-stopper
• Comfortable hiking boots.
• Travel and medical insurance, passport, medication
Camera gear
Whatever camera equipment you have, we will help you bring it to Djanet. If you want to discuss specific equipment, contact us.
Drones
Unfortunately, drones are currently not allowed in Algeria. However, our local partner has applied for the permit on our behalf. We’re hoping for a positive response. We’ll let you know about the response as soon as we get it. Fingers crossed!
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
WORKSHOP DATES AND PRICES
Next tours:
November 09-16, 2024
January 20-26, 2025
January 27 - February 02, 2025
The tour commences and ends in Djanet. Group gathering at Paris CDG
Cost: EUR 4500 per person
Minimum 5, maximum 10 participants
A non-refundable deposit of EUR 1500 is required when you book the workshop
Terms of payment
• A deposit of EUR 1500 must be paid to secure your place. The deposit is non-refundable unless you can sell your place to someone else
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Note: the workshop is quoted in EUR. To calculate the rate in USD, the currency exchange rate will be provided at the time of transferring the deposit and balance
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The online Registration Form must be filled in and signed by each participant at the time of paying the deposit. Participation will be declined otherwise
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The remaining balance must be paid on or before 1 September 2023
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Bookings will be accepted in the order they are received
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Important: the workshop requires a minimum of 5 participants to run so please don’t book your flights until the trip has been confirmed.
What’s included
• Full 7-day tour, photography instructions by Luka Vunduk & Matjaž Krivic
• Camping materials, tents and mattresses (note: our guides will set up the tents for you)
. Meals/drinks in Djanet in our hotel or in a local restaurant
. Professional driver services
. Professional licensed local guide services
. Transportation in comfortable SUV’s offering enough room for you and your gear. 3 guests per vehicle
. Accommodation in Djanet in a local 3* hotel - single room with private bathroom
. Immigration service at arrival, travel permits and local taxes
. All meals (B, L, D) and accommodation
. Transfers from and to Djanet airport
. Mineral water
. All entrance fees
. English speaking tour leader
What’s not included
. Single supplement 900 USD – free in November 2023!
• Flights to/out of Djanet
• Sleeping bag and pillow
• Accommodation and meals prior to or following the trip
• Travel, cancellation, and equipment insurances
• Medical insurance
• Visas (if required)
• Alcohol consumption
• Beverages and snacks in between main meals
• Souvenirs and other personal expenses
• Tips/gratuities for guides and drivers.
Note on tips: gratuities for local guides, hotel staff, etc. are not included. However, if you feel that any staff has given you exceptional service, it is entirely appropriate to tip them. We emphasize that such tips should be at your own discretion and based solely on the level of your service satisfaction.
Info on legal & other matters can be sent to you by email
Matjaž Krivic
Matjaž Krivic is a documentary photographer capturing long-term stories of people and places. For 25 years he has covered the face of the earth in his intense, personal and aesthetically moving style, portraying poor parts of the world characterised by traditions, social unrest and religious devotion. In recent years he has been focusing on conservation and environmental issues and acting as an advocate for a greener future through his work.
His work and multimedia projects were exhibited in galleries, museums, open-air exhibitions in Slovenia and across the world, at international photo festivals like La Gacilly Photo, Les Rencontres d’Arles and Visa pour l’image, and were widely published around the world by numerous national and international media outlets including National Geographic, BBC, Wired, Boston Globe, Geo, Guardian, Stern, Spiegel, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Newsweek, GQ, Internationale, D-La Repubblica, Wall Street Journal, Forbes and many others. Krivic has won several prestigious awards, including World Press Photo, Picture of the Year International, and Lens Culture.
He has been judging several international photo competitions, occasionally giving out photography workshops around the world and has co-created a first Bolivian photo festival FotoFestival Manzana1 where he is a creative director.
Luka Vunduk
“I was born in Slovenia and feel very fortunate to be able to call this beautiful country my home. My deep appreciation for nature and my passion for photography started to develop at a young age. Now, some thirty-five years later, I remain as curious as ever. My desire to explore the world’s beautiful places and to capture the profound experiences they evoke has taken me on photographic expeditions all over the globe.Some of the places I have trained my lens on include the remote mountain wilderness of Patagonia, the desert coastlines of Saudi Arabia and Oman, the cloud forests of Sri Lanka, the Fjords of Norway, the Dolomites of Italy and the mesas and canyons of the American West.
For me, a good photograph can take me back to those vast places and arouse the very same feelings and emotions I experienced in them. A good photograph can bring back the sights, the sounds, the smells and the feeling of actually being there. Apart from photography, my creative outlets also include music and design, and since the year 2000, I have been the owner of a design studio based in the capital city of Ljubljana. When I’m not out exploring Slovenia’s mountains and forests, camera in hand, you’ll find me in my studio, applying my design and post processing skills in order to best bring my experiences of nature to life in my photographs. More recently, I have become interested in sharing my knowledge and experience with others through photography workshops. See you on the sunny side of the Alps!”