Sahara Algeria Treg 2026
Sahara Algeria Treg 2026: 5-stage, 222km self-navigated trail through the Tassili n'Ajjer UNESCO site. November 21-29, Djanet, Algeria.
Formats
Practical information
Description
5-Stage Ultra Through the Tassili n'Ajjer
The Sahara Algeria Treg is a 5-stage, 222-kilometre trail running adventure through one of the most spectacular desert landscapes on Earth — the Tassili n'Ajjer near Djanet in southeastern Algeria. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its extraordinary sandstone rock formations, ancient rock art dating back 12,000 years, and vast, otherworldly desert landscapes that have been shaped by millions of years of erosion.
Organised by Le Treg, this self-navigated stage race challenges runners to cover 222 kilometres with 2,000 metres of elevation gain across five stages, carrying their own equipment while guided by GPS through one of the most remote and beautiful regions of the Sahara. The event is as much a journey of discovery as a competitive race, taking participants through landscapes that few people on Earth will ever witness.
Race Format
222 km — 5 Stages
The race is divided into five stages ranging from 35 to 56 kilometres each, spread over nine days (November 21-29, 2026) to allow for rest, acclimatisation and appreciation of the extraordinary surroundings. Runners navigate by GPS across desert terrain that includes sandy plains, rocky plateaux, narrow canyons and the iconic sandstone pillars and arches of the Tassili.
The event is self-navigated — runners guide themselves using GPS waypoints while carrying all necessary equipment. The stages cater to different skill levels, from fast competitive runners to leisure runners and hardy hikers. The combination of navigation, endurance and desert survival makes this a complete adventure racing experience.
Terrain and Conditions
The Tassili n'Ajjer terrain is extraordinarily diverse: towering sandstone pillars (some over 30 metres high), narrow slot canyons, vast rocky plateaux, sand dune sections and dry riverbeds (oueds). The landscape has been described as lunar or Martian in its otherworldliness, with rock formations eroded into fantastical shapes over millions of years.
November conditions in the deep Sahara are relatively moderate: daytime temperatures of 25-30°C with cold nights (5-10°C). The extreme dryness and constant sun exposure remain significant factors. Sand and wind can be challenging, though November is generally less windy than spring months.
History and Heritage
The Tassili n'Ajjer is one of the most important prehistoric rock art sites in the world, with over 15,000 drawings and engravings dating from 12,000 years ago depicting the region's transformation from fertile savannah to desert. Running through this landscape is a journey through deep time, past evidence of ancient civilisations that thrived in what is now one of the most inhospitable environments on the planet.
Practical Information
- Self-navigated: runners navigate by GPS — prior experience with GPS navigation strongly recommended
- Minimum experience: at least one 25 km trail in mountain environment recommended
- Age: open to runners 18+, or 16+ with parental consent
- Getting there: fly to Djanet Airport (DJG) via Algiers — domestic flights connect regularly
- Visa: Algeria requires a visa for most nationalities — apply in advance
What is the Tassili n'Ajjer?
The Tassili n'Ajjer is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southeastern Algeria, covering 72,000 square kilometres. It features extraordinary sandstone rock formations — towers, arches and canyons — and one of the world's most important collections of prehistoric rock art, with over 15,000 drawings and engravings dating back 12,000 years. The landscape has been shaped by millions of years of erosion into forms that are often compared to an alien planet.
Is the Sahara Algeria Treg a competitive race or an adventure?
It is both. The event has a competitive classification with timing for each stage, but is designed to accommodate fast runners, leisure runners and hikers. The nine-day format (five running stages with rest days) allows participants to experience the extraordinary landscape at their own pace while navigating the full 222 km route.
How remote is the race location?
Very remote. Djanet is in the deep Sahara, close to the Libyan border. The Tassili n'Ajjer is one of the most isolated landscapes in the world. The organisation provides all logistics including camp, medical support and water. There is no mobile phone coverage on the course — GPS navigation and satellite communication are the only technologies available.
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