The flora and fauna were luxuriant as is seen in the numerous rock paintings of Tassili n'Ajjer around Djanet.

The Ottoman Empire, which had a nominal authority over the Fezzan region, reinforced their presence in the area at the beginning of the 20th century in reaction to the colonization of Africa by the Europeans.

Djanet, and the nearby towns of Azelouaz, El Mihan, Adjahil and Eferi, lie in a valley carved by the intermittent river (wadi) Oued Idjeriou through the southwest edge of the Tassili n'Ajjer mountain range and east of the Erg Admer sand dunes.

Due to the somewhat cooler air, higher humidity and somewhat higher rainfall in these areas, the nearby mountains support a greater amount and variety of wildlife than lower-lying areas in the Sahara, and forms part of the West Saharan montane xeric woodlands ecosystem.

Djanet Inedbirene Airport[6] is located about 30 kilometers south of the city center.