Journey to the Algerian Sahara

Embark on an 11-day private adventure into the Algerian Sahara

Journey to the Algerian Sahara

Jouney to the Algerian Sahara

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day adventure through Algeria and experience the Algerian Sahara. You'll discover a blend of rich history, breathtaking desert scenery, and lively cultural attractions.

Your journey begins in Algiers, where you'll be greeted and taken to your hotel. Allow some time to settle in before exploring the city's sights. Notable stops include a stroll through the famed Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visits to the Basilica of Notre Dame d'Afrique and the Martyr's Memorial.

Moving south, you'll arrive in Bousaada, the “City of Happiness." This delightful oasis, once the home of orientalist painter Etienne Dinet, showcases the historic old medina, Martyrs Square, and the Big Zaouia El Hamel, a museum packed with antique manuscripts. Your journey then takes you to the Mzab Valley, a UNESCO-listed gem on the fringes of the Sahara, where the distinct architecture of Ghardaia and vibrant marketplace reflect the rich local traditions. Nearby, you can explore El Ateuf and the sacred village of Beni Isguen, both offering insights into Algeria's desert heritage.

As you venture further south to El Menea, you'll visit the tomb of Charles de Foucauld and witness a spectacular sunset over the dunes and a nearby lake. Timimoun, another captivating oasis city, invites you to discover its ancient ksours—fortified villages that once lined historic caravan routes. A 4x4 drive through the dunes reveals the striking landscapes of the Sahara.

The journey continues to Beni Abbes, known as the "White Oasis," famous for its palm groves and prehistoric rock art sites. Finally, in Taghit, you can explore more fascinating rock art and take panoramic views of the Saoura Valley.

As your adventure comes to a close back in Algiers, you'll have the evening to relax before your departure. This tour offers an immersive experience in Algeria's diverse cultural tapestry and natural beauty, showcasing everything from city life's hustle and bustle to the Sahara's serene expanses.

Day 1 - Arrival in Algeria
Arrive at Algiers International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be at leisure.
Overnight Hotel Suisse or similar (3*)

Day 2 - Algiers
Today, you will walk down the Casbah of Algiers, enjoy an excursion in Alger La Blanche, and discover its dominant landmarks, which offer panoramic views of the city. Visit the Basilica of Notre Dame d’Afrique and the Martyr’s Memorial.
Overnight Hotel Suisse or similar (3*) (BD)

Day 3 - Bousaada
Drive south to Bousaada, "The City of Happiness," an oasis that was the home of the famous orientalist painter Etienne Dinet and the setting of several movies. (approx. three and a half hours drive) You will visit the old medina, Martyrs Square, and the Big Zaouia El Hamel, a small museum that houses a treasure of old manuscripts.
Overnight Hotel Kerdada or similar (4*) (BD)

Day 4 - Ghardaia
After breakfast, you can relax on your journey to the Mzab Valley, a World Heritage Site about 600 kilometres south of the Mediterranean coast and bordering the hostile Sahara desert. (The drive is approximately five and a half hours plus comfort stops.) In the afternoon, you will walk through the streets of Ghardaia to get a feel of the local way of life.
Overnight Hotel Belvedere or similar (4*) (BD)

Day 5 - Ghardaia
Enjoy a full-day tour across the Mzab Valley. In the morning, you will visit the Medina of El Ateuf and Ghardaia, with its Big Mosque and bustling old marketplace. After lunch, you will view Melika and walk through the narrow, cobbled streets of the holy Beni Isguen. Here, you can find an old traditional auction market that is still in use in the area.
Overnight Hotel Belvedere or similar (4*) (BD)

Day 6 - El Menea
Early in the morning, leave your hotel and head southward to El Menea. (It is approximately three and a half hours' drive.) Visit the tomb of Charles de Foucauld, a French Catholic priest, hermit, and explorer who lived among the Touareg people of the desert. He was assassinated in 1916 in Tamanrasset, and later, his remains were moved to this location. After that, you drive around El Menea to admire the sunset on the dunes. Traditional dinner is served here before your return to the hotel.
Overnight Dar Maa Lward guest house or similar (BLD)

Day 7 - Timimoun
Drive deeper south through the immensity of the Sahara Desert. The further you go south, the more extraordinary the landscape is. It takes about five hours to reach Timimoun, and you can have a leisurely walk around the town in the evening.
Overnight Dar El Wafi guest house or similar (BD)

Day 8 - Timimoun
Enjoy visiting the oasis of Timimoun, where you can view the Ksours, very old fortified villages and caravanserais. In the Sahara Desert, you speak about the Ksours Road; elsewhere, you talk about the Silk Road. You will stroll through the oasis, and your guide will show you the main places of interest, such as its old market and beautiful Ksar, an old palace boasting typical Saharan architecture. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a 4X4 ride through the dunes of Timimoun.
Overnight Dar El Wafi guest house or similar (BD)

Day 9 - Beni Abès
Today, your journey will take you to Beni Abbes, called the "White Oasis," where lush palm groves and charming white-washed buildings await. (The drive is approximately four hours plus comfort stops.) Explore the prehistoric rock paintings, which offer a glimpse into ancient civilizations. Then, continue driving to Taghit (approx. two hours), one of the most welcoming Saharan places situated further north.
Overnight Hotel Saoura or similar (4*) (BD)

Day 10 - Taghit and fly to Algiers
Complete your desert Safari with a visit toTaghit, a picturesque little town nestled among golden dunes. Discover the historic Ksar and enjoy scenic views of the Saoura Valley. Don't miss the remarkable prehistoric rock art sites in Taghit, where millennia-old paintings depict early human life. This tour offers natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unforgettable Saharan landscapes. This evening, you will drive to Bechar National Airport for your flight back to Algiers.
Usual schedule - Bechar 19:30 – 21:40 Algiers (AH6133) on Mondays
On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight Algiers Hotel Suisse or similar (3*) (BD)

Day 11 – Goodbye to the Algerian Sahara
Today, you will be free at leisure before you transfer to Algiers International Airport for your flight home. (B)

Departure Dates

10 October to 19 October 2025
9 October to 18 October 2026

Price
£4195 per person (based on two people travelling and sharing a double room)
Single supplement - £395

The Journey to the Algerian Sahara tour can be tailor-made to your exact requirements.  Our expert travel consultants can design the tour to your budget and preferences. Just get in contact to find out more.

Private Guided Tour -  Scheduled to your dates and requirements -contact us for costs

  • Meet and assist upon arrival and departure
  • All tours led by a professional English speaking guide
  • Air ticket Bechar – Algiers
  • All sites entry tickets
  • All transport in a modern vehicle
  • Accommodation as shown
  • Meals as shown (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
  • International travel to the start and end point - contact us for information and flight options
  • Any airport taxes
  • Travel Insurance
  • Any visa requirements
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks plus meals other than those mentioned on the program.
  • Expenditure of a personal nature, laundry, telephone bills, drinks, souvenirs, tips etc.
  • Early check in/ late checkout fees if required
  • Gratuities for local tour guide

Government Travel Safety Advice

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Algeria’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice. Please refer to the COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry.

Algeria - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/algeria

Visa and Passport Information

Passport validity - To enter Algeria, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Visas

You must have a visa to visit Algeria.

Check your visa details, including validity dates, before you travel. If you overstay, it is likely Algerian immigration police will detain you at the airport on departure. You may face criminal prosecution and up to 3 months in prison.

If you want to extend your stay in Algeria, apply at the town hall (‘la wilaya’) nearest to you.

Applying for a visa 

Before you travel, apply for a visa through the Algerian Consulate in the UK.

To enter Algeria, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

Local Laws and Custom

Personal ID 

You do not have to carry your passport at all times, but take it with you on longer journeys. You must have your passport if you travel inside Algeria by air. Keep copies of your passport’s photo page and your visa or entry stamp in a separate place.

Ramadan  

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:

  • eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
  • play loud music or dance
  • swear in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also:

  • check opening hours of shops and restaurants
  • be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
  • be aware that most restaurants do not serve alcohol
  • follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
  • be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening
  • be patient and show tolerance

Alcohol laws  

It is illegal to be under the influence of alcohol in a public place.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences 

It is illegal to possess, use or traffic controlled drugs. If you’re convicted, you may get a prison sentence.

Mobile phone coverage 

Mobile phone coverage can be patchy or unavailable in more remote areas, particularly in the south of Algeria. Some online maps may not be accurate in remote areas.

Using cameras in secure areas 

It is illegal to take photos of government buildings or security installations, including police checkpoints.

LGBT+ travellers 

Sexual acts between people of the same sex are illegal in Algeria.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Health

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Facilities at private clinics are usually better than government hospitals. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Algeria.

Emergency medical number - Call 16 or 1021 and ask for an ambulance.

What to bring on your Highlights of Northern Algeria tour

Clothing

Depending on what time of year you visit Algeria, you will need to pack the appropriate clothing for your trip. For daytime activities around the country, we suggest a versatile selection of casual, comfortable, and easy-to-layer clothes. The weather can change quickly in Algeria and vary across the country, from the Sahara desert to snow capped mountain peaks.

While travellers visiting the country do not have to adhere to any sort of dress code, female travellers may be required to wear a head and shoulder covering (e.g., a scarf) at certain religious sites. T-shirts are permitted apparel at these places, but they must cover shoulders. Shorts are usually not allowed, and hats must be removed when entering religious buildings.

Footwear

Bring both a pair of sandals and comfortable walking/hiking shoes. You will spend a considerable amount of time walking through historic sites and cities and you will want to make sure you are prepared to be on your feet for a number of hours at a time.

Luggage while on your tour

Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a daysack. Remember, you are expected to carry your baggage, so don't overload yourself; a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase.

Equipment

We recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a water bottle. A solar charger for your phone and other electronics is a good idea.

Currency

Algeria's national currency is the Algerian Dinar (DZD). The most common notes are 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 Dinars, and the coins are 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Dinars. 

The Algerian Dinar is a closed currency. You cannot purchase Algerian dinars in advance from your home country. Importing and exporting Algerian Dinars is illegal. As a result, currency exchange is only possible within Algeria, and you should spend your remaining Algerian Dinars before leaving the country.

Within Algeria, there are fewer options to exchange cash or withdraw from a bank account. Efforts have been made to make foreign exchange easier in Algeria, however opportunities to exchange your money for the local currency still need to be expanded. Algiers International Airport will have the most options for currency exchanges. We highly recommend exchanging enough money at the airport for your Algeria trip and keeping the receipt to return cash at the end of your tour if needed.

For arrival or departure, visitors must declare cash amounts in any currency that exceeds the equivalent value of €1,000. The total value of imported or exported currency cannot exceed €7,500.

Most ATMs are not compatible with VISA or Western banks.

Weather in Algeria

The best times to visit Algeria are spring and autumn, April to May and October to November. Algeria's coast, including Algiers and Oran, has a fairly typical Mediterranean climate, so expect it to be hot from June to September; however, it's certainly not as hot as the desert regions to the south, where temperatures rocket to unbearable levels. The best time to visit Algeria for a Saharan trip is April to May or October to November, as conditions are less fierce and the rest of the country is dry and relatively warm.

Electricity in Algeria

Algeria uses two types of electrical plugs: type C and type F:

  • Type C: Has two round pins that are parallel to each other
  • Type F: Has two round pins that are parallel to each other, plus a hole above them and two grounding clips 

Algeria's standard voltage is 230 volts, and the standard frequency is 50 hertz. If your device's plug doesn't match the shape of the sockets in Algeria, you'll need a travel plug adapter.  

If you're travelling to Algeria with an Apple device like an iPad or iPhone, you probably won't need a voltage converter because these devices are dual voltage. Most laptops are also multi-voltage and can operate from 100 to 240 volts.

Mobile Phones and Internet in Algeria

Check with your phone provider for international and roaming charges. Alternatively, using a local Algerian SIM card may be more affordable, assuming you have an unlocked phone. You can purchase SIM cards, phone credit, and internet data bundles at the airport for about $5 to $10.

Most large hotels will have wifi access, which can be restricted and slow.

Ready to book or need more information?

Then get in touch with our expert travel consultants now. We can help you with tailormade options, best times to travel and much more...

TOP