Algeria - Africa's Giant

Itinerary

Day 1 – Algiers
Arrive in Algiers and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Algiers including the Place des Martyrs and the neo-Moorish ‘Grande Poste’ building. Overnight Hotel Safir or similar.

Day 2 – Tipasa
Head out of the capital to Tipasa, home to an amazing collection of archaeological remains. We visit the ‘Tomb of the Christian’, believed to date back to the 3rd century BC and belonging to the Numidian people. We also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tipasa, a fantastic collection of Roman ruins overlooking the sea including villas and an ancient amphitheatre. Overnight Hotel Safir or similar. (BL)

Day 3 – Oran
Continue to Oran, Algeria’s second city. We spend time exploring the city including the Bey’s Palace and the 18th century Grand Mosque. (BL)

Day 4 – Oran
Continue our exploration of Oran including the colonial era theatre and the picturesque Santa Cruz area with its pretty church and fortress, with great views over the whole of the city. (BL)

Day 5 – Tlemcen
Travel to Tlemcen, once an important town which still contains a superb collection of historic buildings. Visit the Grand Mosque, one of the most important Islamic buildings in North Africa, the ruins of 13th century Mansourah and the tomb of Sidi Boumedienne. (BLD)

Day 6 – Taghit
Leave the coast behind and transfer by road to the oasis town of Taghit, one of the most beautiful in the Algerian Sahara. We explore the ksar and walk through the old town with its mud brick houses and winding streets, dominated by the dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental towering above. Overnight El Bordj guesthouse or similar. (BLD)

Day 7 – Beni Abbes - Timimoun
Continue to the picturesque oasis of Timimoun with its distinctive red buildings. On the way we stop at the ‘white oasis’ of Beni Abbes and visit the old ksar, taking lunch in the palm groves with ancient foggaras (irrigation systems). Overnight El Ghandour guesthouse or similar. (BLD)

Day 8 – Timimoun
Spend the day exploring this lovely oasis, with a picnic lunch out among the dunes. Overnight El Ghandour guesthouse or similar. (BLD)

Day 9 – Mzab Valley
Continue driving through the Sahara via El Golea to the Mzab Valley and the oasis of Beni Isguen, our base for the next two nights. Overnight Les Deux Tours or similar. (BLD)

Day 10 – Mzab Valley
A full day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage listed Mzab Valley. Made up of five separate towns, the Mzab is a glimpse of a world that has long since disappeared elsewhere, staunchly traditional and isolated by the Sahara. With lively markets, twisting narrow lanes and women in traditional dress, it is easy to imagine that you are walking through a bygone era. Later we transfer to the airport to fly further south to Tamanrasset. Overnight Auberge de Tamanrasset or similar. (BLD)

Days 11-13 – Hoggar Mountains
Spend a little time exploring Tamanrasset before heading north along rough tracks to the Atakor plateau. We pass the dramatic peaks of Akar Akar, stop at the guelta of Afilal and continue to Assekrem and the hermitage of Pere de Foucauld. We also visit Tuareg settlements, look for rock paintings and cross the dunes of Tihodaine as well as crossing rhe Amadror plain, once important on the ancient salt caravan routes. This is incredible landscape with bizarre rock formations and we are privileged to be spending time in such an incredible environment. In the evening of Day 13 we fly back to Algiers. Overnight camping. (BLD)

Day 14 – Algiers
Arrive in Algiers and explore the city, including the impressive Notre Dame d’Afrique church and the casbah, the most traditional area of the city. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore further. Overnight Hotel Safir or similar. (BL)

Day 15 – Algiers
This morning visit the casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most enigmatic places in Algiers. After lunch in a private home, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (BL)