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Algeria Highlights and Events

Travel in Algeria with Intrepid

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This is a land where the Sahara rules. Taking up four-fifths of the country, it’s hard to ignore the call of this vast desert. Giant sand dunes are dotted with oases, mountain ranges, strange rock formations and villages where life follows age-old tribal traditions. Away from the desert you’ll find laidback coastal villages and bustling modern cities, all with the smell of the Mediterranean in the air. Algeria is complex, harsh, beautiful and completely addictive.
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Highlights


Algeria's Top Picks

Hoggar Mountains
 
The Sahara grows by around 1km every month
 

Top 10 Saharan Stops in Algeria

  1. Beni Isguen: This 14th-century town is one of Algeria’s most fascinating. Traditional ways are strictly adhered to. Local women, who are draped in white shawls from head to toe, are allowed to have only one eye showing. Men and women lead completely segregated lives, and each gender has its own council.
  2. Tamanrasset: Called the ‘red city’ because of its red mud-brick houses this town is full of life and character. Situated in the heart of the Sahara, it has a population of only 40,000. It’s the biggest of all Tuareg cities and is regularly visited by the camel caravans of these 'blue men of the desert'.
  3. El-Oued: This is the ‘town of a thousand domes’ - almost all the buildings have domed roofs to alleviate the summer heat. El-Oued is also famous for its carpets, which often bear the traditional cross of the Souf.
  4. Djanet: This Tassili town is exactly what you imagine an oasis village to be: pleasant and calm, with large, shady palm trees where daily life follows the slow rhythm of the desert.
  5. Ghardaia: You’ll think all your birthdays have come at once when you spy Ghardaia, but it could be just the minaret sticking up, candle-like, out of the jumble of houses. The vibrant market is filled with stalls selling fresh vegetables, fruit, tea, sugar and, of course, fresh dates.
  6. Oued Tadent: The rocky landscapes surrounding Oued Tadent are home to many Tuareg. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet with these nomadic people and get a taste of life in their camps, before heading off to set up your own.
  7. Tin Agoula: While the Sahara isn’t really known for its wildlife, mountainous Tin Agoula plays host to some serious beasts. If you don’t spot camels, gazelles or even snow leopards during the day, you’ll be sure to see their footprints scattered throughout the camp each morning.
  8. Youfarlal: In Youfarlal, huge rock formations and mushroom-shaped boulders are surrounded by softly rolling sand dunes. This is a great area to explore with lots of stunning photo opportunities. The spectacular needle-shaped rocks pointing to the sky can be seen from afar and are clear landmarks in a landscape of mostly round boulders.
  9. Tamekrest: The natural spring of Tamekrest cascades down polished pink and purple granite. The Tuareg from the surrounding camps bring their goats and camels here to drink. On top of the granite rocks you’ll find a small oasis with surprisingly lush, green vegetation.
  10. Hoggar Mountains: The highest points of the Hoggar Mountains give spectacular views over the desert below. Volcanic landscapes rise out of the sand dunes with black rocks, basalt peaks and dramatic cliff faces.

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Algeria at a glance

  • 0
  • Algiers (population 3.5 million)
  • 35.9 million
  • Arabic
  • DZD
  • (GMT+01:00) West Central Africa
  • Type C (European 2-pin), Type E (French 2-pin, female earth)
  • +213

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