Algeria, which had been dormant since the early 1990s, has grown gradually but steadily since 2004, when it enjoyed improved security and unspoiled natural beauty. Despite its troubled history, Algeria offers the finest things North Africa has to offer, and you’ll most likely see it without other people.
Despite the fact that Algeria is mostly desert, it is a traveler’s paradise with ancient and modern cultural relics. For those ready for adventure, there are numerous options to explore the Sahara, climb and trek the northwestern mountain ranges’ lunar surfaces, and perhaps even discover an oasis or two.
1. Historic Algiers: The Casbah and Palais de Raïs: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Casbah is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Algiers. The area is Algiers’ historic and economic center and features a variety of seafood restaurants. Although Algiers has numerous historical structures, few have been restored with such care as the Ottoman-era Palais de Rais. Visitors will gain a greater understanding of life in Algier during the Ottoman Empire and French periods after seeing it.
2. New Algiers: Although the historic neighborhoods of Algiers might be more attractive to tourists, the city’s center (dating back to the Ottoman era) is home to most of its entertainment and nightlife. It also boasts several museums, housing mostly Algerian art, such as Musée des Beaux Arts and Bardo Museum.
3. Grand Ergs: The term “Sudan” is used to identify the area of the Sahara because it was once known as “the White Desolation.” The name comes from a Greek word that means “sand,” and in ancient times, the region was referred to as Libya. Nowadays, many people across Europe, North America, Australia, and elsewhere are familiar with this vast desert basin through its numerous films and books about life there. The image of shifting windswept sands evokes images of desolation for others. Although the desert has a wide range of environments, Algeria’s Grand Ergs have an austere windswept environment that draws many travelers to the Sahara. The Ergs are divided into two regions (the Grand Erg Occidental and Grand Erg Oriental), both of which are uninhabitable. There aren’t many roads that pass through them. Although you can only see them from afar, the oases surrounding the town of Timimoun offer a perfect view of their majesty. This tourist-friendly town is also near a lovely red salt lake.
4. Roam the Sahara: Seasoned nature-lovers are often intrigued by Algeria for its potential to explore the Sahara desert on a camel. Even though it’s not recommended to do so in Grand Ergs, there are still plenty of trails in southern Algeriato take advantage of. Not only is this a great opportunity to immerse yourself in raw beauty, but you’ll also get see parts of the country that most tourists never evenset eyes on.
5. Constantine: Constantine, Algeria’s most beautiful city and the finest museum scene outside of Algiers, is located on three sides surrounded by cliffs and a ravine. It also has one of the greatest museum scenes outside of Algiers, with access to several ancient Roman ruins such as Tiddis, as well as numerous constructions and an aqueduct inside the contemporary metropolis.
6. Beaches: Algeria’s beaches are just as good as the ones in Morocco and Tunisia, and they have become more popular lately since the risk of violence has decreased. The best beaches for visitors with resorts and water sports are located outside of Algiers and Oran. People who travel west might find areas where there aren’t many people on the sand.
7. Tlemcen: This town, which is older than the pyramids of Egypt and has been a haven for winemakers and olivegrowers for more than 17 centuries, offers a welcome change of pace from Algiers and Oran’s metropolises. The village has a distinctively laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere that makes it an excellent place to visit for leather and textiles shopping. The city’s spectacularly adorned Grand Mosque, which was constructed in 1082, is the main draw.
8. Tassili N’Ajjer National Park: Tassili N’Ajjer, located in southeastern part of the country near Djanet, contains more ancient rock art than any other location on earth. The sandstone mountain range is dotted with picturesque views and an unexpectedly high amount of plant-life.
9. Yennayer: This Berber New Year celebration, which takes place on January 12 to January 14 each year, is one of Algeria’s most important nonreligious holidays. The holiday is marked with traditional feasts, carnivals, and musical and dance performances in addition to cultural experiences unique to the region. Tlemcen and nearby towns in the south host the country’s largest festivals, while smaller gatherings are held in Algiers; both are gaining popularity.
10. Sunset at Assekrem: Assekrem, located in the Ahaggar Mountains of Algeria, is an excellent example of the country’s stunning natural scenery. The mountains are a popular tourist destination because of their beautiful rock formations and mild climate. Assekrem provides visitors with an incredible view of the area and should not be missed. Father Charles de Foucauld stayed here for five months in 1905, and he is events considered an important religious figure for Catholics both in Algeria and worldwide.
Algeria experiences drastic temperature changes during the summer, so tourists should visit during the rainy season between October and March. It’s unwise to come during Ramadan because Algerians fasting take the observance seriously and few businesses are open. The start of this month changes yearly according to the lunar calendar; be sure to check here before finalizing travel plans to make sure your trip does not overlap with Ramadan.
How to Get There and Get Around
Visas: American citizens need a passport and visa to enter Algeria. You must apply for the visa in advance through the Algerian Embassy. Most European carriers fly to Algiers, and you can also enter by car via the northern Tunisian border.
Transportation: In And Out of Algeria If you start your travels in Algiers, you will likely fly into Houari Boumediene Airport. Domestic flights in Algeria are popular, safe, and easy to use. Taxis, buses, and trains provide alternative modes of transportation; however, driving alone is dangerous due to the unpaved roads and the likelihood of highway robbery in rural areas. In the north, passenger boats connect several major ports.
Are you concerned about your safety while traveling to Algeria? Africa.com, with the help of our friends and relatives, visits many countries throughout Africa. When it comes to safety in Algeria, here are the resources we consult:
• The UK government has issued a travel advisory for Algeria.
This website is very timely and frequently updated, which is perfect for those planning to travel to Algeria. The perspective taken in the articles assumes that you WILL be travelling soon and provides guidance so that you can understand the risks involved and are well informed about what to expect.
• Current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level for Algeria
Africa.com is a site that many people use to research travel destinations in Africa. They are generally considered to be reliable and accurate, but some people find their recommendations to be too conservative. In any case, they have the resources of the CIA at their disposal, so they may know things that the average person doesn’t. If you’re curious about what they have to say about Algeria specifically, you can check out their website.
1. Dress for mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers in the northern parts of Algeria—sunscreen and moisturizer are essential if you’re visiting between April and September. However, temperature extremes are common in desert and mountainous regions: it can get as hot as 131 degrees Farenheit (55 degrees Celsius) but quite cold at night. If you plan on trekking or camping in the Sahara, explain the weather conditions to your local camping store before making a purchase so that you buy appropriate equipment and clothing.
2. Despite this, you are not permitted to go south of Ghardaïa without a government license. The best approach is to get a guide from a reputable tour company. A list of authorized agencies may be found here.3.Although Arabic and French are Algeria’s official languages, some Berber dialects are also commonly spoken. If you’re only versed in the Arabic dialect from the Arabian Peninsula, then North African Arabic might be tough to comprehend at first. However, since most Algerians are bilingual, you likely won’t have any issues communicating with them; especially if you can hold a conversation in French.
4. Algeria is one of the most devout nations on the continent, with a population that is almost entirely Muslim. The tiny Christian and Jewish components will have little impact on visitors’ attire. We recommend that women, particularly, dress modestly.
