Algerian Colours
Group Tour
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Overview
Algeria is one of the most fascinating countries in North Africa, combining a cultural legacy that stretches back millennia along with some of the world’s most dramatic desert scenery.
Once colonised by the Romans, the Turks and the French, the country has emerged from the troubles of the 1990’s to reveal itself as a destination of unrivalled scope and grandeur. Amongst the vast sands of the Sahara it is home to some of the most beguiling oasis towns in the region; dominated by ancient ...
Algeria is one of the most fascinating countries in North Africa, combining a cultural legacy that stretches back millennia along with some of the world’s most dramatic desert scenery.
Once colonised by the Romans, the Turks and the French, the country has emerged from the troubles of the 1990’s to reveal itself as a destination of unrivalled scope and grandeur. Amongst the vast sands of the Sahara it is home to some of the most beguiling oasis towns in the region; dominated by ancient Ksars or fortified strongholds, the mud brick villages still hold on to traditions that have endured among the desert sands for centuries. It can also boast a number of world heritage sites such as the spectacular ancient site of Djemila and the old Roman port of Tipasa, while its bustling capital, Algiers, offers the traditional Casbah experience counterbalanced by a wonderfully engaging mix of Ottoman grandeur, colonial chic and modern vibrancy.
This remarkable journey takes us into the heart of this unique country as we journey from the shores of the Mediterranean to the Grand Erg Occidental.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use a minibus or mini-coach and domestic flights.
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip.
On this trip we will stay at comfortable hotels in all locations, with the hotels in the desert section being built in a more ‘traditional’ style. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour Starts In Algiers
Day 1 Tour Starts In Algiers
The tour starts early this afternoon in the Algerian capital. After checking in to our hotel we’ll head out for lunch and an orientation tour of the city. Overlooking the waters of the Mediterranean, Algiers began life as a Phoenician trading post, but it was the 10th century Berbers under Bologhine ibn Ziri who began the city’s rise to prosperity. Over time it fell to the Almohades, the Ottomans and the French, before a bloody struggle for independence finally saw the Algerians wrestle control from their colonial overlords in the early 1960’s. Much of the historic heart of the city dates back to Ottoman times and includes the impressive facade of the Ketchaoua Mosque. This evening we’ll enjoy our first group dinner and take the chance to talk about the trip ahead.
Day 2 Algiers - Djemila - Constantine
Day 2 Algiers - Djemila - Constantine
Today we drive east out of the hustle and bustle of the capital to the impressive ancient Roman city of Djemila, a UNESCO World Heritage site considered one of the finest in North Africa. The wheel-rutted streets of ancient Cuicul, founded by Nerva to house his subjects, are lined with elaborate houses, a forum, basilica, triumphal arches and temples. It is a fascinating example of Roman town planning adapted to suit its mountain location. Equally impressive is Djemila's stunning museum, where every square inch of the immense walls are plastered with mosaics. After wandering around this charming site we’ll continue our journey east to Constantine or ‘Cirta’ with its dramatic setting amongst precipitous cliffs and deep gorges. The French writer Alexandre Dumas called it ‘a fantastic city, something like Gulliver’s flying island. Founded 2,000 years ago, a plateau surrounded by deep ravines was a great place to build because the city could be easily defended. Since then Constantine has outgrown the plateau and spilled over into the adjoining areas, connected to the old city by seven high bridges, hence the title ‘City of Bridges’.
Day 3 Constantine - Algiers
Day 3 Constantine - Algiers
Constantine boasts an excellent museum, noted in particular for its Roman mosaics, as well as the delightful Palace of Ahmed Bey and a number of impressive mosques. Today we’ll wander around the city and take in the traditional casbah with its local market and experience the architectural triumphs of the city’s bridges. From here we’ll transfer to the airport in time for our flight back to the capital city, Algiers for the evening.
Day 4 Algiers - Timimoun
Day 4 Algiers - Timimoun
After an early breakfast we’ll drive to Algiers airport in time to catch the morning flight to Timimoun, our gateway to the Sahara! On arrival we’ll transfer to our hotel in this small town noted for some of the most spectacular scenery around the Grand Erg Occidental. Wonderfully photogenic, we’ll head out for lunch and from there walk around the town with its ancient ksars (fortified dwellings), admiring Sudanese influenced architecture as well as visiting the market place and handicraft shops. We’ll also visit the palmeraie where we’ll learn about the ancient irrigation system used there known as ‘fouggara’. Beyond the town the haunting sand dune landscapes of the Grand Erg Occidental provide a stunning backdrop for our first night in the Sahara Desert region.
Day 5 In & Around Timimoun
Day 5 In & Around Timimoun
This morning, before the temperature starts rising, we’ll visit some of the immediate area around Timimoun. Depending upon local conditions (ie weather and the authorities!) we will visit various sites such as the deep red caves and the abandoned village of Tindjillet, before escaping the heat and heading back to Timimoun for lunch. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax at the hotel or wonder around the town at your leisure.
Day 6 Timimoun - Beni Abbes - Taghit
Day 6 Timimoun - Beni Abbes - Taghit
After an early breakfast we’ll drive north-west to the ‘Pearl of the Saoura’ or the ‘white oasis’ town of Beni Abbes (though the buildings here are gradually turning an orangey-brown colour!). Although the town may be very quiet it has a beautiful setting where the oasis ends and the sand dunes rise majestically into the distance. We shall enjoy lunch here before continuing on to Taghit. Upon arrival there should be time for a late afternoon walk in the dunes to watch the sunset.
Today we will be covering a distance of approximately 500kms, so please be prepared for a long day
Day 7 Taghit - Bechar - Oran
Day 7 Taghit - Bechar - Oran
Taghit is a small oasis town located on the western edge of the Grand Erg Occidental. The dunes here tower over the eastern edge of the town, and the views as you come over the hill towards the old Ksar are simply magnificent. The town is dominated by red mud architecture along narrow winding streets making for some fantastic photo opportunities. This morning we’ll get the chance to look at some prehistoric rock art at Zaouia Tahtania dating back more than 5,000 years, before taking an early lunch and driving to Bechar, in time to catch a late afternoon flight to Algeria’s second largest city, Oran, and a late dinner.
Day 8 In Oran
Day 8 In Oran
After breakfast we’ll head out on a guided tour of Oran, the original home of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and novelist Albert Camus. Oran has a significant Spanish flavour to it after more than two centuries of occupation before the French took over in the 19th century. We’ll visit the major sites such as Place du 1er Novembre, Santa Cruz fort and chapel, La Cathedrale du Sacre Coeur and Bey’s Palace.
Day 9 Oran - Tipasa - Algiers
Day 9 Oran - Tipasa - Algiers
This morning we’ll drive east to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tipasa on the Mediterranean coast. Considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in North Africa, this old Roman port rose to prominence under the emperor Septimus Severus (AD193-211), and provides us with a remarkable collection of Punic, Roman and Numidian temples and monuments. From here we’ll drive east towards Algiers, and time permitting visit the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania on the way. This imposing tomb is the final resting place of Berber Juba II and Cleopatra Selene II, who were the last king and queen of the ancient Kingdom of Mauretania. Returning to Algiers by the early evening we’ll check into our hotel before heading out for dinner. *Please note that depending on train schedules we may take a train from Oran - Algiers before transferring by vehicle to Tipasa*
Day 10 In Algiers
Day 10 In Algiers
Today we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the old part of the capital, focussing upon the historic Kasbah, one of the most impressive in all of North Africa. This UNESCO World Heritage site was described by Le Corbusier as "a masterpiece of architecture and town planning" and we’re sure you will agree after wandering around its labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways, made up of tiny shops, museums and market traders. From here we’ll visit the imposing Maqam Echahid (Martyrs Monument) and the National Museum of El Mujahid to learn some more about the Algerian war of independence. Tonight we’ll head out into the city for a farewell dinner.
Day 11 Tour Finishes In Algiers
Day 11 Tour Finishes In Algiers
The tour ends this morning. Those on the suggested group flights will transfer to the airport in time for the early afternoon departure.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Aurassi Hotel, Algiers
Hotel Gourara, Timimoun
The Hotel Gourara was built by French architect Fernand Pouillon in the 1970s and overlooks a palm grove oasis. The hotel has been recently renovated and modernised in a style that blends tradition with modernity. Rooms are of a good standard and there is a swimming pool and restaurant on site. The hotel is in a good location with great views of the Saharan sand dunes.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Supporting Algeria
With its vast desert sands, Algeria is the second largest country in Africa. It is also one of the least-visited and as such the tourism infrastructure is in its infancy. By visiting Algeria, Wild Frontiers is slowly trying to help to build the tourism market, with all operational costs going directly into the local economy. This in turn generates tourism-related employment and supports the local communities.
On this tour we use local ground handlers and employ local guides and drivers. Wherever possible we stay in locally-owned accommodation, eat in locally owned restaurants and purchase supplies from markets, meeting people along the away and learning more about day-to-day life, particularly in the remote oasis towns and villages. The wonderful thing about this kind of interactive tourism is that everyone gains – the communities financially and us with the wonderful welcome and experience they give us.
We are also promoting the ancient heritage of Algeria through visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Djemila and Tipaza Ruins. UNESCO Sites are chosen by the UNESCO committee and must "bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to civilisation", "an important interchange of human values" or be outstanding examples of major stages of Earth's history or ecological and biological processes in evolution. Visiting such sites helps protect them for future generations to come.
Tree Planting in the Sahara
While in Timimoun, deep in the Algerian Sahara Desert, we have the opportunity to plant date palms as a part of a local oasis agriculture and conservation project. In conjunction with our partners in Algeria, young palms are purchased from the market or local farmers and planted to support the oasis environment and the communities who live there. Date palms are vital to oasis populations, providing fruit, leaves for the making of mats and baskets, and wood for construction.
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| BA 310 | London Heathrow (LHR) 08:05 | Algiers HB Airport (ALG) 11:00 |
| BA 311 | Algiers HB Airport (ALG) 11:55 | London Heathrow (LHR) 15:00 |
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour, UK passport holders currently require a visa for Algeria.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Algerian visas require authorisation from the Ministry of Algeria before they can be issued. This can be a little unpredictable in terms of timeframes so we strongly recommend that you apply as soon as possible (no earlier than 3 months prior to departure) once you receive your visa supporting documents from us.
NB. It should also be noted that anyone with a passport showing evidence of having visited Israel (including having entered or left Jordan/Egypt from posts which are known to border Israel) are likely to be denied a visa for Algeria.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Or alternatively you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries.
Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your individual requirements.
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
Daytime temperatures are likely to range from around 20-25C on the north coast, increasing to between 30-35C in the desert region. Night-time temperatures will feel cooler, especially in the desert where you’ll notice the change in temperature.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Due to the unpredictable timeframe required to obtain the necessary authorisation for Algerian tourist visa applications, we strongly recommend that you do not make any foreign travel plans for at least 6 weeks prior to the start date of the tour.
Please note that when driving in Algeria it is compulsory for tourist groups to be accompanied by a security convoy in places. The guards in the convoy will change over as we cross from one wilaya (province) to the next. This can significantly increase journey times, resulting in a number of quite long drives so please be prepared for this.
Please be aware that vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety can be very limited in places, especially in the Sahara region. People with specific dietary requirements should consider such limitations carefully and we suggest you discuss your needs with us before booking this tour.
Algeria has minimal tourist infrastructure and receives far fewer visitors than neighbouring countries like Morocco or Tunisia. As such service levels cannot be compared and logistically Algeria remains a ‘challenging’ destination, almost guaranteeing that things are unlikely to always go according to plan! However for us that is half the enjoyment of travelling in Algeria and anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional.
Flexibility and the nature of travel in Algeria: For security reasons it might be necessary to change this itinerary at very short notice, and clients must be flexible enough to deal with this and acknowledge that this is an inherent part of travel to Algeria. While we will always try & visit as much of the itinerary as possible, we reserve the right to omit any destination due to security concerns and offer an alternative in its place. You must also understand that tourist infrastructure and the levels of services will not match those offered in more regular tourist locations in North Africa.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A £200 (or equivalent) deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 2058 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.