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ALGERIA

Algeria is an immense country. To the north, it faces Europe with its Mediterranean coastline, at latitudes higher than those of Sicily; to the south, it stretches between Mali and Niger, reaching deep into sub-Saharan Africa. In between, the vastness of the Sahara Desert dominates the landscape. Starting from the capital Algiers and its white Casbah overlooking the Mediterranean, we will set off, aboard 4×4 vehicles driven by local drivers, on a legendary road trip along the N1, the iconic Trans-Saharan Highway, from Ghardaïa to Tamanrasset. Here, in the deep south, we will discover the Assekrem, the «End of the World» of the Tuareg, among the incredible scenery of the Hoggar massif: we will spend a night in a refuge at 2,600 meters and admire the most beautiful sunset and sunrise in the entire Sahara

The BHS touch

We could have flown over the Sahara. Instead, we chose to cross it from north to south, to fully appreciate its immensity and its countless nuances. From Ghardaïa and the fascinating fortified villages of the M’zab Valley to the iconic Tamanrasset, the Sahara Desert will be our travel companion for over 1,300 km, for a great African adventure to remember for years to come.

Highlights

The white alleys of the Casbah of Algiers

Ghardaïa and the M’zab Valley

On the road in the Hoggar all the way to Tamanrasset

The sunset from Assekrem, the most beautiful in the Sahara.

Where we stay

3* hotel, refuge on the Assekrem (en-suite bathroom not guaranteed)

How we travel

4×4 jeeps with driver, domestic flight

Trans Alps Adventure

TYPE OF TRIP

4×4 journey with local drivers through a region not accustomed to tourism, involving long days on the road across desert landscapes with limited infrastructure. Short hikes are included, requiring no particular physical effort. The itinerary takes place in remote areas where unexpected events and changes to the program may occur (such as punctures or roadblocks).

For more information about our trips, please refer to the section.FAQ.

Trip itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Algiers

Morning/Afternoon: flight from Italy, arrival in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, transfer to the city center and hotel check-in

Evening: dinner at a traditional restaurant in the center of Algiers

Day 2: Algeri

Morning: visit to the new city of Algiers. The exploration will begin… at a post office! The Central Post Office of Algiers is in fact one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, featuring a stunning Neo-Moorish exterior and magnificent interiors decorated with stucco and fine mosaics. After enjoying a panoramic view of Algiers from the Clock Garden, visit the MAMA, an interesting modern art museum housed in an elegant Neo-Moorish building. Quick lunch in the city center

Afternoon: from Port Said Square, home to the National Theatre, transfer to the eastern area of central Algiers to visit the beautiful El Hamma Botanical Garden, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Continue with a visit to the colossal Martyrs’ Memorial of Independence

Evening: dinner at a traditional restaurant in the center of Algiers

Day 3: Casbah of Algiers

Morning: walking itinerary to discover the Casbah of Algiers. From Martyrs’ Square, immersion in the narrow streets of the lower Casbah, visit to the Dar Aziza palace and, from the outside, the 17th-century Ketchaoua Mosque. Panoramic view of the Casbah of Algiers from above, continuing exploration through its winding alleys among white, decaying buildings with colorful doors, and lunch featuring local street food

Afternoon: descent towards the coast at the edge of the Casbah, with a visit to the Palais des Rais. Transfer to the airport in the mid-afternoon for the domestic flight to Ghardaïa

Evening: arrival in Ghardaïa, hotel check-in and dinner

Day 4: Ghardaïa and the M’zab Valley

Morning: visit to Ghardaïa, the capital of the Mozabite Pentapolis, the five fortified villages of the M’zab Valley, starting from the beautiful market square located at the foot of the city, which sits on a hill dominated by the mosque

Afternoon: visit to the other villages of the Pentapolis, in particular El Atteuf, Bou Noura, and the holy city of Beni Isguen. All towns in the M’zab Valley are built according to the same layout, with the mosque—the spiritual center—placed at the top, and the village spreading downwards in a harmonious slope. The Mozabite Pentapolis is considered a masterpiece of ancient urban planning and has inspired the work of the great French architect and urban planner Le Corbusier. Relaxation in the cool oases at the foot of the Mozabite villages

Evening: dinner and evening in Ghardaïa

Day 5: El Menia

Morning: departure by 4×4 heading south, venturing deep into the Sahara along the N1, the legendary Trans-Saharan highway crossing Algeria from north to south, towards the oasis of El Menia, formerly known as El Goléa. Arrival in late morning, hotel check-in and lunch

Afternoon: visit to the imposing Berber ksar (fortress) and the Church of Saint Joseph, in whose courtyard lies the tomb of Charles de Foucauld: soldier, explorer, and later Christian priest, Foucauld retired into hermitage among the Tuareg communities of the Algerian Sahara. Assassinated in 1916, he is considered a martyr of the Catholic Church, as well as beatified in 2005 and soon to be canonized

Evening: dinner and evening in El Menia

Day 6: N1: Transahariana on the road

Morning: day dedicated to the 4×4 transfer along the N1 towards In Salah. Lunch en route

Afternoon: continuation of the trans-Saharan journey and arrival in In Salah in the afternoon. Hotel check-in and visit of the village, located around an oasis on the edge of the Tademaït Plateau, near the ruins of an ancient ksar. Free time to explore In Salah and observe up close daily life in the remote, non-touristic towns of the Algerian Sahara

Evening: dinner and evening in In Salah

Day 7: Road to Tamanrasset and Hoggar

Morning: departure by 4×4 along the N1 towards Tamanrasset, the legendary city of the Algerian Sahara along the caravan routes leading to Niger and deep Sub-Saharan Africa

Afternoon: after crossing arid sand and rock deserts and vast plateaus, we reach the Hoggar mountain range, rising up to 2,918 meters with Mount Tahat (the highest peak in Algeria), in a rocky landscape of rare and striking beauty. Arrival in Tamanrasset, the Tuareg capital, and hotel check-in

Evening: dinner and evening in Tamanrasset

Day 8: Assekrem

Morning: ascent by 4×4 to Assekrem, the “End of the World” in the Tuareg language, a stunning plateau nestled among the peaks of the Hoggar. The climb follows a dirt track passing Adaouda Peak and Mount Akar Akar, through extraordinary desert mountain landscapes, ancient springs, and seasonal wadis

Afternoon: arrival at the small mountain refuge, located at approximately 2,600 meters above sea level, and check-in. A one-hour trek leads up to Father Charles de Foucauld’s hermitage, built in 1911: at 2,725 meters, it is set in a breathtaking location overlooking Mount Tahat, which turns deep red in the late afternoon during sunset—one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Sahara and in the world

Evening: dinner and time to gaze at the sky, admiring the spectacular star-filled night from the Assekrem refuge

Day 9: Hoggar and return to Tamanrasset

Morning: unforgettable sunrise over the cliffs of the Hoggar massif, followed by a 4×4 journey back to Tamanrasset along a different desert track than the one taken on the way out. Along the route, we pass around Mount Ilamane and cross the pastoral village of Terhenanet, surrounded by gardens

Afternoon: continuation towards Tamanrasset through magnificent desert landscapes, arriving in the afternoon. Hotel check-in and visit of the Tuareg capital

Evening: dinner and evening in Tamanrasset

Day 10: Tamekrest and Tamanrasset

Morning: departure by 4×4 along the desert track towards the Tamekrest region. Visit to Tuareg desert villages and relaxing picnic at the Tamekrest waterfall

Afternoon: return to Tamanrasset and city visit. Free time at the beautiful Marché Africain (African market), where traditional Tuareg souks meet Sub-Saharan Africa, with the opportunity to bargain for beautiful handcrafted goods and local artisanal products

Evening: dinner in Tamanrasset and early night in preparation for the next day’s flight

Day 11: Return to Algiers and Tipasa

Morning: very early wake-up and flight from Tamanrasset to Algiers (possible technical stop in Djanet). Arrival in Algiers at dawn, transfer to the city center and hotel check-in. Day at leisure, with the option to organize an excursion to Tipasa. Departure by bus along the western coast, arrival in Tipasa and visit to the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, a fascinating Numidian tomb dating back to the 1st century BC.

Afternoon: visit to the stunning Roman ruins of Tipasa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and relaxation at Chenoua beach with a swim in the clear waters of the Mediterranean. Return to Algiers by bus in the late afternoon.

Evening: dinner at a traditional restaurant in the center of Algiers

Day 12: Return to Italy

Morning: transfer to the airport and return flight to Italy… See you on the next adventure!

Choose your departure date

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PRICE

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • international flight
  • 4×4 transport with driver
  • fuel and full car coverage insurance
  • all overnight stays in double rooms
  • breakfast
  • 2 days of full board
  • local guide
  • camping equipment
  • Italian tour leader for the entire duration of the trip
  • expenses for the tour leader and local team
  • medical insurance (up to €100,000)

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Checked baggage, visa, extras, personal expenses, and anything not explicitly mentioned

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: €300

Guarantees accommodation in a single room

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

VISAS

Required. The visa application process will be handled by BHS Travel through local partners after booking confirmation.

VACCINATIONS

Please check at http://www.viaggiaresicuri.it/country/DZA

DOCUMENTS

Passport required with at least 6 months validity from the date of return