Algeria – Into the Heart of the Sahara

Overview

Start: Algiers, Algeria
Finish: Algiers, Algeria
Duration: 10 Days
Max. Group Size: 10

A 10-day trip, which begins in the bustling capital of Algiers, and then heads deep into the country’s Saharan interior, taking in ancient oasis towns along the way and a bounty of fascinating Roman sites. We visit the dramatic ravine town of Constantine, along with the Roman sites at Djemila, before heading into the heart of the Tassili N’Ajjer National Park, with its otherworldly landscapes, vast dunes and nomadic communities. We’ll learn about life in this remote and harsh landscape, spending time in the oasis town of Djanet, then finish with more time exploring Algiers.

Route

Algeria - Into the Heart of the Sahara - Route

Itinerary

Arrive in Algiers.
Transfer to Hotel.
Overnight in Algiers at hotel.

A full day tour from 0900 – 1700 in Algiers including the labyrinthine Kasbah and a chance to see some of the colonial buildings of Algiers.
A great intro into the country.

Overnight in Algiers at hotel.

We leave Algiers for a four-hour drive to the spectacular roman ruins of Djemila, a city well adapted to its mountainous setting. This is one of the greatest sets of roman remains in North Africa.

We then travel on to Constantine.

Overnight in Constantine at hotel.

A day tour of Constantine, a city set on a high plateau split by a dramatic ravine serviced by 7 bridges. The city offers myriad of spectacular views as well as its own history.

Then return to Algiers.

Overnight in Algiers at hotel.

Day trip to visit the Roman ruins of Tipaza and Cherchell.

In the evening fly to the oasis town of Djanet and get some rest before departing on the adventure to the Tassili N’Ajjer desert region.

Overnight in Djanet at hotel.

After breakfast, set out to Tikoubaouine, a stone forest set out in sand with the incredible natural arch the highlight. We will take lunch and and then set out again to El Oued (the valley).

Dinner and camp in the desert.

Today we visit the Guelta of Essendilene. There are a few serene desert ponds in the region , known as gueltas, which you can explore and were once used by nomads as watering holes. After you will visit some of the famous rock paintings of the region.

Dinner and camp in the desert.

We will take lunch in the desert near the rock with one of the most famous Algerian ancient rock engraving – “la vache qui pleure” (the crying cow), this 7000-year-old carving is the most famous of the all rock engravings. In the afternoon return to Djanet for a final Tuareg tea ceremony.

Overnignt in Djanet at hotel.

Fly from Djanet to Algiers.

The time of flight does vary depending on the schedule at the time.

Free time in Algiers.

Overnight in Algiers at hotel.

Transfer to airport.

End of trip.

  • All accommodation
  • Breakfast
  • All transport (4×4 when in the desert)
  • All food in Tassili N’Ajjer National Park
  • Local guide
  • Local security team (where necessary) & all of their fees/expenses
  • Drinking water
  • Entrance fees
  • Permits
  • Letter of invitation for visa application
  • 2 x Domestic flights: Algiers -> Djanet, Djanet – >Algiers
  • International flights
  • Visa
  • Lunch and Dinner (unless specified)
  • Tips
  • Insurance

Dates & Prices

Package Confirmed Dates

Trip Status Current Status

Tour Price in USD

Booking

15th Feb
24th Feb, 2025
Full
$ 2350
7th Nov
16th Nov, 2025
Available
$ 2350
7th Feb
16th Feb, 2026
Available
$ 2350

Information

We do not and cannot offer a uniform accommodation standard on our itineraries. We consider comfort, location, design, character, historical interest and whether the money we spend will go into the pockets of the local community when we make our choices of where to stay. This trip is based on staying in local hotels and tents when you’re in the desert areas.
There are regular international flights to Algiers. We will issue visa authorisation documents to guests ahead of travel so that they will be able to obtain visas from their local consulate/embassy. Please contact us about which embassy you will apply at as processing times vary greatly.
You will be accompanied by an international guide, in addition to drivers and a local guide. The local guides and drivers speak limited English.
Security escorts are required in some areas of southern Algeria. We must state that the local team have the final word with regards to changes in the itinerary for safety reasons.