Travel Notes: our travel guide to help you prepare for your trip to the Algerian Sahara

What documents are required for a trip to Algeria?

For your trip, make sure you have your passport, visa and family record book if you travel with your minor children. If you travel with children, please note that French minors are subjects to the same requirements as adults.

Passeport

Passport is the essential document for any travel to Algeria. It must be in perfect condition, without stains, staples, paper clips or tears, with blank pages available.

Diverse scenarios are to consider while planning your trip :

• If you possess a European passport, be sure it is valid for at least six months. Verify also the stamps or visas which could affect your entry on the territory
• Algerian having dual nationality can use their Algerian passport to enter Algeria. However, a valid identity document from their country residence will be mandatory for their come-back (identity card, residence card or passport)
• Minors must have an individual passport. For minors travelling without one of their parent or legal guardian, it is recommended to fill in an authorization to leave the territory, available on the public service website.

Which visa?

Foreign visitors are required to have a tourist visa. Foreign visitors have two options for obtaining a visa to visit Algeria:

1. Classic tourist visa: This visa, which costs €110, is valid for the whole of Algeria, including Djanet. It is obtained from the consulate responsible for your place of residence, and it is up to you to take the necessary steps. It takes around a month to obtain.
2. Tourist regularisation visa: Intended specifically for travellers wishing to explore Djanet, the formalities are carried out by the partner tourist agency. It costs €85, payable directly to customs on arrival in Algiers, and takes around 15 days to obtain. This visa is only valid for visiting the Djanet region. It is possible to make a stopover in Algiers, but you must take a flight to Djanet on the same day.

How to get to Djanet?

Since December 2022, Air Algérie company is proposing direct flight from Paris to Djanet. However, if you prefer avoiding the transport from Paris or if the flight is complete, you can make a stopover in Algiers. To get to Djanet, Air Algérie is proposing multiple flights every week from Algiers, generally at night. We will ensure your welcome from your arrival to Djanet Tiska (DJG) airport. The acquisition of plane tickets is not supported by our services. However, we stay at your disposal to give you advice and assistance if needed.

Do I have to provide a medical certificate?

Although we do not require a medical certificate to take part in the tour, it is strongly recommended that you consult your GP about your trip. Certain chronic illnesses (asthma, respiratory diseases, epilepsy, heart disease, etc.) can sometimes constitute a contraindication to trekking.

For safety reasons, it is essential to inform us if you are undergoing any particular treatment. A good physical condition without major health problems is still required to take part in a tour.

What vaccinations are required or recommended for a trip to Algeria?

No vaccinations are compulsory for entry into Algeria, but some are strongly recommended, such as DPT, as well as those against hepatitis A and B, and typhoid.

Landing at Djanet airport

Since 17 December 2022, Air Algérie has been offering direct flights from Paris to Djanet.

However, if you prefer to avoid the trip via Paris, or if your flight is full, you can opt to make a stopover in Algiers. To reach Djanet, Air Algérie offers several flights throughout the week from Algiers, usually in the late evening.

We will welcome you on arrival at Djanet Tiska (DJG) airport. The purchase of plane tickets is not covered by our services.

However, we remain at your disposal to provide advice and assistance if required.

Djanet is located in south-east Algeria, at an altitude of 1,035 metres. The climate is subtropical desert, characterised by mild winters with cold nights and hot, dry, sunny summers. Temperatures vary from 4°C to 38°C throughout the year. Temperatures below 0°C or above 40°C are rare.

From October to February, the days are pleasant while the nights are cold. This is the best time to visit Djanet and the Algerian Sahara.

In the Sahara, there is a ‘period of sand winds’, when the winds make it difficult to cross the desert. In the past, the sand wind period ran from February to March, but its timing has become uncertain due to climate change. Historically, March remains the windiest month in the region.

Live weather observations

For full climate information and accurate weather forecasts for Djanet, please click on the following link: https://www.tameteo.com/meteo_Djanet-Afrique-Algerie-Provincia+de+Illizi-DAAJ-1-8843.html

Recommended types of luggage

For your stay, we recommend you bring :

• A bag for your personal documents
• Soft carry-on luggage, 20L backpack type containing essential items such as hygienic wipes, medicines, fleece, some underwear, emergency t-shirt, cap and flask. This backpack can be very useful in case of luggage transport problems in the hold. It will also be useful during the day during hikes.
• 50L backpack type soft hold luggage for the rest of your gear.

Please note that security measures at the airport are now strict: be sure to place knives, scissors, nail files and spare batteries in your checked baggage.

What equipment is essential and what is optional?

The right equipment is crucial to ensure safety and comfort throughout your stay. To help you prepare, we present a list of essential and optional equipment for your trip.

Essential equipment:

• 1 small backpack for the day
• List of clothing above
• 1 pair of sunglasses
• 1 isothermal flask minimum 1L
• 1 headlamp with batteries or flashlight
• 1 toiletry bag (wet wipes, tissues, toilet paper, intimate protection)
• 1 pharmacy kit
• 1 external battery to charge phone and other devices
• 1 sleeping sheet
• Small garbage bags for waste (prefer paper bags)

Optional equipment:

• 1 pocket mirror
• 1 walking stick
• 1 Camelbak hydratation bag
• 1 pillow
• Dental floss
• Earplugs and sleep mask

First-aid kit

A first aid kit, provided by the partner agency, is under the responsibility of your guide. However, we recommend that you prepare your own pharmacy kit in collaboration with your doctor or pharmacist.

It is recommended to provide:

• Disinfectant in individual doses, sterile compresses and dressings, plaster
• Analgesic and anti-inflammatory pills
• Saline solution
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Small care equipment : scissors, tweezers
• Your personal medications and current treatments (remember to take your prescriptions with you)
• Medications for digestive comfort : acid reflux, antidiarrhea
• Broad spectrum antibiotic

Temperatures vary considerably from one day to the next, so we recommend that you pack light, covering clothes for sunny, warm days, but also warm clothes for chilly evenings and nights.

Here’s an indicative list to help you prepare your bag:

• 1 T—shirt per day
• 1 fleece fir fresh nights
• 2 long-sleeved shirts (offering an excellent protection against sun)
• 1 down jacket, bonnet, gloves and warm socks (from October to March)
• 2 trekking pants or leggings
• 1 casual outfit for the night
• 1 pajama
• Underwear for the duration of the circuit
• 1 hat or cap covering the neck
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 pair of shoes with thick but flexible soles already made at your feet
• 1 pair of sandals or casual shoes for the night
• 1 microfiber bath towel

These suggestions can vary depending on the duration of your journey.

Should we give preference to glasses or lenses during the circuit?

When traveling, eyeglasses can become uncomfortable if they are not properly fitted. It is recommended to choose a mount that fits properly. Opting for lenses has advantages such as better vision and no risk of scratches. However, the use of lenses requires hygiene precautions, including handling with clean hands, in a dust-free environment preferably in you tent or in the car. It is strongly recommended to have a pocket mirror for easy handling.

What is the currency and what is its current exchange rate?

Official currency is Algerian dinar. In Djanet, it is rarely necessary to use money except for tips and the purchase of souvenirs in local market. The official exchange rate in January 2023 is 1 EUR = 146 DZD.

How to get Algerian dinars?

Exchange offices in Algiers airport allow transactions to be carried out or in Algerian banks, safe places to exchange currencies. Please note it is impossible to get Algerian dinars in banks in France.

What is the limit amount of foreign currency that a traveler can carry?

Travelers entering Algeria are not facing an restriction concerning importing currency. However, a customs declaration is mandatory for amounts exceeding 1000 €.
For travelers leaving Algeria, no declaration is required up to 1000 € for nationals and 5000 € for foreigners.
Beyond these amounts, travelers can export up to 7500 € if they present a bank certificate. Declaration forms are available in customs offices and can also be submitted electronically on the official website of the Directorate General of Customs (https://www.douane.gov.dz/).

Is it mandatory to give tips?

Tips must remain an optional gratitude. However, it is part of the country’s culture. It is customary to make an envelope to give to the team at the end of the trip. This gesture of gratitude, the amount of which varies according to the itinerary and the duration of the trip, is left to the appreciation opf everyone and is always welcomed.

How many kilometers/hours do we walk per day on average?

On our tours, we walk an average of 2 hours a day. More precisely, for the Nord Tassili tour, we walk between 1h and 2h, and for the Tadrart Rouge tour, we walk between 2h and 4h. Tailor-made treks are also possible, with an average of 6 hours walking per day.

How does a Tuareg desert bivouac tour work?

You’ll travel in 4X4 all-terrain vehicles for long journeys, on foot for total immersion in the landscape, by camel for a traditional touch, or a combination of different means of locomotion depending on the tour.

In the evening, you sleep in a tent.

You are accompanied by a Tuareg guide, experienced drivers and talented cooks.

What meals are provided during my stay?

All meals are provided by our organization: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, evening meal.

Each meal is carefully prepared by our chef to offer you a diversified culinary experience, combining local flavors, fresh produce and gastronomic traditions. Whether it’s breakfast with sweet and savory options, lunch with fresh salads and fruit, or dinner with traditional hot dishes, our team is sure to satisfy every palate.

Each meal is marked by the ritual of tea, adding a convivial touch to complete your gastronomic immersion.

If you have any food intolerances, please let us know in advance.

We recommend that you take along snacks such as cookies, cereal bars, protein bars, dried fruit, etc. for the journey.

Is water provided?

Water and soft drinks are of course included. Our team will provide you with bottled water. There’s no need to take purification tablets.

A few hygiene advices on a circuit

Halfway you will have access to a shower and water, as long as there is enough.
The use of wipes is recommended to refresh your body. Preferably opt for biodegradable or ecological wipes and be sure to throw then in your own trash.
Hydroalcoholic gel remains a practical hygiene tool for washing hands.
Despite the availability of water during the circuit, it remains a precious resource in the desert. It is essential to use it judiciously, especially for personal and dental hygiene needs.

What sanitary facilities are available?

For toilets, it is necessary to adjust to the environmental conditions, either in the desert. Rest assured that lunch breaks and camping are always planned in places offering privacy for everyone. In order to preserve the environment, be sure to keep your personal waste that you can dispose of at the end of the day in the collective bin provided for this purpose.

Is there mobile network coverage in circuit?

If you have an international mobile package including Algeria, it will automatically switch when you arrive. Nevertheless, you have the possibility to buy a Mobilis prepaid card at Algiers airport. You will find points of sale or distributors offering these cards. Take into consideration that during circuits, access to the telephone network is severely restricted.

Will I be able to recharge my phone on the spot?

It’s possible to recharge your devices in the car using your USB cables while on the road.

Is it necessary to have a travel adapter?

In Algeria, the electrical voltage is 230 V with a frequency of 50 Hz. If the voltage in your country is between 220 V and 250 V (as in Europe, Australia and most Asian countries), your devices can be used without problems. On the other hand, if the voltage of your devices is between 100 V and 127 V (as in the United States, Canada and most countries in South America), you will need a voltage converter and a type C or F adapter to use them.
It is also possible to charge your devices in the car using your USB cables while on the go.

The desert offers an ideal terrain for photography enthusiasts with its rich and varied landscapes. Before departure, make sure that the batteries of your camera are fully charged to 100%. Check your entire equipment (lenses, body, memory card, film, cables, etc.). It is recommended to use a plastic bag to protect your devices from sand.

The magical moments for photography in the desert are at sunrise and sunset. The soft light creates interesting shadows and adds warmth to your images. Use wide-angle lenses to capture the vastness of the desert. This will highlight the vast landscapes and create an impressive perspective.
Above all, be patient. The beauty of the desert can take time to reveal itself. Be prepared to wait for the right moment and explore different places to find the most captivating compositions.

In Algeria, the use of sophisticated cameras, drones, binoculars and telescopes is prohibited.

To photograph the cave paintings, turn off the flash.

We have carefully chosen a book selection on Tuareg culture, perfect to read before or during your trip.

Odette BERNEZAT, Campements Touareg, 2008
Hélène CLAUDOT-HAWAD, Touareg, apprivoiser le désert, 2002
Charles DE FOUCAULD, Chants Touareg, 1997
Jean-Marc DUROU, L’exploration du Sahara, 1993
Henri LHOTE, À la découverte des fresques du Tassili, 2006
André ROGER VOISIN, Contes et légendes des nomades du Sahara, 2007
Pierre ROGNON, Biographie d’un désert, 2000
Alberto VAZQUEZ-FIGUEROA, Touareg, 2009
Collectif, Proverbes et dictons Touareg, 2014