Visiting the Algerian Sahara: a timeless journey

The Algerian Sahara, with its endless stretches of golden sand and UNESCO-listed cultural heritage, is a destination of choice for adventure travelers.
Let’s find out why this desert region in southern Algeria deserves to be explored.

The most beautiful places in the Algerian Sahara

The Tassili n’Ajjer

The Tassili n’Ajjer is one of the jewels of the Algerian Sahara. This mountain massif, which is also a cultural park, is famous for its spectacular rock formations and prehistoric cave paintings and engravings, some of which date back more than 10,000 years. Visitors are generally captivated by the rugged beauty of the landscape and the incredible talent of the prehistoric people who left their mark in these places now cut off from the world.

In addition to the evidence of prehistory, the Tassili n’Ajjer is home to a unique biodiversity. Its plateaux are inhabited by endemic plants and animals adapted to the arid conditions. A hike through this UNESCO World Heritage site allows you to appreciate all the natural and cultural riches of this part of the Sahara.

The Tadrart Rouge

The Tadrart Rouge is an area of the Algerian Sahara where the immense sand dunes and rocks are tinted red. One of the largest dunes to be found in this part of the desert is Tin Merzourga, measuring almost 1300m in height. It is also the highest dune in Algeria.

Marvel at the oases

The oases of the Algerian Sahara are not just providential watering holes, they are also centres of life and culture. Timimoun, nicknamed the ‘red city’ thanks to its adobe buildings tinted with natural pigments, is a striking example, as are Djanet and Ghardaïa.

Each oasis has its own unique atmosphere and character. Some are renowned for their orchards and agricultural crops, while others surprise visitors with their traditional Berber architecture. Strolling through the shady streets of these havens of peace is a welcome break from the rigours of the desert.

As well as the oases, you can also explore the wadis, green valleys fed by rainwater.

The oasis of Djanet

Djanet, a town at the gateway to the Tassili n’Ajjer, is often the ideal starting point for exploring the desert. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Tassili’, this oasis is brimming with date palms, springs and lush gardens. The town serves as a base for various excursions to the surrounding points of interest, such as 4×4 tours or treks on foot through the dunes and mountains.

Organising your trip to the Algerian Sahara

What mode of transport is best for exploring the Sahara in Djanet?

4×4 tours

For adrenalin-seekers, 4×4 tours are an excellent way to discover the Algerian Sahara. These excursions allow you to explore isolated regions and cross a variety of terrain, from vast sandy plains to steep rocky passes. The experience combines thrills and immersion in breathtaking landscapes.

Experienced local guides play a key role in these tours. Their intimate knowledge of the terrain not only ensures the safety of visitors, but also enriches the itinerary with anecdotes and information about the sites visited. It’s a unique opportunity to see the Sahara from another angle.

Hiking

For a more contemplative approach, hiking is perfect. Walking in the majestic silence of the desert allows you to really connect with nature and feel the peace and serenity that emanate from this unique environment. The hiking trails offer a range of difficulties, suitable for beginners and experienced hikers alike.

Crossing the Tassili n’Ajjer on foot is a deeply satisfying experience. Each step reveals a changing landscape, from deep canyons to steep peaks and hidden green valleys. The diversity of the panoramas makes each hike a new discovery.

Tourism in the Algerian Sahara

Re-opening to visitors in 2021

The Algerian Sahara reopened to tourism in 2021, marking a turning point after several years of restrictions in the region. This reopening has enabled international visitors to access emblematic desert areas such as Djanet and Tamanrasset.

Establishing responsible tourism

Establishing sustainable tourism in the Algerian Sahara is a major challenge, as this fragile region must combine welcoming visitors with preserving its environment and local communities.

A number of initiatives and principles have been put in place to encourage responsible, sustainable tourism:

1. Supervision of tourist circuits: Tourist circuits are strictly supervised and must be organised by local agencies. This helps to limit the environmental impact of travel by controlling the number of tourists, the itineraries and the accessible areas. Local guides, often Tuaregs, play an essential role in managing the flow of tourists and ensuring that the sensitive desert ecosystems are respected.
2. Promoting local communities: The Algerian Sahara is home to many Tuareg and Berber communities. Sustainable tourism aims to integrate these communities by offering them direct economic opportunities. Tourism activities, such as hiking, camping and cultural exchanges, enable visitors to discover local customs while supporting crafts and generating income for the inhabitants.
3. Protection of Natural and Archaeological Sites: Strict rules protect natural and archaeological treasures, with awareness-raising campaigns to encourage respect for these sites.
4. Green initiatives: Some agencies use environmentally-friendly practices, such as renewable energy and waste reduction.
5. International partnerships: The authorities work with organisations to fund and train local guides.