Escapade from the M'zab Valley to the El-Goléa Dunes
From the white minaret of Ghardaïa to the pink flamingos of El-Goléa, between thousand-year-old ksour and salt lakes of the Grand Erg.
Duration
7 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
Discover Ghardaïa, in the heart of the M'Zab valley, a region listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 600 km south of Algiers, at the gateway to the Sahara, you immerse yourself in a territory shaped by thousand-year-old oases, where heritage, traditions and desert landscapes punctuate your journey. Your stay takes you through the five fortified cities, or ksour, that make up the M'Zab pentapolis. Built by the Mozabites, an Ibadi Berber community, each possesses its own identity, architecture and palm grove: Beni Isguen, the holy city, Melika, the queen, Bounoura, the beautiful, El Atteuf, the turning point, and of course Ghardaïa, the pearl of the South. In Ghardaïa, take time to walk through the narrow streets, discover the souk, the white mosque and the casbah, while observing stone and clay houses with flat roofs. Encounters with locals and local gastronomy, centered around dates, couscous and traditional bread, accompany this immersion in the valley's life. You then head towards El Goléa, the first city on the dunes of the Western Erg. Here, you discover the salt lakes, where pink flamingos migrate, but also Saint-Joseph Chapel, the archaeology museum and the old ksar with incredible inlaid shells.
From Ghardaïa to El Goléa, this journey invites you to explore different facets of the Algerian Sahara, between oases, ksour, local traditions and desert landscapes.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Ghardaïa and the fortified city of Beni Isguen
You start the day strolling through the streets of Ghardaïa, before discovering its souk and the Ksar Mosque. Built on the highest point of the hill, it houses two prayer rooms as well as several spaces, including the Mahdrates, dedicated to the learning of the holy book and the city's surveillance system. You continue your discovery through local craft shops, notably the merchants of traditional carpets, then visit the old mosque.
After lunch outdoors, you head towards the fortified city of Beni Isguen. You discover the watchtower Bordj Boulila, which offers a panoramic view of the city, then reach the Lalla Aachou market square, where the auction sale takes place.
From Bounoura to the Gardens of Beni Isguen
After breakfast, you set off to discover the ksar of Bounoura and its mosque, before heading to the South Documentation Cultural Centre (CCDS), at the White Fathers' residence. After lunch, you enjoy a brief rest period before continuing your discoveries in the afternoon. You then walk through the palm grove of Beni Isguen, where you discover the watchtowers and water-sharing systems. Your walk ends in the Gardens of the World, where you have the opportunity to plant a tree in memory of your visit, an optional activity.
Dinner, then return to your accommodation for the night.
From the ksar of El Atteuf to the Sebseb dunes
You start the day with a visit to El Atteuf, the oldest ksar in the pentapolis, then discover the mausoleum of Sidi Brahim, whose architecture inspired Le Corbusier for the Ronchamp chapel. After lunch, you head to the Sebseb oasis. There, you enjoy a tea by the embers under a khaïma and freely take in the desert environment. Depending on your preferences and upon request, you can go for a camel ride or a quad tour, or simply walk on foot on the dunes while admiring the sunset.
El Goléa, between ksar and dunes
Sebseb → El Goléa
After breakfast, you head towards El Goléa, at the beginning of the Erg Occidental. After lunch, you set off to explore the old ksar, before heading to the salt lake and the dunes. You enjoy these desert landscapes until sunset.
At the end of the day, return to the guesthouse for dinner and overnight stay.
Heritage and Landscapes of El Goléa
After breakfast, you will visit the Saint-Joseph Chapel and the museum, before enjoying a little discovery of the local market. After lunch, you will head to the dunes and the great lake to continue exploring the surrounding landscapes.
At the end of the day, you return to your lodging. Dinner and overnight stay.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees to be paid upon arrival in the territory
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Gratuity at the discretion of travelers
- All expenses not listed above
Included
- Airport Transfers Ghardaïa / El-Goléa
- Vehicle provision with driver / guide
- The visiting rights to sites
- Full board
- Accommodation: in a double room in a guesthouse or hotel
- Process for obtaining a visa if necessary
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Algeria for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Algeria, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into the country and have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada must be in possession of a valid visa to enter Algeria for a tourist stay. There is no visa exemption for these nationalities.
The visa must be obtained before departure, from the Algerian embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence. It is recommended to apply several weeks in advance, as processing times may vary.
Documents generally required for a visa application include:
a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity,
a completed and signed visa application form,
recent passport-sized photos complying with required standards,
a return flight ticket or booking,
proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
The authorized length of stay is generally 30 days, depending on the conditions mentioned on the visa issued.
Travel with children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport covering the duration of their stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Health
No vaccination is officially required to enter Algeria for nationals of the EEA, Switzerland, and Canada. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure and to ensure that basic vaccinations are up to date (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A).
It is also advisable to take out international health insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the Algerian embassy or consulate of their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to have assistance-repatriation and foreign medical expenses insurance.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required and must be requested from the consulate (consular fees apply, processing time 2-3 weeks). An invitation letter or accommodation certificate is required. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date. Conditions can be stringent. We strongly recommend verifying the rules applicable to your nationality with the Algerian consular authorities before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 140 and 240 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (350-700 euros return) are additional. The Algerian Sahara (Tassili, Hoggar) requires a specific budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to match your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Professional Association of Tourism Solidarity) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Great Saharan South
Pioneer of Algeria's great deserts, based in Ghardaïa / M'zab (puis Alger à partir de 2006)
The desert is not crossed with an itinerary alone. It demands listening, respect, and a certain inner availability.
— Louiza
