From Algiers to the Hoggar mountains, a journey to the heart of a plural Algeria
From the alleys of the Casbah of Algiers to the rocky peaks of Hoggar, a journey between Mediterranean and Sahara.
Duration
7 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Luxury
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Algeria is a country with many facets, which reveals to curious and attentive travelers a great variety of landscapes and often unsuspected cultural riches.
Nicknamed "Algiers the White" because of its light facades that contrast with the blue of the Mediterranean, the capital is a city steeped in history. Over time, it has been nourished by different influences, notably Berber, Arab, Ottoman, French and Spanish. Algiers is also a modern city, which hosts many political, economic, cultural and university institutions. The capital also has a rich architectural and natural heritage. You can notably discover the Casbah, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Afrique, the Hamma Botanical Garden or the Bardo National Museum. We invite you to take time to explore Algiers and discover the different facets of this city between history, culture and the Mediterranean. Then, heading south to Tamanrasset, gateway to the Hoggar mountains, in the heart of the Algerian Sahara. Peaking at over 2,900 meters altitude, the Hoggar massif reveals a diversity of reliefs, colors and climates. From Tamanrasset, you set out to meet these desert landscapes and a culture deeply linked to this territory.
The Hoggar is also the land of the Tuaregs, a nomadic people who have managed to preserve their way of life, their language, their traditions and their art. As you travel, you are welcomed with warmth and generosity in their camps, for a discovery marked by encounter and sharing.
A beautiful adventure between Algiers, Tamanrasset and the Hoggar landscapes.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Algiers and discovery of downtown
Upon arrival in Algiers, you are welcomed by our guide before heading to the El Aurassi Hotel. This historic five-star hotel, created in 1975 and designed by Italian architect Luigi Moretti, overlooks Algiers Bay. Its elevated position offers a privileged location in the heart of Algeria's capital. Welcome to Algiers the Radiant, jewel of the Mediterranean. Among palaces, mosques, basilicas and gardens, the city opens onto the sea and reveals a rich cultural heritage, carried by a young and welcoming population.
You then set out to discover the downtown Algiers by visiting some of its emblematic places: Didouche Mourad Street, Audin Square, the Grand Post Office, Zighout Youcef Boulevard, Algiers Opera House, Larbi Ben M'Hidi Street, Emir Abdelkader Square and Pasteur Avenue.
In the early evening, you enjoy dinner in one of these typical restaurants with warm atmospheres, or at the hotel, at the Algerian restaurant Le Dakdak.
The Casbah of Algiers and Notre-Dame d'Afrique
For this day in Algiers, several visits are suggested for your guidance. They are organized according to your choices and preferences, with a guide at your disposal and a vehicle to facilitate your movements around the capital.
Discover the Casbah of Algiers, a historic district listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 1992. Its history dates back to antiquity, when it was successively a Punic, Berber, and Roman port. Founded in the 10th century by Berbers under the Zirid dynasty, it was later enriched by the contributions of various Berber dynasties that succeeded one another in central Maghreb. The Casbah also played a central role during the Algerian War, serving as a stronghold for the mujahideen.
You continue with the Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Afrique, one of the minor basilicas of the Catholic Church. Located in the municipality of Bologhine, west of Algérie, it occupies a promontory overlooking the sea at 124 meters altitude. Built by architect Jean-Eugène Fromageau in a Romano-Byzantine style and consecrated on July 2, 1872, it is distinguished notably by its high dome installed on a cylindrical drum. Its particularity also lies in its apse oriented to the southwest, rather than to the east. The basilica is accessible from Bologhine by a cable car that bears its name, near the Saint-Eugène cemetery. It is considered the "twin sister" of the Marseille basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde.
At the end of the day, you head to Algiers Airport for your domestic flight to Tamanrasset. The journey takes approximately two and a half hours, with a scheduled departure at 23:59 and arrival at 02:25 (indicative times). This flight is also an opportunity to meet travelers from different regions and cultures.
Upon your arrival in Tamanrasset at night, you are welcomed and transferred to the L'Adriane Guesthouse. Dinner at the restaurant on site, depending on your arrival time.
Rock engravings and bivouac in the Hoggar
After a peaceful breakfast, you take the road to the gueltas heading towards the Tuareg village of Hirafok, located in a region where vegetation is abundant. The village is home to a site of rock engravings.
Upon your arrival, set up your bivouac near the village, before heading out for a one-hour walk, easy level. At the end of the day, return to the bivouac for dinner and the night.
The afternoon is dedicated to discovering the rock engravings and paintings sites of the region, preserved witnesses in the heart of these landscapes. You also discover the hermitage of Father Charles de Foucauld, a place of prayer and contemplation located on the Assekrem plateau, in the Hoggar massif. Father Charles de Foucauld, a former soldier and explorer, lived there from 1905 to 1916, sharing the life of the Tuaregs and translating the New Testament into Tamasheq. Assassinated by an armed gang on December 1st, 1916, he notably inspired the congregation of the Little Brothers of Jesus, founded by Father Voillaume in 1933. His hermitage is today occupied by monks of this congregation.
Tazrouk and the Aokasit Rock Needle
After breakfast, you head towards Tazrouk, a Tuareg village known for the richness of its gardens and oasis. Thanks to the presence of water, abundant vegetation flourishes in the heart of this wild environment, offering a striking contrast with the surrounding landscapes.
Upon arrival, camp setup near the village. You then set off to explore the surroundings of Tazrouk and the Aokasit, one of the finest rock needles in the Hoggar.
From Tazrouk to Tagmart
Tazrouk → Tagmart
After breakfast, you take the trail towards Tamanrasset, crossing the Atakor mountains. You then reach the Tagmart site, with its polished granite rocks, its rock engravings and paintings. You also discover Tagmart, a small Tuareg village nestled in the heart of a cinematic landscape.
For this last evening in the Hoggar, you set up your bivouac and spend one final night under the stars.
Return to Tamanrasset
You take time to stroll through the landscapes of Taghmart and discover this prehistoric site. After this morning of discovery, you have lunch in the Taghmart region.
Tagmart → Tamanrasset
In the afternoon, you resume your journey by car to reach Tamanrasset. Upon arrival, you have the opportunity to do some souvenir shopping at Tamanrasset market. The day ends with a final dinner.
Goodbye!
Transfer to Tamanrasset airport, where you benefit from assistance for your departure. You take your flight to France via Algiers, marking the end of your trip to Algérie.
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 flights,
- Visa fees upon arrival in Algerian territory,
- Personal expenses,
- Unscheduled visits in the program,
- Cancellation insurance, first aid fees and repatriation,
- All expenses incurred by any possible extended stay beyond our control outside the planned program (accommodation, meals and additional transfers, etc.)
Included
- Support in Algiers (welcome, transfers by vehicle and visits)
- Hotel nights at Laurassi in BB (1 night)
- The procedures and documents for obtaining visas
- Full board in Tamanrasset: accommodation in guesthouses and bivouacs, meals, surface transport by 4x4, bivouac equipment (except sleeping bags)
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 — Algiers Central Coast
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
