ALGERIA

Capital of Algeria:Algiers
Official language: Arabic ,Berber as well as French are widely understood languages.
The currency: Algerian dinar

Population

% of the landmass in Algeria is covered by the Sahara sands.

Welcome to beautiful Algeria. Almost 3 times the size of the state of Texas and the second largest country in Africa, Algeria might easily be overlooked because of its troubled reputation, but if you take a deeper look you will find an adventure filled landscape that is just waiting to be discovered. The majestic Hoggar Mountains and the great Sahara Dessert all but overshadow the endless olive groves and the whitewashed fishing ports. There’s the great “White City” of Algiers and the UNSESCO World Heritage Site of Casbah – where age old ruins neighbor modern civilization.With more than four fifths of the country covered by the dessert, the Sahara definitely forms the main attraction for tourists. Think myriad tales and nomadic Berbers living in the dunes, oasis towns such as Ghardaia and the prehistoric rock at Hoggar. It might seem like neighboring countries are safer to travel to, but with the right tour operators this dessert paradise can easily and safely be explored and might be just the spot to lose track in.

Must see places in Algeria

Algiers

The Great White City is the country’s capital and boasts some amazing architecture and art influences throughout the area. Close by the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Casbah promises to entice and capture the soul.

Timgad

Just outside of Batna, the roman ruins at Timgad are even more fascinating to see in real life than what they sound like in tales. Immediately it feels as if one is in Rome. They ancient ruins that are very well preserved tell a tale of power and struggle, victory and eventually fall. It’s dramatic and it’s surreal and something worth exploring.

Constantine

Constantine – buildings built on massive cliffs and an entire city that is crossed by bridges looks out over the beautiful countryside and the great Rhummel River. As with most other ruins and buildings within Algeria, this city has some stunning architectural design. There’s a little nostalgia to it, and a little magic, to see an entire city sitting built on an island of its own is simply beautiful.

M’zab Valley

The fantasy architecture and the breathtaking displays of art will simply sweep your feet right out from under you. There’s something other worldly about this area and the atmosphere captures the heart without trying real hard.

El Goléa

This lush, green oasis town with its abundant water supplies, sometimes referred to as “the enchanted oasis”. It’s quite easy to understand why this would seem like a magical place to stumble upon when traveling throughout the desert. The architecture and the old ruins that are mainly still intact is inspiring and immediately captivates the mind and allows you to truly step inside a piece of history.

Hoggar Mountains

Located within a national park the site of the great rock dating back to pre-historic times is fascinating. These stone giants reach up all the way to Libya and are surrounded with dessert sands. The vast dunes surrounding the dessert capital of Tamanrasset are awe inspiring. The unofficial Algerian dessert capital and a very popular tourist destination

Hippo Regius

This ancient nomadic city is the site of an early center of Christianity and still has some perfectly intact relics such as baths and the forum. Relive the history of this site when you get to walk in the footstep of ancients that left pieces of their wisdom scattered throughout the architecture in the city.

Tipasa

Tipasa – Situated just outside of Tamanrasset this ancient ruin city is mysterious and utterly beautiful, given its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. These romans ruins are some of the more easily accessible of their kinds and make for an amazing daytrip when you are in Tamanrasset.

Things you have to do in Algeria

Camel tours in the Sahara Dessert

What can be more culturally enriching than traveling in the ways of the nomadic Berbers, and then topping it off with a night camping out in the great dessert.

The 5 Cities Tour

Take a trip through the five interconnected cities within the M’zab Valley. It’s a dazzling display of architectural wonder filled with contrasts between modern cubist and surrealist art.

Ski on the Desert Dunes

The massive sizes of the Saharan dunes make this an exhilarating adventure to embark on while touring the area.

Camp out at Assekrem

Breathtaking views wait upon your decent early the next morning as the sun breaks over the mountain peaks.

Take a Cable Car Ride

Take a cable car ride – up to the Lala Setti plateau, which offers great dining, sight-seeing, a splendid hotel and off course a breathtaking bird’s eye view to the city of Tlemcen

Tour Oran

Explore this vast city in the west of Algeria. It’s a full on cultural exchange as this “big time” city offers great seafood restaurants, mosques, museums, castles and nightclubs. It really has a little something of everything.

Rock Climbing on Hoggar Mountains

Just outside Tamanrasset lays this thrilling adventure escapade that will allow you to get up close and personal with the massive rock formations.

Dessert 4x4 Trip

Undeniably the only way to get to your destination when traveling within the Sahara is with a 4x4 vehicle. There are numerous excursions that are held and this is one for the adrenalin junkie.

Best time to visit Algeria

Tourists visit Algeria between May and September

Algeria has mild and wet winters that tend to be drier and colder in the plateau than at the cost and in summer you can expect hot and dry summers. If you are traveling to tour the dessert it’s advisable to do so in the late winter/ early summer months to avoid extreme weather conditions. Early and mid-summer times are also great for visiting the coastal regions if you plan on staying at one of the many available resorts. September through May is generally cooler months in the Northern parts of Algeria, and the southern parts see cooler climates from October through to April.

Travel Tips

What to eat when you’re in Algeria

Couscous – yes, the food so nice they named it twice. Its steamed semolina that is served as a starch side dish or with vegetables in a warm salad.
Chorba – Chorba is essentially a meaty soup, it’s a staple food in Algeria and quite simply delicious as well as very filling.
Rechta – This is spaghetti that is made by hand and is usually served with chicken broth.
Mechoui – Lamb roast at its best! This charcoal grilled lamb is a traditional delicacy and is sure to fill you up while indulging in the great spice mixes and the delicacy of the meat.
Baklawa – It’s not like the traditional Greek sweet treat. Its gooey, sugary and oh so delectable. These honey drenched almond cakes are the perfect desert or simply eaten as a sweet snack.

Known Event & Festivals

February - Western Sahara Marathon: This great race that sees thousands of competitors from all over the world run routes varying between 3.1 miles and 25.5 miles is exhilarating and inspiring to say the least.

March - Ghardaia Carpet Festival: Algerians are big on carpet weaving and this event brings the designers together where they sell and market their handiwork. There are competitions for the best rugs and the festival is always accompanied by a grand procession and traditional music.

April - Marathon des Dunes: Yet another great Saharan race that starts out in the oasis town of Bećhar and sees thousands of runners from around the word compete in this sandy race.

June - Commemoration Day: This festival of days is held in memory of Mohammed Ben Bella’s overthrow from rule is Algeria. There are musical processions to be seen, loads of festive food and traditional music.

November- Anniversary of the Revolution: Held each year to commemorate the great Algeria War, in which the people fought for democratization of the country, it’s a festive celebration that quite literally gets one just as excited as the locals. Lots of singing and dancing and music is widely seen throughout the cities.

Keep alcohol consumption on the low

The dominant religion in Algeria is Islam and the alcohol consumption rules differ from one area to another. Public drinking is not allowed and you’ll have to ask the waiter if there is any alcohol available when dining at a restaurant – as many restaurants that do sell alcohol (most restaurants avoid the situation altogether) wont list it as part of the menu.

Do not travel after nightfall

Due to security reasons and try to travel by plain rather than road. Hijackings are extremely prevalent, especially after sunset. Always make sure to travel with a reputable tour operator and beware of criminals who prey on tourists.

Do not drink the tap water

Water safety is not guaranteed and bottled or filtered water is always the better option for drinking purposes.

Respect the Traditions

It’s an unspoken rule that you have to dress conservatively and always remove you shoes when visiting a mosque for example. It's always a good idea to read up on the laws applicable in other countries, things such as religious traditions are also very important to adhere to. Around 90% of the population is Muslims, so it would be wise to familiarize yourself with their dos and don’ts.

Talking Politics is off the Menu

Given the current economic situation you really don’t want to get yourself involved in uncomfortable situations for merely mentioning something destructive toward the politics.