Travel in Algeria

Algeria has been invaded by the Phoenicians, Romans, Turks, Spaniards and the Arabs in 800-1100 AD, and finally by the French up until 1963...

Though a beautiful country in Northern Africa and is the site of the world's largest desert, the Sahara, Algeria is the most dangerous place to travel to at this time. Over 60,000 people have been killed due to guerrilla warfare over the last few years, including a number of foreigners. The airports are a target for terrorists and there is a curfew at night.

About Algeria

Algeria is one of the most popular tourist countries in North Africa, and is the second largest country in Africa. Bordering Morocco, Mali, Libya, Tunisia, Niger, the Mediterranean Sea and the Western Sahara, Algeria is home to a diverse landscape and a population of approximately thirty-five million. Algiers is the capital city of Algeria and even though its economy is reliant on a variety of sectors, agriculture still plays a vital role in the provision of products for the country and for export. Products such as cotton, tobacco, olive oil, cereal, figs, cork, barley, wheat, vegetables and citrus fruits are cultivated in the country. Over recent years the tourism industry has begun to grow and develop, bringing international visitors to Algeria with opportunities to explore its beauty and diversity.

Arriving in Algeria and Transport

Traveling to Algeria can be done by airplane, as it has fifty-two airports and a number of smaller airstrips scattered around the country. There are international airports in the major cities and tourists are able to fly between cities while in Algeria, but bookings are essential as domestic flights are popular and finding last minute seats can be difficult. Taxis and buses are available, and travel by railway is a safe option. With almost four thousand kilometers of railway, most destinations within Algeria can be reached and the Souk Ahras-Ghrdimaou line connects Algeria with Morocco and Tunisia. Ferries and travel by boat is another option for tourists, with large ports being located in Jijel, Oran, Annaba, Skikdam Arzew, Algiers, Mostaganem and Bejaia. Travel by road is possible with over seventy-one thousand kilometers of the roads being paved, but the majority of the roads remain unpaved. Major highways, such as the Trans-Sahara Highway and two routes which are a part of the Trans-African Highway, are available and the country is currently working on the construction of a new highway.

Outdoor Adventures

There are many outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, whether they prefer relaxing or exploring the country. Many hotels and destinations offer sporting activities such as tennis, swimming and golf, with a variety of golf courses available to the avid sports fanatic. Trekking through Algeria is a very popular attraction, and many tour operators in Algeria offer visitors magnificent outdoor adventures. Taking on the Hoggar Mountains, discovering the magnificence of the Sahara Desert, testing ones abilities against the 2 908 meter Jabal Tahat, or becoming a temporary member of the Tuareg and their caravan of camels, are all different ways to enjoy trekking in Algeria. Sunsets are breathtaking on the plateaus of Algeria, and photographic opportunities wait around every corner.

Natural Wonders

When it comes to nature and the wildlife of Algeria, the country is unlimited in beauty. The World Heritage Site of the Tassili n’Ajjer mountain range is nothing less than spectacular and the limestone valley of M’Zab is a popular attraction. Nature reserves and national parks, such as the Gouraya National Park, Belezma National Park, Tassili National Park and Mergueb Nature Reserve, conserve and protect the wildlife and magnificent bird life of Algeria. Visitors will get the opportunity to see wonderful animals such as leopard, marsh mongoose, fennec, cheetah, red fox and panthers, to name but a few. Bird watching enthusiasts find Algeria to be a treasure chest of birds, with many exotic birds, including migratory birds, making Algeria their home.

Attractions

Algeria has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Hammadid empires’ first capital city, the breathtaking citadel the Casbah of Algiers, the town of Tipasa and the Roman ruins of Timgad and Djemila. Its history, culture and traditions are very important to the people of Algeria, and establishments such as the Bardo Ethnographic and Local Art Museum and National Museum of Fine Arts reflects the heritage of Algeria. Structures such as the Masourah Fortress and the Grand Mosque are magnificent examples of architecture and allow visitors a glimpse into the past. From spectacular attractions, to breathtaking natural wonders, Algeria has something for everyone and is a country that should be explored.

Safety

In general, it is advisable to stay out of the southeast and northwest regions where conflict and certain other crimes are a problem. Years of war have resulted in a high unemployment rate and this means you will likely find many self-sustaining rural communities. It is also a good idea to stay away from political establishments as these are most often targeted by criminals. Use your common sense and take every opportunity you get to soak up the sights and take pictures with your camera… and bring a lot of spare film for your camera, you are going to need it!

When you travel to Algeria, you are encouraged to register with your Embassy in Algeria and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Algeria.

How to get to Algeria and around

Algeria's economy has suffered somewhat from the ravages of war, so getting around can be a bit cumbersome. Travel in Algeria takes place mostly in the form of car and bus and the country can either be accessed by road or by air. Figuring out which method of transport to choose can be quite bothersome but car hire definitely gives you more room though it also makes you a bit of a target as it could lead to you getting lost or heading into dangerous territory unwittingly. However finding a place to stay is generally a whole lot easier since there are a reasonable number of hotels that dot the more tourist-friendly parts of the country.

Hotels

Algeria may not be the most visited country in the world, but it does have quite good accommodation. Bed and Breakfasts, hotels, guest houses and self-catering accommodation are available in various locations in the country. Prices vary according to service and location but you will likely find the majority to be very reasonable. It is always a good idea to check what services and facilities will be made available to you before your stay. Booking ahead is not essential but is never a bad idea.

Check our Algeria destinations here

Flights

Because of the largeness of the country Algeria has quite a large number of airports. Many of these are smaller airstrips - some of which have official landing procedures and others of which require little from the pilot at all. The main airports can be found at Algiers, Constantine, Annaba and Oran. These airports provide 97% of all airport services and cater for international as well as domestic flights.

Car Rental

There are a decent number of car rental companies that operate in Algeria. Many of the companies are branches of a global chain but there are also some local companies. Some of the companies specialize in cheap car hire. Since Algeria is a hot, sandy country, it is usually a good idea to ensure that the vehicle you plan to hire has air conditioning and can handle rough surfaces. This is especially so if you plan to head to deserted areas where 4x4 capabilities as well as extra fuel tanks and water holding facilities become a must. Always remember to check maps and compasses and stay out of dangerous territories when driving in Algeria.

Links
Complete Guide to Algeria
iAfrica Internet
Travel Advisory: Algeria (US State Department)
Health Information for Travelers to North Africa

Algerian Newspapers
African News Service: Algeria


Enjoy your Algerian adventure!

Filed Under: Travel Algeria , Travel Guide , Unsafe Places