Trip to Algeria: From the city of Ghardaia to the heart of the Sahara Desert

Discover the strengths of this trip to Algeria

We will visit the city of Algiers

Algiers (from the Arabic El Djezair), declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is characterized by its whitewashed houses overlooking the Mediterranean and being surrounded by green and fertile hills. This historic city was first the most powerful of the Barbary corsair bases in the time of the pirate Barbarossa. It was then dominated by the Ottomans for three centuries and later became a residential center during the French colonial period. During this trip to Algeria, we will visit the Martyrs' Monument (Makam Echaid) and the Essai garden, created by the French in 1832 as a greenhouse, where they experimented with growing plants and flowers from all the colonies. We will walk through the medina of Algiers, built on the ruins of ancient Icosium. We will walk through the kasbah's labyrinthine alleys, most of which date back to the 16th century, and admire the many mosques (exterior) and historic residences, known as dar (exterior). We will continue along the seafront, where the architectural imprint of the French period is clearly visible, with large tree-lined boulevards, arcades and elegant buildings.

We will walk the streets of the city of Ghardaia

We will spend two days of this trip to Algeria to visit the Pentapolis of Ghardaia, the 'pearl of M'Zab', declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its oasis is about 10 km wide and includes the historic cities of Beni Isguen, Melika, Bou Noura and El Atteuf. All these cities, founded from the 11th century onwards by the Ibadites, are located on a mound. The Ibadites moved away from orthodox Islam and moved to this rugged and arid territory. We will have the opportunity to visit these historical cities in the Ghardaia area. Today, Ghardaia is the center of trade for the entire Algerian Sahara. Therefore, it will be an unforgettable experience to visit its souk and the Marché à la Criée (auction market) of Beni Isguen. There, we can buy the famous and colorful local products, such as carpets. Also, we will visit the great mosque, which looks like a fortress. It is characterized by its pyramid-shaped minaret, typical of the mosques in the region. Likewise, we will admire the palm grove of the great mosque, with its ingenious water distribution system.

We will visit the historic city of Tamanrasset

Tamanrasset was a caravan trade center and stopping place for the trans-Saharan trade. We will visit the Marché Africain (African market), where we can find all kinds of products, from spices to traditional clothing. Also, we will visit the Hoggar museum, with exhibitions on local culture, the Borj, where Foucauld's father was murdered. In addition, we will walk through the craft boutiques, where you can find swords and jewelry, bags and leather saddles.

We will meet the Tuareg people

The Assekrem plateau, which means “the end of the world” in the Tuareg language, is a magical place that seems far from all civilization. Around the metallic lunar landscapes of the Afilal guelta, we will be able to meet the Kel Ahggar Tuareg. In addition, we will meet some nomadic families of the Tuareg people who live in the Tadrart desert. We will talk with the Tuaregs and enjoy the famous desert tea together.

We will admire the beauty of the Tadrart desert

During this trip to Algeria we will explore the Tadrart desert, described as 'the most beautiful in the world'. It is a fascinating place close to the Niger border, with a backdrop of dunes ranging from yellow to orange, and rocks shaped by erosion that create imaginative and strange shapes. We will visit In Djaren, with its cliffs decorated with engravings and rock paintings, the maze of “fairy chimneys” in Moul N’aga and the famous red dunes of Tin Merzouga. Also, we will visit the most famous rock art site in the Tagharghart area: La Vache qui Pleure (the crying cow). It is a work from about 6,000 years ago that represents cattle with three long horns and tears flowing from their eyes. Continuation towards Erg Admer.

© Photos by Xavi de las Heras taken during a trip to Algeria.

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