The largest country in Africa, imposing Algeria covers an area of almost two and a half million square kilometers. From the green and mountainous Mediterranean coast, where most of its population lives, Algeria sweeps southward into the heart of the Sahara Desert. Nearly 90% of Algeria is uninhabited, with most of the land being in the Sahara, a hot, dry and unforgiving region covering 80% of the country.
As a gateway to North Africa’s mountains, beaches and deserts, Algeria is a melting pot of cultures – having seen, over millennia, the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, French and even pirates pass through it.
Algeria’s history, like most of North Africa, is marked by warring tribes, Islamisation and the subsequent colonisation by European powers. The country was occupied by France for 132 years until 1962, when a brutal bloodbath saw it finally gain independence, only for the Algeria to plunge into civil war in the 1990s.
Though still scarred by the unrest of the past, today Algeria one of the most developed countries in Africa, and has much to offer travelers, from magical summers on the Mediterranean coast to a vast desert, imposing Roman ruins and prehistoric art – all infused with the depth of Arabic and Bedouin culture.
In the harsh and unforgiving Sahara, the everchanging desert terrain is a testament to the eternal transformation of this region by the elements. Ever so slowly, rocks are whittled into sculptures of dramatic and extraordinary beauty. The result is a near-indescribable landscape of vivid red dunes, formidable rock formations and twisting canyons that hide crystal-clear watering holes.
Aside from incredible beauty, there is a rich, fascinating and ancient history here, too, going back to the early days of humanity. Unique, UNESCO-listed archaeological sites house the remains of hominids and Homo Sapiens more than two million years old, and the concentration of cave paintings and engravings essentially make the area an open-air museum.
In this trip, we go off the beaten path to capture Algeria’s two extremes, taking in the sparkling Mediterranean coast as well as the breathtaking desert dunes. We’ll move from the ancient port city of Béjaïa to the endless desert vistas of Djanet, discovering majestic landscapes, fascinating history, and age-old Berber traditions along the way.
Let’s go!
Day 1 // Algiers & Flight to Djanet
Arrival in Algiers, immigration, coffee and head straight to the city. First we head up to the city's heights to discover Makam Echahid, a monument in memory of Algerian fighters who fell for the liberation of the country. Dominating the city from a height of 92 meters, it is composed of three concrete palm trees joined together, symbolizing the country’s three revolutions. After lunch in the city center, we’ll explore the Kasbah, meeting some of its artisans. We’ll then tour the city’s major landmarks, including Sidi Ramdane Mosque, the Bir Chebana fountain, Princess Khedaoudj Palace, Mustapha Pasha Palace, the fishing district, the New Mosque, Church of the Sacred Heart, the famous Grande Poste, Basilica of Our Lady of Africa and more.
We’ll have dinner near the airport, then catch our flight to Djanet at 23:20. Arrival at 01:30 and transfer to our camp for overnight.
Day 2 // Essendilène – Dider
After breakfast, we’ll explore the magnificent Wadi Essendilène, a canyon winding its way several kilometers into the plateau between high rock walls. We’ll walk through the narrow gorge, past lush vegetation such as oleanders, tamarisk, palm trees, and acacias, to reach its guelta, or rock pool, with clear waters just begging for us to take a dip!
In the afternoon, we will head to the Dider Valley to marvel at the rock engravings of the Tin Taghirt site, made by ancient peoples of this land. We’ll crossing the Dider plateau and arrive at the canyons of Wagheghan.
Overnight camping.
Day 3 // Tikoubaouine
In the morning we’ll explore Tikoubaouène, with its imposing natural arch and its magnificent rock paintings. We’ll stop for lunch in the town of Tilalen, then head back in the direction of Djanet. We can’t leave the area without a visit to Tegharghart, and the area’s famous "crying cow" rock engravings – sublime and skillful examples of ancient art that depict long-horned cattle with their heads bowed, which are thought to date between 7,000 and 8,000 years ago.
Day 4 // Transfer Day: Djanet – Algiers – Béjaïa
Early start this morning, as we fly from Djanet to Algiers, where we’ll connect for a flight to the port city of Béjaïa, located on one of the most beautiful bays of the Mediterranean coast and backdropped by the Babors mountain range. Béjaïa has a deep history, standing on the site of the ancient Carthaginian city of Saldae, and occupied over the millennia by the Romans, Vandals, Spanish and Ottomans. For centuries, it was also a stronghold of the Barbary pirates who roamed the North African coast.
After checking into the hotel, we’ll take a city tour, discovering monuments such as the 12th century casbah, rebuilt by the Spaniards when the city was taken in 1510, and historic Bab El Fouka fort.
Day 5 // Béjaïa
In the morning, we’ll make our way into Gouraya National Park, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, trekking to the summit of Yemma Gouraya at an altitude of 660 meters. The mountain is the burial place of its namesake, and the city's patron saint, Yemma Gouraya. At the top we’ll find a fort built by the Spanish in the 16th century, and enjoy sweeping views over the area and coastline.
We’ll return to town to refuel with some lunch, then head back to the park to for a hike to Pic des Singes, or Peak of the Monkeys, located in the Cap Carbon area very near to the coast. We’ll ascend 430 meters to this habitat for the endangered Barbary macaque, and hopefully enjoy some close encounters with these cute and mischievous creatures – the only African primate that survives north of the Sahara Desert.
Day 6 // Coastal Drive & Departure
This morning we’ll make our way back to Algiers along the beautiful Mediterranean coast, making stops at the port towns of Azzefoune and Tigzirt, where Roman ruins have weathered the elements and stood the test of time.
We’ll have lunch near the airport in Algiers then catch our mid-afternoon flight.
Level of Difficulty:
Easy & relaxing, available to everyone.
Duration: 6 days
Activities:
Off roading, desert and cliff trekking, cultural immersion, camping, sightseeing, discovering ancient cities.
Accommodation and meals:
Camping + hotel (double sharing). 3 days bivouac meals in the desert included, restaurant meals at the coast excluded.
Cost: AED 7490 excl. international flights. Domestic flights included.
Flights: direct Emirates approx. 3200 AED.
Visa: visa on arrival arrangements included, visa fee ~145 EUR payable on arrival.
Specifically excluded: insurance, visa on arrival fee, meals at coastal part.
See yah in Algeria x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup
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