Is a guide mandatory to visit Ghardaia?

Hi everyone, I’m heading back to Algeria for the fourth time. I’d like to visit Ghardaia. I’ve booked my flight ticket from Oran to Ghardaia, but I read in the latest *Petit Futé* that you need to go through a local travel agency. For the south, I know it’s mandatory, but can anyone give me info about Ghardaia? I’m planning to hire a guide from the hotel where I have my reservation. Thanks!

Hi there, I went solo by motorcycle to the northeast part of Algeria in 2023, specifically to Ghardaia. You’ll only need a guide to visit the old city. Everywhere else, you can go wherever you want. Enjoy your trip! Eric

Hi and thanks for your reply. In the meantime, I found out that if I arrive by plane, the hotel has to send a taxi for me, otherwise I’ll be escorted by the police—for my safety, of course. Up north, I’ve always traveled alone by train or bus without any issues. I leave in 10 days; I can’t wait.