Visiting El Menia (Algeria)

Hi, I’m planning to visit El Menia, and I’d like some info on the interesting places to see in the area and the activities available. Also, why is it also called El Golea? Thanks

Good evening

I can give you some info since I lived there full-time for a few years and have been going back and forth since 2010 (for health and family reasons).

El Golea was the name until 1962, and it’s said to mean the "little fortress." Another Berber name for El Menia, though less commonly used, is Tahoret.

You should plan at least 3 to 4 days to explore this oasis at a relaxed pace—it’s the largest oasis-city in the Algerian Sahara.

Here are the must-see spots:

* the Old Ksar * the Municipal Museum * Saint Joseph’s Church and the tomb of Father de Foucault * the palm grove * the Lake (a paradise for migratory birds) * etc...

Don’t forget the local farms, which you can visit with someone from El Golea if you get the owners’ permission.

LILI

Thanks for your reply, but honestly, I’d love more details. I went there 4 years ago, and since I didn’t have any info on the region, I didn’t see any of what you just told me. I also heard there are camel rides—how do you find them? And where can you stay?

So, isn't there anyone who can give me more details????

Good evening

I can provide more info, but we're not always online either!

I can give you a contact in a PM who's important in El Golea.

LILI

alright, I’ll wait for your PM and thanks in advance for the help. cheers

Hi! We're planning to spend 2-3 nights in El Golea at the end of December. Is it doable with young kids? (Ages 5, 3, and 5 months). Is it possible to get contacts for accommodation? Thanks in advance.

Hi there,

At the end of December, it should be possible to stay in El Golea, in theory, with 3 young kids.

I’ll check and keep you posted. Unfortunately, I won’t be there during that time.

LILI

Thanks so much! What are the average temperatures at this time of year?

It can vary, but it's usually pleasant—around 22°C during the day and about 5°C at night.

Hi Lilli.

Haven’t heard back from you yet? :) Actually, we’ll be a bit more than expected (4 adults, 4 kids under 7, and a 5-month-old baby). Still doable in your opinion?

Thanks.

Hi Tassili, I’m sorry to follow up, but since the trip date is coming up soon, I’d love to know if you’ve found anything for me. Thanks.

Hi there,

So far, I haven’t found anything—there are Algerians from the north heading down to El Golea, so the few rooms available are already booked.

If I get a lead, I’ll let you know.

LILI

Hi there, I’m planning to spend a few days in El Menia in April with my son. My mother was born there in 1948 (FAMILY, Louis and Cadat), and my son is eager to see his roots.

Could anyone give me some tips on accommodations, car rentals, for example? Also, for about eight days, does it make sense to visit Algiers first and then head down to El Menia, or should we go straight to the south?

Thanks for any advice—or if you have contacts, email or WhatsApp, I’d love to hear from you. Fred