Algerian Sahara Vacation (page 1 of 2)

Hi, For next summer’s vacation, I’m thinking of returning to the Sahara after visiting Tamanrasset and the Hoggar, which was stunning—not to mention the Tuareg hospitality. I’d like to explore the sandy desert this time since the Hoggar was 80% rocky. So, I’m wondering which city I should prioritize if I want to go there in late July–early August for the landscapes, extreme heat, and guides offering 4x4 and camel treks. Also, if there are any recommended guides for those in the know and a decent hotel. I’m torn between Djanet, In Salah, Adrar, Ghardaïa, and Timimoun. I’m of Algerian origin, so no visa or other formalities to worry about. Thanks.

Djanet😉

Hello, For next summer's vacation, I'm planning to return to the Sahara after visiting Tamanrasset and the Hoggar, which was stunning—not to mention the Tuareg hospitality. I'd like to explore the sandy desert this time since the Hoggar was 80% rocky. So, I'm wondering which city I should prioritize if I want to go there in late July-early August for the landscapes, extreme heat, and guides offering 4x4 and camel treks. Also, are there any recommended guides for those in the know, and a decent hotel? I'm torn between Djanet, In Salah, Adrar, Ghardaïa, and Timimoun. Since I'm of Algerian origin, I don’t have to worry about visas or other formalities. Thanks.

You’re lucky (with the visa).

RR.

Hi. For the southern Algerian trip, are you in a group? I’ve been wanting to do this trip for a while but as part of a group. Best, Laila

You're really lucky (with the visa).

RR.

Yeah, apparently the visa process isn’t straightforward

What makes Djanet better than other cities?

Hi, I’ll probably be going with my family, but I haven’t decided where to go yet.

Hi there,

Just so you know, no guide would ever start a trek with camels (even on foot) in the middle of summer! It’s totally reckless, and they know exactly why!

No tourist activities (camels, 4x4s, hiking) in July or August with unbearable temperatures! Everyone stays cooped up indoors during the day and only goes out in the morning or evening!

LILI

I had no issues getting my visa from the Algerian Consulate in less than a week. The person at the consulate gave me some documents that I returned as soon as possible. I received my visa in a very short time. Well done!

Hi, Would anyone have any guides for Djanet they could recommend? (Even if it seems tricky in August) Thanks.

Hi there, This is a good time to deal with Algerian consulates because the government has pushed back the expiry date of the old passport to June 2016, and the demand for biometric passports is much lower, so they have more time to process visas. I had to wait 3 months for the biometric one back in 2015.

Hello,

Since you enjoyed the contact with the Tuaregs, what could be better than going to Djanet? A truly beautiful region, more "intimate" than Tamanrasset, which has become cosmopolitan! Today, to really "soak up" that atmosphere, you don’t have a choice—Djanet is a must. Essendilène is amazing, nothing like In'Salah, Adrar, or Timimoun, which are also worth visiting.

Another plus for Ghardaïa—it’s unique, and you can visit it on a shorter trip since it’s much closer. I haven’t checked the temperature charts, but Djanet definitely has cooler nights, sitting at over 1,000 meters in altitude, I think. In'Salah, on the other hand, is one of the hottest cities on the planet (the 3rd hottest according to some records).

Anyway, you’re so lucky. Have a great trip, and come back to tell us all about it... Best regards

Hi there! I go trekking around Djanet every year. I think it’s the best spot if you want to see red and yellow sand dunes, canyons, rock carvings, and rocky peaks. I know a local guide who can take care of everything! If you’d like more info, feel free to reach out: djaariri@gmail.com See you around!

Hi there,

In Djanet, there are lots of guitarists who take their inspiration from artists like Tinariwen, Omar Moktar (Bombino), and Farka Touré... Honestly, a desert circuit with the sound of guitars—having experienced it several times—is absolutely amazing... Just to name a few local musicians: Nabil Othmani, Tissilawen... I also ran into Tamikrest there. And if you're after sand, you’ve got to check out the stunning dunes of the Tadrart. I’m hoping to go back soon myself :/ That said, July-August does seem tough—if not impossible—to handle!

Hi Sylvie,

I just saw your message on VF, and also noticed we exchanged messages back in 2013. I’m really sorry and a bit embarrassed, but I honestly don’t remember you—even after rereading our old exchanges (on VF)!

Maybe (it just came back to me) you’re the charming woman I met near Villefranche-sur-Saône at the African festival, right?

Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Best regards

What, what, what, you forgot about me—we’re just tiny specks, how sad 😉! It was definitely at an African festival where we crossed paths. That was during the Burkinabe festival in Chambéry. We have a mutual friend, a certain... Francia! I can’t remember if it was that year or the one before that Nabil Othmani came to play with his band. A little comfort since I can’t go back to Djanet just yet. Later, Sylvie

I’m writing to you privately because I think I’m getting off track (I messed up—I thought I’d already written to you privately, oops!!!)

hello You’ve gotta cut Patrick the globetrotter some slack—he knows a ton of people... and plus, he’s getting older 😠😛🏴‍☠️ I think Nabil’s organizing a music trip this winter! I’ll look into it and give you updates! Hugs from our mutual friend! francia

Your sister, lol!

Alright Francia, see you soon for updates.

And your sister, lol

All good! 😏 I haven’t lost my mind yet—you remember I have a sister! I’m dying of laughter 😛 Cheers, francia