Ghardaia

To book this extension, please contact our office.

Extension Price - £325

Overview

The Mzab is one of those places where you will find inspiration. Our circuit will take you on a journey through centuries of history and architectural splendors. The Mzab Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, contains an invaluable civilizational heritage that stands as a testament to human creativity and resilience. This unique region deserves to be cherished and preserved for generations to come.

Our circuit is designed with deep respect for nature and local customs.

Itinerary

Day 01 - Discovering Ghardaïa

Arrival in Ghardaïa: Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to the heart of Ghardaïa, also known as "Taghardaït." Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Oases," Ghardaïa is the capital of the M'zab Valley and is organized around a central hill.

Morning Exploration: Begin your journey with a visit to the historic old mosque and the bustling market of Ghardaïa. Discover the ingenuity of the region by exploring one of the world’s most sophisticated water-sharing systems, a remarkable creation of the M'zab ancestors.



Lunch: Savor a delicious traditional meal in a local setting.

Afternoon Adventure: Experience the magic of the sand dunes with a "gaada" (traditional gathering) in the desert.

Evening: Enjoy a delightful dinner and an overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Day 02 - Tafilelt and Its Wonders

Morning in Tafilelt: Begin your day with a visit to Tafilelt "Tafilelt Tajdite," a remarkable human and ecological project. This unique site blends ancestral wisdom with modern approaches to urban planning, social organization, and environmental conservation. Explore the internationally renowned eco-park and witness its harmonious integration with nature.

Lunch: Relish another authentic meal that showcases the flavors of the region.

Afternoon Exploration: Visit the Brahim Mausoleum, a historic funeral mosque founded in the 15th century. This architectural gem served as an inspiration for Le Corbusier’s design of the Notre-Dame du Haut chapel in Ronchamp.

Evening: Conclude your journey with a heartfelt farewell, leaving you inspired by the beauty and heritage of the M'zab Valley.           

Accommodation

As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from trip to trip.

Getting There

Visa on Arrival – Free Support Service 

To make travel easier, we also provide a free Visa on Arrival support service. There is no need to visit a consulate. You simply complete a short form and provide the required details, and we take care of the process for you, ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival in Algeria.

If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below. 

If you plan to book your own flights, please check with us first to confirm the trip is going ahead. We also recommend choosing flights that are flexible and preferably refundable, as adventure travel plans can change at any time. For full details, please see our booking conditions. 

Letters of Invitation can only be issued when your full travel plans, both before and after the tour, are arranged through us. ALGERIAN ADVENTURE serves as your sponsor during your visit, so we’re unable to provide this document if any part of your trip is booked independently. Our team is happy to guide you before you confirm any plans to make sure all required paperwork can be arranged. 

Other Extensions That can be Added

Take a look through our other extensions that you can also book for a tour. These additional options can enhance your experience and provide even more value to your journey.

Please contact the office for more details.

Best of Algiers (2–3 nights)  - View Extension

Dive into world-class antiquities at the Bardo National Museum of Prehistory and Ethnography, wander the winding alleys of the Kasbah of Algiers, and take in sweeping sea views from Notre Dame d'Afrique before lingering along the capital’s elegant waterfront boulevards.

Tipiza and Cherchell (2 nights)  - View Extension

Explore the sweeping Roman ruins at Tipaza Archaeological Park, admire mosaics at the Cherchell Museum, and soak up laid-back Mediterranean charm between ancient history and quiet coastal views.

Tipiza and Cherchell (2 nights)

Explore the sweeping Roman ruins at Tipaza Archaeological Park, admire mosaics at the Cherchell Museum, and soak up laid-back Mediterranean charm between ancient history and quiet coastal views.

Algiers & Coastal Charm (2 nights)

Stay longer in the capital. Visit the Bardo Museum, stroll along the Kasbah seafront, and enjoy a day trip to Cherchell or Zeralda for history and beaches.

Tipaza – Roman Coast (2 nights) 

Relax by the sea in Tipaza, where turquoise waves meet ancient Roman ruins. Explore the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania and enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the Mediterranean.

Oran – The Andalusian Spirit (2–3 nights)

A lively port city blending cultures. Visit the Santa Cruz Fort, wander the seafront promenade, and soak up Oran’s Andalusian music and vibrant nightlife.

Tlemcen – Granada of Africa (2–3 nights) 

Discover Tlemcen’s Islamic art and architecture. Visit the Great Mosque, explore the old medina, and enjoy cooler mountain breezes near the coast.

Annaba – Saint Augustine’s City (2–3 nights)

A coastal city with history and charm. Explore the Basilica of Saint Augustine, relax on sandy beaches, and enjoy fresh Mediterranean cuisine.

Skikda – Hidden Coastal Gem (2 nights) 

Known for its unspoilt coastline and laid-back charm, Skikda offers quieter beaches, colonial architecture, and a chance to unwind away from the crowds.

Bejaia – The Pearl of Kabylia (2–3 nights) 

A stunning coastal city where mountains meet the sea. Explore Cap Carbon, wander through the old town, and enjoy breathtaking coastal views unique to Kabylia.

Jijel – Nature & Coast (2 nights)

Famous for its lush green mountains and dramatic coastline. Visit the Caves of Jijel, relax by sandy beaches, and enjoy a blend of nature and sea.

All extensions include guided visits, seaside accommodation, and airport transfers.

Climate

Algeria can be visted year round but summer temperatures in the desert can be intense (often exceeding 40 degrees C) and winter is likely to see snowfalls in the high mountains. During spring and autumn, daytime temperatures are likely to range from around 20-25 degrees C on the north coast, increasing to between 30- 35oC in the desert region. Night-time temperatures will feel cooler, especially in the desert where you’ll notice the change in temperature.

Key Aspects to Consider

Algeria has minimal tourist infrastructure and receives far fewer visitors than neighbouring countries like Morocco or Tunisia. As such service levels cannot be compared and logistically Algeria remains a ‘challenging’ destination, almost guaranteeing that things are unlikely to always go according to plan! However for us that is half the enjoyment of travelling in Algeria. 

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. Although there are no major walks involved in this trip, please be aware that some of the Roman sites and city tours can involve a fair amount of walking uphill and downhill over uneven ground and on stairs.

It is important to note that during the trip, some restroom facilities may be traditional squat toilets or long-drop toilets. We recommend bringing toilet paper and hand sanitizer. 

Please note that when driving in Algeria it is often compulsory for tourist groups to be accompanied by a security convoy in places. The guards in the convoy will change over as we cross from one wilaya (province) to the next. This can significantly increase journey times, resulting in a number of quite long drives so please be prepared for this. 

Please be aware that vegetarians can be catered for quite well but the selection and variety for vegans and especially for gluten-free can be very limited in places. People with specific dietary requirements should consider such limitations carefully and we suggest you discuss your needs with us before booking this tour. 

Flexibility and the nature of travel in Algeria: For security reasons it might be necessary to change this itinerary at very short notice, and clients must be flexible enough to deal with this and acknowledge that this is an inherent part of travel to Algeria. While we will always try & visit as much of the itinerary as possible, we reserve the right to omit any destination due to security concerns and offer an alternative in its place.