Mature Saharan & Oases Tour

From 4,250.00

Tlemcen-Ain Safra-Taghit-Beni-Abbes-Timimoun -El-Goléa-Ghardaia-Algiers

Trip code WT-CODE 2978
  • Overview
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In this tour, the mature visitor (aged 50+ ) discovers lots of marvelous and amazing places in the Algerian Sahara and Oases  that surely are to be engraved in their mind. The travellers with their own pace enjoy visiting, passing and picnicking in the many places including the Tassisli N'ajjer , M’Zab Valley and the three oases (the red,white and pearl of ) in a17 days . We are very excited to share the good feeling of visiting these magnificent places, tasting local dishes and knowing about other cultures including folk  music in an atmosphere of great joy.                                                                       A warm welcome awaits all our guests!

We visit the oases, landscapes and beautiful views of natural sceneries ranging from sand dunes to palm groves, UNESCO heritage sites, citadels with its amazing architectures built on mountains, open air museums. The visitor discovers and tastes traditional local dishes, listens to popular folk music.                                                           It is a good opportunity either for those who are experts or first time travellers to  Algeria as a unique destination to explore. Discover all what you heard by yourself with us. Welcome !                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                During the 20 days tour,the visitor discovers lots of beautiful places range from  ,castles ,caves,UNESCO classified sites, oases  (The White Oasis ,the Red Oasis ,the Pearl of Oases) situated in  Southern Algeria. Are you ready to be among our group ?

Itineraries

Day 1

Time : 08:00

Algiers -Ghardaia

Reception and assistance at Houari Boumediene International Airport (Algiers ),then we transit on foot to the domestic airport (3-5 minutes' walk ) to fly to Ghardaia . After arriving at Ghardaia domestic Airport, Moufdi Zakaria (known as Noumérat), we take the transport to City Centre (15 Kms) where the first overnight is to be spent.

Day 2

Time : 08:00

Ghardaia

AAfter breakfast, Breakfast, we drive to visit 3 sites of M'Zab Valley: Beni-Izghen, Boulila Tower, Ghardaïa’s city centre, including Ghardaia Ksar and its magnificent rectangular ancient stone market (they are classified by the UNESCO World Heritage committee) where we have lunch. Following the lunch and a short rest , we visit Bounoura then we move to Sebseb (70 Kms-if time allows) for an overnight at a guest house or we stay in a hotel /guest house in Ghardaia city centre .

Day 3

Time : 08:00

Ghardaia -El-Goléa

After breakfast we drive towards the Pearl of the Oases, EL-Meniaa (ex-El- Goléa). It is about 270 Kms and can be crossed by road in 3 hours. Arriving there , around 12 a.m., we head to have our lunch then we move to the hotel . Following a short rest, we drive to the church of Bel-Bachir (known as St Joseph Church, where Charles De Foucauld is buried) .After sunset on the salt lake's hill ,we return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight.

Day 4

Time : 08:00

El-Goléa

After breakfast ,we visit the museum (rare collections gathered for decades by the white father René Le Clerc (b1925-d 2010), then the Vieux Ksar .Following lunch and a short rest , we visit ,the salt lake ( house for dozens of migrating birds) then we drive to the oasis lake (40 Kms far from the town). After sunset ,we return to the guest house (or hotel) for an overnight.

Day 5

Time : 08:00

El-Goléa -Timimoun

Early In the morning after breakfast, we will drive southwards to the Red Oasis, Timimoun (362 kms). Arriving at our destination, we move to the hotel or the guest house. After lunch we have a rest. In the afternoon, a visit is organised to Ighzer Cave and Castle, Feraoun (Red caves) and Tinjilet. After sunset, we return to the to the residence.

Day 6

Time : 08:00

Timimoun

Shortly after breakfast, a visit is organised to Timimoun’s museum (if available), old ksar ( Tahatayt) ,Aghlad ‘s ksours , Ouled Haroun castle , the Fouggaras (sharing irrigation system)  of Ouled Said and  Hadj Guelmane where we might  have our lunch. After that in the afternoon visit, we continue exploring the amazing area by organising a short visit to Tamna village (known as small tassili) situated in the outskirt of Timimoun. An overnight is spent in a superb traditional guest house.

Day 7

Time : 08:00

Timimoun - Beni Abbès

Today we will head to Beni Abbes (341 Kms). Arriving there (4) hours of drive, we move to the hotel then to the Hermitage of Father Charles de Foucauld where we might have our lunch in the chapel’s garden. Following a rest we visit the Sahara Museum (if possible), then Marhouma area (paintings in the outskirt of Beni Abbes). After enjoying sunset ,we return to the hotel nearby for dinner .Overnight in the hotel or guest house.

Day 8

Time : 08:00

Beni Abbes -Taghit

Early after breakfast, we leave to Taghit (146 Kms). After about two hours of drive, the visit programme begins with driving to spots of the historical petroglyphs (cave paintings of animals as: giraffes, ostriches, horses, elephants and antelopes, etc.), the Ksour valley that overlooks the palm grove. After lunch and rest, we stroll, surf, walk and practise sand ski on the dunes of the Greatest Western Erg (up to 120 m high of some dunes). We end the day by a sun set seeing and we experience a night outdoor (some kilometres from Taghit ) or return to the residence.

Day 9

Time : 08:00

Taghit – Bechar-Ain safra

After breakfast, we move to Bechar city centre (99 Kms) where we stroll then we head to Ain Safra (255 Kms). In our route, after lunch, we visit Cheikh Bouamama Palace (Ksar), situated in Meghrar (50 Kms west of AinSafra) , then we continue to the city centre where we spend the overnight in a hotel .

Day 10

Time : 08:00

Ain-Safra

Early after breakfast, we depart for about 17 Kms off the city centre to visit the 220 hectares’ Oasis named Tiout.Then we move to dunes to watch sunset..Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11

Time : 08:00

Ain Safra -El-Bayadh

After having breakfast, we leave to El-Bayadh (214 Kms).We stop in our way in short visits to Ksar Ghasoul (48 Kms-Ghasoul) and Ksar Bent Al-Khas (40 Kms -Brezina) then we continue to the city centre .After lunch,we continue visiting other historical and oases . Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12

Time : 08:00

EL-Bayadh - Tipaza

fter having breakfast, we leave to Tipaza  (436 Kms).In our way ,we have lunch and stop to take short rests before reaching our destination where we spend an overnight in a traditional guest house or a hotel .

Day 13

Time : 08:00

Tipaza –Cherchell -Algiers

After breakfast, we drive to explore the theatre,the circus and the thermal baths of Roman archeological site of Tipaza , (UNESCO World Heritage) founded by the Phoenicians including the North Africa’s largest basilica and the Basilica of St Salsa, and of Cherchell (archaeological museums) , Tomb of the Christian (royal mausoleum of Mauritania).Then we leave to Algiers ‘s city centre (92 Kms) for an overnight.

Day 14

Time : 08:00

Alger -Djanet -Tadrart

We drive to Houari Boumeddienne domestic Airport where we fly to Djanet Airport . Arriving there ,we depart to Tadrart ,passing through the marvelous Tassili N‘Ajjer's cliffs , crossing between 150 to 200 kms .Both lunch and dinner are to be taken in the open air of In-Djaren Valley's area .The night to be spent in a Bivouac .

Day 15

Time : 08:00

Tadrart – In-Djaren

Early in the morning ,we drove to the canyon of In-Djaren where the visitor discovers lots of marvelous engraving s and others .After lunch, we continue our way to reach Moule-Naga's area where to enjoy the sunset near to yellow dunes decorated in red.

Day 16

Time : 08:00

In Djaren-Tin Merzouga

After breakfast ,we move towards the immense circular dunes of Tin Merzouga to spend unforgettable memories .We cross about 200 kms along the day .After the sunset, we have our dinner, amuse ourselves around fire then we go to our beds in the bivouac.

Day 17

Time : 08:00

Tin Merzouga -Bouhediane –In Tehok-Djanet

At breakfast, we prepare ourselves to an extraordinary and amazing experience. Today we go through the labyrinth of the canyons with our most experienced guide until we reach Bouhediane's area .After lunch,we continue the discovery of caves full of engravings and paintings till In Tehok Valley.Then we drive towards Djanet town. There are some stops in our way and sometime is to be spent picnicking in Tagharghart site .After arriving ,visitors are advised to take a bath. A farewell dinner is prepared in a hotel, guest house or similar(local standard) .

Day 18

Time : 08:00

Djanet-Alger

We visit Djanet city.A short visit to town to buy souvenirs and after lunch visitors are to be transferred to Djanet domestic Airport to fly to Algiers . After landing at Houari boumeddienne Domestic Airport,we drive to the hotel or the traditional guest house to spend an overnight.

Day 19

Time : 08:00

Algiers

After breakfast, we  visit  for 2 hours, Palais des Rais,the Bardo Museum , Archaeology and Islamic Art Museum, the Grande poste and the Place des Martyrs including the El Djedid Mosque . Then we return to the hotel or residence for an overnight.

Day 20

Time : 07:00

Algiers Airport

In the last day of the visit,after breakfast, we visit another UNESCO World Heritage site, Casbah of Algiers for 2 hours, then the Church of Notre-Dame Afrique (4 kms distant from the Casbah) , the Monument then the unique garden in Africa dated to 1900's (Hamma Experimental Garden known as Jardin d’Essai ) .The visitors either transferred to their residence or Houari Boumediene International Airport in case of departure .

- Airport transfers and assistance (Algiers, Djanet and Ghradaia Airports)                                                                                                                                                               - Accommodation : 3-4 hotels (local classification), traditional guest houses  ( Double rooms & Twin shared accommodation) and Bivouac in Djanet (tent included)           -Full board bases: breakfast, lunch and dinner (water & soft drinks only).                                                                                                                                                          -Comfort bus, mini van and or  4X4 cars+ driver
- Experienced tour guides (English,French,German,Italian ,etc.                                                                                                                                                                               -Domestic Flights: Algiers - Djanet  &  Djanet - Ghardaia (Economic Class).                                                                                                                                         -Entrance fees to museums or sites included in the itinerary.                                                                                                                                                                                         -Application for visa by us on the traveller’s behalf

- International flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Visa fees                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       - Personal sleeping bag +pillow.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             -Extras and personal expenses                                                                                                                                                                                                                         -Single Supplement : € 265

  1. Mrs Tatsuko Tasaki:

    This tour is well worth doing. Every day of the tour was full of adventure, discovery and excitement and it was a trip I will never forget. I never imagined that the country of Algeria would be such a wonderful place. Deserts, valleys, ruins, starry skies, each place has its own culture, history and characteristics, and every day was full of fresh encounters. I have travelled to 150 countries and Algeria is definitely one of the top 5 most attractive countries. After touring around Algeria, I am still eager to go back. The welcome and kindness of the Algerian people is also an unforgettable and cherished memI hope many people will join this tour and see beautiful Algeria. What was the best part? That’s a very difficult question, everywhere was amazing and everywhere was the place to go. I would recommend this tour with 100% confidence.

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The agency representative will be waiting you at the exit of the arrivals at the relevant airport holding a sign with your name on it.

We arrange our travel packages by combining people depending on the language required and the destination.

To get an entrance visa to Algeria, insurance is required so it is advised to do it by yourself but also, we make insurance for tools used during the tour.

After your booking of a tour we proceed with confirming all services accordingly.

We kindly request a booking deposit (30 %) to be paid to one of our accounts in an EU bank (France at the moment) to secure your reservations then the remaining balance (70 %) to be received no later than 50 days before the start date of the tour.

See below in the FAQ under 'Booking, Cancellation and Refund Policy '

Visa requirements is a must to enter Algeria for most internationals. We cannot on your behalf, but we guide and provide you with the necessary information. Please note that as an official fully lincensed travel agency ,we can apply for it on your behalf in Algeria to get it quickly before your arrival. However, we provide you with official documentation as the invitation letter after the reception of the deposit required by the agency to apply yourself in your country.

Most ATMs are for local money and local credit and debit cards and it is rarely where ATMs for other currencies or cards are to be found .

Except in few places ,foreign credit cards and debit cards are not accepted in purchases. It is advisable to carry some cash with you.

No, most of the international GSM operators do not provide coverage in Algeria but you can receive SMS and MMS and you get the signal .Arrange with your GSM operator to activate the international roaming function of your mobile phone before coming to Algeria and we can supply you with a new SIM card from local operators (conditions) .

Tipping is not common in Algeria and many refuse to accept it.However it is a guesture of satisfaction by the client.

Yes,18 years old when the traveller is alone .

1- As a team of EL-GOLEA Tourism & Travel, we are very pleased to be chosen by travellers to serve them during their visit to Algeria and we consider them as our guests during the whole duration of the trip.

2-When you select the tour, sign the booking document sent by the agency and receive the confirmation by email, you pay the deposit of 30 % of the tour or the whole cost. contacts are made by email.

3-After reception of the deposit or the entire of the trip’s cost, supplying of the requested identity documents, we sent the letter of invitation to the Algerian consulate in your country of residence for the visa. The agency helps you to get the necessary information on the issue, but it is the traveller’s responsibility to apply earlier and be fully aware of all requirements for visiting Algeria. However, the agency is ready to provide the necessary information on the tour.

4-The rest of the tour cost must be received 45 to 50 days prior to the start date. For any case of non-majeure force, if you do not pay the rest, it is considered as wish of cancellation to cancel your booking.

5-We hope that the visitor can come but in case of contrary, the cancellation must be made by writing in advance. Be aware there are cancellation and charges requested by the service providers. consequently, the charges are cut off the deposit and can go higher when it is made few days or weeks before the start date.

6-Cancellation charges are calculated as follow:
45 days before the start date of the tour - loss of deposit
30 days before the start date of the tour - 50% of tour cost
15 days before the start date of the tour - 75% of tour cost
7 days before the start date of the tour- No refund.

7-Although the above-mentioned measures are to be applied as explained before. But as our main goal is to serve and satisfy our clients, we often take their circumstances in consideration, and we try to find a better solution for them.