M’Zab Valley & Oases Tour
Ghardaia -Timimoun -El-Goléa-Algiers
WT-CODE 997
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For seven days, travellers enjoy a visit to the unique places of M'Zab Valley with its 11th century traditional environment friendly architectures of the five fortified villages (El Atteuf, Bounoura, Beni Isguen, Melika and Ghardaia) surrounded by garden gloves ,classified by the UNESCO as a world heritage situated in the Algerian Sahara. We visit one of the best destination ,the pearl of oases ,El-Meniaa ,a beautiful oasis with its produce,flowers,roses and huge reservoir of mineral water implemented in the Grand Erg Occidental .The trip includes a visit to the red oasis of Gourara of the red houses' architecture, the most brilliant man made irrigation system known as Fougara and the traditional dance folklore named Qarkabo .Before the taking off , we conclude the service through a visit to the Casbah and Test Garden (a botanical garden established in 1832). Places as churches are included in the trip's programme when possible.
Visit & Entertain : the extraordinary UNESCO classified sites,the Pearl of Oases and the Red Oasis.
Itineraries
Day 1
Time : 18:00
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
After breakfast, Breakfast, we drive to visit 3 sites of M'zab Valley: Mélika, Bounoura and the palm gardens of de Beni-Izghen where we have lunch (they (3 sites) are classified by the UNESCO World Heritage committee).After a rest , we visit Boulila Tower , Ghardaia's city centre and its magnificent rectangular ancient stone market . Dinner and overnight at the guest house or similar.
Day 3
Time : 08:00
Ghardaia-El-Golea
In the early hours of the morning, we have our breakfast, we drive towards the Pearl of the Oases, El-Meniaa (ex-El- Goléa). The distance of 270 Kms can be crossed by road in 3 hours. The oasis is situated at the centre of Algeria at the eastern of the Grand Erg Occidental as a gateway to Southern Algeria. It is famous for the mineral water and agricultural products including its palm grove of about 180 000 palm trees. When we reach to El- Goléa around 11 a.m., we head to the guest house or similar to have lunch. Following the short rest, we head towards the church of Bel-Bachir (close to the church, there is tomb of the Catholic priest Charles De Foucauld, then we enjoy the sunset on the dunes while having our dinner. Return to the hotel.
Day 4
Time : 08:00
El-Golea
Today we leave the residence to visit some places starting by the 9th century Citadel known as 'Vieux ksar ', built on a 75 m high hill. In this old castle which was the refuge for the ancestors who dwelt for centuries. Still there are ruins of the houses and the well-used by settlers as a water. Next we visit the unique Sahara museum (town centre) where there are a lots collections gathered for decades by René Le Clerc (b.1925-d.2010), then we go in an excursion to the dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental where we spend the afternoon ,dine and return to residence.
Day 5
Time : 08:00
El-Golea-Timimoun
Early In the morning after breakfast, we will drive southwards to the Red Oasis, Timimoun.we rest in M'Guiden's Café for a while. The journey to Timimoun (362 kms) is to be crossed in 4 hours. Arriving at our destination, we move to a guest house or a hotel where we have our lunch.In the afternoon, a visit is organised to Foggaras (hydraulic heritage) of Ouled Said and Hadj Guelmane ended with a traditional dinner accompanied with a traditional local folk amusement. Then, the day is finished by having the dinner while enjoying lthe traditional dance (using musical instrument Qraqeb and hand-made drum). Return to the guest house or similar.
Day 6
Time : 08:00
Timimoun - Algiers
Shortly after breakfast, we stroll in the town and its covered market full of Bio local produce. After the lunch, we move to Timimoun Airport (4 Kms). Transfer from Houari Boumediene domestic Airport to the hotel. Overnight at the residence or the hotel.
Day 7
Time : 08:00
Algiers
In the last day of the visit, we visit another UNESCO World Heritage site, Casbah of Algiers for 2 hours, then we drive to the Church of Notre-Dame Afrique (4 kms distant from the Casbah) and we finish the whole service by a visit to Jardin d'Essai in Hamman (the unique garden in Africa dated to 1900's).The visitors transferred to Houari Boumediene International Airport for departure. Assistance is given until the boarding.
- Airport transfers and assistance - Accommodation in hotels (3-4 stars),traditional guest houses or similar during the tour (Twin share accommodation). -Full board bases: breakfast, lunch and dinner (water & soft drinks only). -Comfort bus or cars+ driver.
- Experienced tour guides. -Domestic Flights: Algiers -Ghardaia & Timimoun -Algiers tickets. -Entrance fees to museums or sites included in the itinerary. -Letter of invitation for visa application.
- International flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Visa fees -Extras and personal expenses -Single Supplement : € 245
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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. In some case,you book a trip with us , as an official fully licenced tourism and travel agency , we can apply for an entrance visa on your behalf . We guarantee a quick response and providing you with the necessary information and official documentation as the invitation letter after the reception of the deposit required by the agency.
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.
elgoleatourismtravel– :
Hello,
In this amazing tour,travellers can learn about different three cultures in Southern Algeria .
This tour can be organised for families and/or solo travellers.
Hurry up to book your trip.
Cecilia– :
From Cecilia,
We celebrated my 12th birthday in El-Goléa!
This was my best trip ever – thank you, Azzedine!!!
I LOVE ALGERIA, I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT!
You made me feel like a guest not a tourist.
elgoleatourismtravel– :
Hello Cecilia,
Many thanks for your words about my country and my team.
Long life my dear, Cecilia,the princess of the oasis.
Hoping you a life full of hapiness,health and money .
Sophia Ladanyi– :
What an unforgettable trip !
The combination of visiting different UNESCO World Heritage sites, learning about their specific history as well as their present day and future was fascinating.
The distinct beauty of each oasis, the journey through the desert with its unique terrains and of course the camping in the magic sand dunes watching the stars and being surrounded by camels, will be always present in my memories.
For the entire trip we were treated as guests not as tourists. Our guides and drivers took care of every little detail and tried to satisfy every wish.
We will definitely return to Algeria again and El – Goléa Travel & Tourism will be the company of our first choice – no doubt!!!!
A big thank you to Azzedine and his team!
Leo Ladanyi– :
A many thanks to Azzedine our guide for organising this trip!
The land has such a vibrant culture to explore and paired with it’s breathtaking views of the desert, it creates an unforgettable experience. The people are some of the most sincere and friendly people you can meet, everywhere you go, you are greeted with a smile and treated as a guest not a tourist which is something not found in many popular tourist destinations.
once again thank you to Azzedine’s team for this adventure
Mr.Eduardo Trilla Anos– :
The circuit is good considering the characteristics of the country, as an experience in the desert oasis is interesting.
Mrs.Alice Ho Mon Chiu– :
Algeria is an interesting country to visit. The tour itinerary is great for people who want to see the country and love to visit sand dunes.