Oases & Sahara Tour
Taghit-Beni-Abbes-Timimoun -El-Goléa-Ghardaia-Algiers
WT-CODE 978- Overview
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After landing on Ghardaia domestic airport, we head towards the city centre in a journey where we enjoy visits to M'Zab valley ,the Saharan oases of Taghit, Beni Abbes, Timimoun, and the pearl of oases , El-Goléa besides to Casbah of Algiers. Lots of different races are to be recognised and variety of cultures including cuisine and music folks are to be uncovered too. Visits to these best destinations in Southern Algeria mentioned above enrich the know-how and entertain the visitor .Strolling in towns and villages included in the trip is beneficial for visitors to get direct contact with locals to learn much about traditions and cultures . The Saharan oases to be visited are a home for many splendid monuments as the hermitage and tomb the Catholic priest Charles De Foucauld, mud brick and stones 'citadels or the traditional urbans. Palm groves, desert lakes and high sand mountains of the Grand Erg Occidental are magnificent landscapes to be stored in the visitor's memory for ever.
The M'Zab Valley ,the White Oasis ,the Red Oasis and he Pearl of Oases in Southern Algeria are four places to spend about a dozen day to renew energy and return to finish lifes 's life with a great energy .What ever life's pressure , this trip pours a new blood in our body and refresh the traveller's memory to continue a calm life for a long period .Just a click needed to start the great discovery . Are you ready ? Welcome!
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-Goléa
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-Goléa
Today we leave the residence to visit some places starting as the municipal museum where there are a lots collections gathered for decades by the white father René Le Clerc (b1925-d 2010), then the library and the local parc ,the salt lake (is a house for dozens of migrating birds) .In the afternoon, after lunch, we spend the rest of the day in the lake (40 Kms –outskirt of the town) with an excursion to the dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental ,dine and return to residence.
Day 5
Time : 08:00
El-Goléa - Timimoun
Early In the morning after breakfast, we will drive southwards to the Red Oasis, Timimoun (375 kms) in an approximate driving time of 4 hours. After arrival there, we move to a traditional guest house to have our lunch and take a rest.Later,we go to explore Timimoun’s town Centre and go visiting the red caves and Tindjillet where we might have our dinner and spend much time before returning to the hotel or guest house.
Day 6
Time : 08:00
Timimoun
Shortly after breakfast ,a visit is organised to Timimoun’s old castle , Ighzer caves , Ouled Haroun castle Gourara Ksar Tindjillet and the Fouggaras( sharing irrigation system) in the palm groves of Ouled Said & Hadj Guelmane where we have our lunch. After that in the afternoon visit, we continue exploring the amazing area by organising a night in the outskirt of Timimoun. An overnight is spent either in the open air or the travellers return to the residence.
Day 7
Time : 08:00
Timimoun –El-Ouata -Beni Abbes
Today we will head to Beni Abbes (341 Kms).When we arrive there ,after four hours of drive, we head to visit the Hermitage of Father Charles de Foucauld where we have our lunch in the chapel’s garden; we also visit the Sahara Museum (if time allows), then the paintings in the outskirt of Beni Abbes in the afternoon. Later we leave to El-Ouata to spend the rest of the day in the residence.
Day 8
Time : 08:00
Taghit
Early after breakfast, We leave to Taghit (146 Kms) .After 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 Old Ksar, Ksour valley that overlook the palm grove .We enjoy a traditional meal outdoor. The day ends with a strolling and walking through the palm groves to reach the dunes of the Greatest Western Erg (up to 120 m high of some dunes) where we can walk, trek ,surf and/or practising ski on sand (crescent-shaped one) .We end the day by a sun set seeing and we experience a night outdoor.
Day 9
Time : 08:00
Taghit -Bechar -Algiers
Early a after breakfast, We finish our programme with visits to some places where we can walk and trek.After having our lunch,we move to Bechar Airport (105 kms) to take our plane to Houari Boumeddiene Domestic Airport (Algiers) .Arriving there we drive to the hotel for an overnight.
Day 10
Time : 08:00
Algiers - Tipaza - Cherchell - Algiers
After breakfast, For about 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 return to Algiers ‘s city centre :the Hamma Experimental Garden ‘(Jardin d’Essai ) 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 11
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 either transferred to their residence or Houari Boumediene International Airport in case of 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 shared accommodation). -Full board bases: breakfast, lunch and dinner (water & soft drinks only). -Comfort bus or cars+ driver.
- Experienced tour guides. -Domestic Flights: Algiers - Ghardaia & Taghit -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 '
A visa requirement 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.
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elgoleatourismtravel– :
Hello traveller,
I ensure you that this trip remains engraved in your memory the rest of your life.
Sophia Ladanyi– :
This was the most memorable trip we ever had!
Ghardaia, El-Goléa, Timimoun, Beni- Abbes and Taghit – these are all magical places and so different to each other. Thanks to our excellent guides we were able to see and learn as much as possible in a very short time.
I wish we had the chance to stay longer at each place. Wherever we stopped or stayed overnight we were treated as guests not as tourists. The warm welcome we received everywhere from the Algerian people left a deep impression on us.
The drives through the desert, especially the sand dunes were a real adventure – the children loved every bit of it.
Thank you Azzedine for organising this fantastic trip for all of us. We will definitely come back again and I look forward to working with you and your company again.
Ladanyi Silvester– :
Our time in Algeria was tremendous. It was an unrivaled opportunity to experience the vast Sahara wilderness, visit key archaeological sites and to encounter traditional Mozabite culture.
What is so special about Algeria? The answer is simple. Having been out of bounds to western travelers for such a long time, makes this place highly authentic and challenging to cross. Algeria is literally off the beaten path and presents itself as a highly adventurous alternative to the well visited regions of Morocco or Tunisia.
With Azzedine we were one of a handful of people able to visit The Grand Erg Occidental. This was truly awe-inspiring. Erg is an Arabic term referring to a sand dune landscape formed by wind. At almost the size as Scotland, the Grand Erg Occidental embodies a tractless expanse of endless desert making it one of the largest sandboxes and dune complexes on the planet! Together with countless dry valleys (Wadis), Salt Pans, Rocky Plateaus and spectacular Oases this forms part of the even larger Western Sahara – an area of pristine beauty.
My personal highlight however were the Oasis Towns of the Ghardaia region with their very conservative and well kept mud-brick architecture. These belong to a close knit ethnic Berber Group known as the Mozabites. The region almost has a fairy tale atmosphere and kept reminding of the stories told by Scheherezade in One Thousand and One Nights. Access to this highly exclusive and restricted area was once more made possible by Azzedine and his colleagues. The experience and exposure to Mozabite life was unparalleled to none.
There were Countless archaeological sites along our entire trip and each left behind a strong impression. Perhaps the most fascinating were the intricate rock art sites from the Later Stone Age, Neolithic and Early Bronze Ages. These showed a wide array of wild animal and hunting scenes with an almost mythological demeanor. The well kept remains of medieval villages and forts were no less spectacular and left the imagination pondering what life must have been like in the Sahara 1000 years ago.
I cannot recommend Azzedine and his colleagues from El Golea tourism enough. In a country that is still highly secretive and impossible to travel alone or without official surveillance – Azzedine guided us. We felt more like privileged guests as opposed to visiting tourists under watch and were able to experience Algeria first hand by staying at overnight homestays with local families. Thanks to Azzedine, Algeria has left a considerable mark and I look forward to returning in the near future to discover the Tuareg regions of Djanet and Tamanrasset. Azzedine will be leading this next trip and I am excited to be taking part in yet another adventure.
Ladislaya– :
We had the luck of finding Azzedine and El-Golea Toursim when we decided to embark on an adventurous family holiday to Alegeria- and the tour definitely did not disappoint. Already from before our departure Azzedine organised everything and made us feel welcome before we had even stepped foot in the country. The entire trip was so well planned taking us from Algiers, down to Ghardeia and on a big loop through the Western Erg. As someone who has travelled a lot through the Middle East I was left amazed by our experience in Algeria. We were definitely off the beaten track, in a country with such a rich history, jaw dropping sand-dunes and landscapes, fascinating culture and above all the most friendly and welcoming locals. Azzedine and his team made us feel so much at home that we no longer felt like tourists in their countries, they were so warm and put in 150% to make our time in Algeria so special and unforgettable. This country is so unique and special we are definitely looking forward to coming again and visiting another part with El-Golea Tourism.
Mrs Barbara Lenz– :
What stunning nature and history this great country has to offer! This tour is for the adventurous, who value the experience more than the full comfort. The tour program is ideal if you love the desert and also want to see the most important sights of Algier plus the highly interesting archelogica sites of Ceasaria Mauretania, Cherchell and Tipasa. El Golea Tourism and Travel considers you much more a guest than a client, they want to show the beauty of their country and hospitable culture and well succeed in doing so. Thank you for a great 11days of very special experiences.
Mr. Keith Mcindoe– :
Not suitable for those who need a polished and predictable routine to their holiday. But it was a great opportunity to learn about the culture and way of life in the hinterland away from the international character of the big cities. And to be in the iconic Sahara Desert as well!
elgoleatourismtravel– :
What stunning nature and history this great country has to offer! This tour is for the adventurous, who value the experience more than the full comfort. The tour program is ideal if you love the desert and also want to see the most important sights of Algier plus the highly interesting archelogica sites of Ceasaria Mauretania, Cherchell and Tipasa. El Golea Tourism and Travel considers you much more a guest than a client, they want to show the beauty of their country and hospitable culture and well succeed in doing so. Thank you for a great 11days of very special experiences.
Mrs. Alexandra Reiterer– :
Great tour, we visited a lot of interesting beautiful places and never met any other tourists.
Mr.Howard Lee Wright– :
Amazing tour,well organised,visited great historic towns and locales en route,drivers and guides were polite,genuine ,and give their best to give great experiences .Along the way,hotels were vey nice.As a ,solo traveller,I felt very safe. This tour was top nocht.Mr.Azzedine.B. was phenomenal and super organised,continually checking in on me,making sure I was well.Taken care of by the drivers/guides each day.