Voyages

From the M’zab Valley to the Oases of the Sahara

12 Nights / 13 Days

Algiers – Ghardaïa – Timimoun – Beni Abbès – Bechar – Algiers

A once in a lifetime adventure through desert wonders, ancient ksars and timeless traditions

Day 1: welcome to Algiers

Arrival at Algiers international Airport

Meet and greet by our friendly team. Transfer and check-in at the hotel. In the evening, discover "Algiers by Night" — a vibrant immersion into the nighttime ambiance of the capital. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Discovering Algiers – Ghardaïa

Breakfast at the hotel. guided tour of the Casbah of Algiers: its palaces, traditional houses, and ancient mosques. Lunch at a traditional restaurant with stunning views over the Bay of Algiers. Visit the stunning Notre-Dame d’Afrique basilica. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Ghardaïa. The heart of the M’zab valley Warm welcome and transfer to the guesthouse AKHAM, located in the heart of the Beni Isguen palm grove. Check-in and settle into a peaceful traditional and authentic setting. Enjoy a Local gourmet dinner at the residence, followed by mint tea tasting under the stars. Overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 3: El Atteuf – Beni Isguen

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

• Discover El Atteuf, the oldest of the Mozabite cities. Rich in history and architecture
• Visit the mausoleum of Sidi Brahim, which inspired Le Corbusier’s design for the chapel at Ronchamp.
• Enjoy a typical lunch in town, sampling local dishes.
• Discover the artisan markets and admire handmade carpets.
• Visit the mystical city of Beni Isguen, renowned for its authenticity and preserved lifestyle.
• Return to the guesthouse for relaxation and a friendly dinner.
• Overnight stay.

Day 4: Journey to Timimoun – The Red Oasis

• Departure for Timimoun via the El Goléa oasis.
• Lunch in El Goléa.
• Visit the tomb of Charles de Foucauld, near the Church of Saint Joseph.
• Arrival in Timimoun in the late afternoon.
• Check-in at Résidence Tin Habib.
• Traditional dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Palm Groves and Ksours of Timimoun

1. 4x4 excursion to discover Timimoun’s treasures:

• Village of Ighzer and its cave
• Ouled Said, its palm grove and ancient irrigation system
• Aghlad, its ksar and crafts Lunch under the palm trees. cross the majestic Dune on your return to Timimoun. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Timimoun – Beni Abbès

Breakfast

• Visit the local market, the inhabited ksar, and artisan shops.
• Lunch in town.
• Road to Beni Abbès (350 km), with scenic stops in Kerzaz and Tamtart.
• Visit the Zaouia of Kerzaz and enjoy tea tasting.
• Check-in at Hotel Rym (Groupe El Aurassi).
• Dinner and overnight in a charming traditional house with a folklore evening.

Day 7: Discovering Beni Abbès

Breakfast

• Visit the ancient Ksar, Mawlid Square, and the hermitage of Father Charles de Foucauld.
• Lunch by the pool at Sidi Othmane.
• 4x4 excursion to Merhouma and its petrified forest.

• Visit prehistoric  rock engravings and enjoy a magical sunset in the dunes.
• Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Desert Safari and Mechoui under the Stars

• Camelback trek across the dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental (or 7 km hike for the adventurous).
• Desert lunch featuring traditional slow-cooked chicken.
• Afternoon relaxation and shopping at the artisan market.
• Sunset 4x4 desert safari.
• Mechoui dinner under the stars with campfire and Saharan music ambiance.

Day 9: Heading to Taghit – The Pearl of the Desert

• Scenic drive to Taghit via the Berber villages of Mazer and Igli.
• Arrival in Taghit, discover Djebel Baroun and the old ksar.
• Lunch under the palm trees.
• Check-in at Bordj de Taghit.
• Excursion to the Zaouia Ahtanya and its ancient rock engravings.
• Visit to the lake, with optional kayaking.
• Climb the great dune for an unforgettable sunset.
• Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 10: Bechar – Algiers

• Departure to Bechar Airport (1h15 drive).
• Flight to Algiers.
• Lunch at a typical restaurant.
• Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 11: Excursion to Tipaza and Cherchell

Breakfast at the hotel.

• Depart for Tipaza, a coastal town known for its UNESCO-listed Roman ruins.
• Visit the ancient theater, circus, baths, and Roman ruins overlooking the sea with Mount Chenoua in the background.
• Lunch at Tipaza port, tasting fresh fish and local specialties.
• Visit the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, also known as the Tomb of Queen Cleopatra Selene, wife of Juba II.
• Continue to Cherchell, a charming coastal town with ancient ruins.
• Visit the archaeological museum of Cherchell.
• Return to Algiers in the evening.
• Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 12: gardens and Shopping in Algiers

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit the Jardin d’Essai du Hamma, a magnificent botanical garden designed like an amphitheater, and one of the world’s most important acclimatization gardens.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon free for shopping.
• Farwell  dinner with live music.

Day 13: Farewell and Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport, with hearts full of unforgettable memories.