Consult our travel guide with all the information you need to prepare your trip to the Algerian Sahara.

Insurance :

To take part in our programs, you must be insured for your trip abroad (repatriation insurance). We invite you to check whether you also benefit from these guarantees.

You must take out insurance before or during your stay, by contacting the insurance company that guarantees your trip.

FORMS AND PROCEDURES

What documents do I need to travel to Algeria?

You'll need your passport, visa and family record book if you're traveling with minor children.

Travelling with children? French minors are subject to the same obligations as adults.

Travel guide :

Passport

The passport is the document you'll need to travel to Algeria.

There are several possible scenarios when planning your trip:

You have a European passport. You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months. Find out about any stamps or visas that might prevent you from entering the country.

For dual Algerian nationals, you can enter Algeria with your Algerian passport. You will need a valid identity document from your country of residence for your return (identity card, residence permit or passport).

Minors are required to have an individual passport.

For minors traveling without a parent or legal guardian, we recommend that you fill out an authorization to leave the country, available on the public service website (www.service-public.fr).

Visa :

You must apply for a visa at your local consulate. Here is a list of consulates with departments throughout France: www.amb-algerie.fr/reseau-consulaire/

Foreign tourists wishing to visit southern Algeria only can obtain a regularization visa on arrival, without having to apply for a regular visa. The regularization visa is issued by the tourist agency, which collects the traveller's details.

Processing time: about two weeks

Tourist visa fee: Approximately €110.

Documents required (French nationals only).

Visa application form (in duplicate) :

• Passport

• 2 passport-size photographs

• 2 recent passport photographs of any minor children listed in the applicant's passport, if they are also traveling

• A certificate of travel insurance valid for the entire duration of the trip (repatriation, hospitalization and medical expenses), to be requested from your insurance company.

• A certificate of accommodation will be provided by our agency if you are transiting through an airport in northern Algeria; otherwise, we will provide you with a boarding authorization if you are boarding in Paris; the regularization visa will be issued on arrival at an airport in one of the cities in southern Algeria (non-exhaustive list). Please note that the visa on arrival will be valid only for the duration of your stay, and only for southern Algeria, not for the whole of Algeria.

For those wishing to obtain a visa at the Algerian consulate in their place of residence, the visa will be valid for a specific period and for the whole of Algeria. The list of documents to be provided should be checked when contacting the relevant consulate.

For other nationalities, please contact your local Algerian consulate.

The applicant must be present in person at the consulate when applying for and collecting the visa.

You can rest assured that our team will be with you every step of the way, until you receive your visa. The most important thing is to take the necessary steps at the consulate well in advance of your planned departure date.

How do I get to Djanet?

Since December 17, 2022, Air Algérie has been offering direct flights from Paris to Djanet.

However, if you don't want to go to Paris, or if the flight is full, you can transit via Algiers. To get to Djanet, Air Algérie offers several flights throughout the week from Algiers, usually in the late evening. Our team will be on hand to welcome you at the airport of your final destination.

Is it dangerous to travel to Algeria?

For many years, Algeria was not considered a tourist destination due to its history and geopolitics. Today, the government is investing in this area, and the destination is attracting many adventure-seeking tourists. Many European countries have lifted all their security restrictions. What's more, the Quai d'Orsay has relaxed its recommendations. Southern Algeria (Ghardaïa, Biskra, Taghit, etc.) and the deep south of Algeria (Djanet, Tamanrasset, Illizi, Adrar, etc.) are highly secure tourist destinations where foreign tourists are perfectly safe.

HEALTH AND HYGIENE:

What vaccinations are required or recommended for a trip to Algeria?

No vaccinations are compulsory for travel to Algeria, but some are strongly recommended: universal vaccines (DTPP), hepatitis A and B, typhoid.

Medical certificate :

We do not require a medical certificate to take part in our tours, but we do recommend that you contact your GP for a medical check-up, specifying your plans. Certain chronic illnesses (asthma, respiratory diseases, epilepsy, heart disease, etc.) can sometimes present a contraindication to trekking. For your own safety, you must inform us if you are undergoing any particular treatment. Certain disorders or ailments do not necessarily prevent you from trekking, but our guide must be informed so that he can make the necessary arrangements (to ensure your safety).

What are the essentials in the first-aid kit?

We recommend that you prepare a first-aid kit with the help of your doctor or pharmacist. This will enable you to provide first aid before you need to consult a doctor.

We recommend you take :

• Single-dose disinfectant, sterile compresses and dressings, plasters

• Analgesic and anti-inflammatory

• Anti-diarrheal

• Antihistamine

• Eye drops and saline solution

• Sunscreen and lip balm SPF 50

• Mosquito repellent

• Water purification tablets

• Small medical equipment: scissors, tweezers

• Your personal pharmacy and current treatments (medication or contraception - remember to keep your prescriptions).

• Digestive comfort: acid reflux, slow digestion, bloating and constipation.

broad-spectrum antibiotics.

How do you prepare your body for a trek?

Trekking requires a good level of physical fitness, with no restrictive health problems.

To get the most out of your trip, the best form of training is walking. Don't forget to keep in shape by walking regularly - an average of 10km a week is enough.

During the trek, keep sufficiently hydrated to avoid joint pain. Do some stretching after exercise to avoid soreness.

Should I choose between glasses or contact lenses?

When traveling, glasses can become a nuisance if they don't fit properly. Make sure your frames fit properly over your nose and ears. Wearing contact lenses has its advantages: better vision, no risk of scratches or cracks. However, they do require a number of hygiene precautions: handle with clean hands, in a dust-free environment, sheltered from the wind, preferably in your tent or car. A pocket mirror is strongly recommended for handling.

How do I go to the toilet on a trek?

You'll need to adapt to the conditions of the environment, i.e. the desert. But don't worry, lunch breaks and bivouacs are always located in places where everyone can find privacy. For the sake of nature, please keep your personal waste to yourself and dispose of it at the end of the day in the communal garbage can provided.

-Washing up on the trek

Water for washing up is available every day, in the region of 1 liter. Just ask your guide.

Wipes are necessary for freshening up. Choose biodegradable or eco-responsible wipes and dispose of them in your personal garbage can, or light them on fire after use, keeping a lighter or matches handy.

Hydro-alcoholic gel remains an effective hygiene accessory for hand washing.

CURRENCY:

-What is the currency and its exchange rate?

The Algerian dinar is the official currency. On site, you'll need almost no money (except for tips and souvenirs when you visit the market).

The official exchange rate is subject to change, so it's up to you to check the rate in effect at the time of your trip.

Where can I get dinars?

You can change currency as soon as you arrive at Algiers airport, at any exchange office or Algerian bank. You can also exchange them at your bank in France.

How much foreign currency can a traveller carry?

For travelers entering Algeria, there is no import limit. However, for amounts exceeding €1,000, a customs declaration is required.

For travelers leaving Algeria, no declaration is required up to €1,000 for nationals and €5,000 for foreigners. Travelers can take out up to €7,500, provided they present a bank certificate.

Declaration forms are available from customs offices. Travelers can also make an electronic declaration on the official website of the Direction Générale des Douanes (https://www.douane.gov.dz/).

CLIMATE:

What's the climate like in southern Algeria?

The climate is generally subtropical desert, with mild winters (but cold at night) and hot, dry, sunny summers. From October to February, the days are pleasant and the nights cold. With climate change, the timing of the sandstorms is unpredictable. Historically, March is the windiest month in the region.

Over the course of the year, temperatures generally range from 4°C to 38°C. It rarely falls below 0°C or rises above 40°C.

EQUIPMENT:

What equipment is essential and what is optional ?

When trekking in the desert, you need to be equipped to cope with changing weather and environmental conditions. The right equipment is a guarantee of safety and an essential part of the success and comfort of your stay.

To help you meet this challenge, we have compiled a list of essential and optional equipment for your trip.

Essentials

• Cabin baggage

• A small daypack

• Hold luggage

• Suitable clothing and accessories (see Textile Equipment)

• One or two pairs of sunglasses

• Isothermal water bottle (minimum 750 ml)

• Headlamp with batteries

• Wet wipes for personal hygiene

• Disposable tissues

• Toilet paper, sanitary protection

• Toiletry bag and microfiber bath towel

First-aid kit (see health and hygiene section)

• Hydro-alcoholic gel

• Pocket mirror

An external battery (preferably solar-powered) for charging your phone and other devices

• Small garbage bags for garbage (prefer small paper bags)

• Sleeping bag and pillow.

• A sleeping bag.

• A lighter (to burn paper and wipes).

Optional:

• A sewing kit

• Walking stick

• Camelbak hydration bag

• Dental floss

Small-format dry shampoo

How to dress for a desert tour?

Here's a list of items that may help you pack for your trip. Please note that this list is not exhaustive:

• 1 T-shirt per day

• 1 long-sleeved trekking shirt (optional)

• 1 warm fleece for cold nights

• 1 down jacket

• 2 pairs of trekking pants or leggings for women

• 1 comfortable outfit for the evening

• 1 pair of pyjamas

underwear for the duration of the trek

• 1 hat or cap

• 1 hat for cold nights

• 1 bathing suit

• 1 pair of socks per day

• 2 pairs of warm socks for the night

• 1 pair of breathable, hard-soled sneakers

• 1 pair of sandals for walking in the sand

• 1 pair of flip-flops/crocs

What luggage should I take?

For your comfort, you can bring :

• 1 small backpack (personal documents). This will also be useful during the day.

• 1 soft carry-on bag (hygiene wipes, medication, fleece, down jacket, comfortable evening wear, underwear, socks, emergency t-shirt, swimsuit, cap, water bottle). This backpack will come in very handy in the event of problems with your hold luggage.

• 1 piece of soft hold luggage, such as a rucksack or shopping bag (the rest of your equipment, textiles, snacks).

During your flight, plan to travel in sneakers.

Do I need a travel adapter?

In Algeria, the voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. If the voltage in your country is between 220V - 250V (Europe, Australia and most Asian countries), you can use your device. If your devices are between 100V - 127V (USA, Canada and most South American countries), you can't use them. You'll need a voltage converter and a type C or F adapter.

Your devices can also be recharged in the car during journeys via your USB cables.

Tips for photographing in the desert

The desert is a playground for photography enthusiasts. The landscapes are rich and varied.

First of all, before you leave, charge your camera batteries to 100%. Check your equipment to make sure you haven't forgotten anything (lenses, camera body, memory card, film, cables, etc.).

We recommend using a plastic bag to protect your cameras from sand.

In Algeria, all sophisticated cameras, drones, binoculars and telescopes are prohibited.

Rock paintings are photographed without flash.

MEALS :

-What do we eat on treks in the Sahara?

During your stay, a cook accompanies you and takes care of all meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, evening meal and tea ritual).

Meals are well-balanced and hearty, consisting mainly of salads at lunchtime and traditional hot dishes in the evening.

Don't forget to bring your own snacks (cookies, cereal bars, protein bars, rice cakes, crackers, seeds, dried fruit, etc.).

Foods containing chocolate should be avoided because of the heat.

In case of intolerance or specific diet, please inform us imperatively.

Water management :

Water is available in sufficient quantities. Nevertheless, it is very precious in the desert. Use it sparingly for personal and dental hygiene.