Not many people realise that Algeria is the second largest country on the African Continent. Extending from the Mediterranean coast to the Sahara Desert, this country offers the traveller a unique experience with ever changing landscapes.

Positioning itself on the north coast of Africa, Algeria shares its borders with Tunisia and Libya to the east, Mauritania, Niger and Mali to the south, and Morocco to the west. With a 1,200 kilometre coastline, the country’s northernmost territory, the Tell, is also home to more than ninety percent of Algeria's population. As this area is the most fertile in the country and also contains some major cities including the capital, Algiers, this is not too surprising.

As in Morocco, the Atlas Mountains claim a major part of middle Algiers with both the Tell Atlas and the Sahara Atlas spreading across the country. South of the Sahara Atlas lies the Sahara Desert, which takes up eighty percent of the country.

With it’s diverse physical makeup the weather conditions vary amazingly, ranging from the North’s moderate Mediterranean climate to the scorching temperatures of the Sahara Desert in the south, both separated by the snow capped Atlas ranges. For more detailed weather information go to www.worldweather.org

The local currency is Algerian Dinars. For the current exchange rates go to www.xe.com


The major tourist draw is the capital Algiers. Edged by the blue of the Mediterranean, this is the ideal setting for the whitewashed buildings of the city. This major port is developing into a popular call for cruise ships. The City offers the traveller a variety of entertainment as well as interesting museums and historical buildings.

The National Museum of Fine Arts of Algiers is home to more than eight thousand artworks and is considered to be the biggest museum dedicated to art in the Maghreb, Middle East and Africa.

The Museum of Antiquities offers a wide variety of topics and includes items from throughout Algeria and beyond its borders

Located not too far from the Museum of Antiquities, and housed in an old Turkish-style mansion, is the Bardo Museum. Some of its most rare exhibits include fossils and a collection of rock carvings and paintings from the Tassili n'Ajjer region in the Sahara Desert.

As the name suggests, the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions is located in a 16th century Ottoman palace and features an interesting collection of local arts and crafts.

Along with it’s capital Algiers, most of Algeria's important cities – Annaba, Oran, Skikda and Mostaganem - are located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Annaba is the commercial center of eastern and southern Algeria, with its economy driven by industry, finance and tourism. Visitors to Annaba, which is well known for its stunning beaches, superb hotels and lively nightlife, are mainly from European countries such as Italy and France, with ferries running between Annaba and Marseilles, transporting visitors to this fascinating North African country

Oran is around 80 kilometres west of Mostagenem and is Algeria’s second largest city. It is a fascinating destination as well as being the birthplace of Rai music. Rightly proud of having some of the best beaches in the country, the city was founded in 937 AD by Andalusian traders. It offers the visitor ancient architecture combined with age old traditions. It is also the country’s educational and industrial centre.

Skikda was founded by the French in 1838 and was built on the ruins of an ancient Phoenician settlement, which had later been occupied by the Romans. Roman occupation was brought to an end when the port was destroyed by the Vandals – an East Germanic tribe which dominated the region in 439 CE. Skikda's museum displays some interesting items from this time period. Modern Skikda is primarily a sea port and is home to around 250,000 people

Mostaganem is a port city, established in the 11th century, but with origins dating back to the Roman times. A tributary of the Aïn Sefra River splits the city in two. The ancient Muslim city of Tidgit is in the northeast and the modern city of Mostaganem is in the southwest. The city is known for its theatre, music and literature, with a number of famous Algerian musicians, writers and poets calling based here.

Batna , which was once a French Fortess, is now a small, picturesque town nestling in north east of the country. The French influence is obvious in the town’s attractive architecture as well as it being an artistic haven for young performers. It hosts a thriving agricultural market and has two archaeological sites close to the town both of which date back to Roman times.

Algeria's Timgad Ruins

The City of Timgad was founded around 100 A.D by the Romans (called Thamugas) and built for members of the Roman army as a reward for good service. The town possessed the modern conveniences of the day including a library, 4 bath houses and open-air theater, all of which are still in remarkable shape. In the 7th century the town was destroyed by the Berbers and over time became buried by the Saharan sands thus preserving the ruins.

National Parks

Algeria is a land of great biodiversity. A massive country with a wide variety of landscapes and ecological zones, Algeria has a rich natural heritage. Considered by many to be the most unique natural country of the Mediterranean, Algeria's distinctive morphology, bioclimate, fauna and flora contribute to its great biodiversity. In fact, Algeria is home to some rare species such as the Monk Seal, Barbary red deer, Kabylie Nuthatch and Audouin's Gull. An extensive network of protected areas has been created in Algeria to protect this great natural heritage. Algeria's National Parks encompass a variety of ecosystems, from coastal areas to desert and mountain.

Tassili n'Ajjer National Park in Algeria takes in a large portion of the Tassili n'Ajjer mountain range. Located in the southeast of Algeria, you will discover a variety of natural wonders in this Algerian National Park. The sandstone composition of the mountain range has resulted in a variety of rock arches and other landforms all slowly etched out by erosion. Sandstone has also contributed to the area's ability to sustain large amounts of plant life as it holds water well. Vegetation in the Tassili n'Ajjer National Park is mostly woodland made up of endemic, endangered plant species, namely Saharan Myrtle and Saharan Cypress. Due to the numbers of endangered species along with the greatarcheological significance of the area, the National Park has been declared a World Heritage Site. The closest town providing access to the park is Djanet.

Activities

The Algiers Golf Course is the only golfing establishment in Algeria and has all the features and facilities expected from a top class golf course. First and foremost, the course is strategically located, giving golfers wonderful views of both the city and the picturesque coastline, while enjoying the almost ten kilometers of the course. It is an eighteen-hole golf course that is regularly enjoyed by both local and foreign golfing fanatics. Golfers who are not able to pack their golfing equipment can rest assured that the course does have a hiring facility and professional staff to assist visitors. Enjoying a few rounds of golf at this superb establishment is definitely recommended, as the Algiers Golf Course exceeds most expectations.

Algeria, with its wide open spaces, massive sand dunes, impressive mountains and deep canyons, is a country just waiting to be explored. Adventure travel in Algeria is booming! To cater for the numerous adventure tourists who visit the country, various companies have begun to offer unique Algerian adventure tours. Join us as we consider some the exciting activities on offer in this diverse and fascinating country.

It is Algeria's vast deserts and amazing mountains that draw adventure travelers from far and wide to this beautiful North African country. Adventure companies often offer fun-filled expeditions to the Hoggar Mountains and the Tassili N'Ajjer plateau. Four-wheel drive is one of the most popular means to traverse the far-reaches of the country. Four-wheel driving adventures to Tassili du Hoggar will take you for a six hour journey across rocky hills and oueds. From a safety perspective, it is advisable to join an organized four-wheel drive excursion, which has the added advantage of having a knowledgeable guide on hand to teach you more about this fascinating country. If you feel you have good navigational skills and would like to create your own desert adventure, there are several car hire companies in Algeria's larger cities. Find yourself a comprehensive map and a good compass or even GPS and you are set to go. Remember to also take extra fuel with you and any other necessities as you venture into the isolated zones of Algeria.

Tired of traveling the conventional way? Try a 4x4 of a different kind - a camel. Experience the Sahara desert the traditional way, the way people throughout the ages have been covering vast distances between towns and villages in North Africa. Riding to some of Algeria's best known geological features on the back of a camel is a unique experience not to be missed. Your guide will be able to take you to unforgettable areas of Algeria and teach you much during your journey.

Another living 4x4 that many people are more familiar with is the horse. Horseback adventures are a great way to explore Algeria's stunning coastline. Picture yourself cantering beside the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, the wind whistling past your ears. Horseback trips can lead you to lesser known villages where you can truly immerse yourself in Algerian culture. Whether it is just a day or several days, horseback is a great form of adventure travel in Algeria.

Opportunities for adventure travel in Algeria are endless. Algeria can truly satisfy the adventurous heart.

Trekking is a popular activity throughout the world. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. What better way to get to know a country and appreciate its exquisite natural scenery than by trekking through untouched areas. Trekking in Algeria is a unique experience with the great diversity of landscapes makes for a fascinating journey.

Hiking through Algeria will give you the wonderful opportunity of seeing some of the country's most spectacular sights as well as the chance to meet various indigenous people in isolated villages. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just starting out, Algeria has something to offer everyone.


GETTING THERE

Just 17 kilometres south east of the city is Houari Boumediene Airport which is the international gateway to Algeria.

There is a wide selection of ferries to Algeria. You can book by specific route and time from Alicante, Barcelona, Almeria, Marseille and Sete (Click on Sete to see Tour-smart's article on this picturesque French Port) to Bejaia, Oran, Alger, Skikda and Ghazaouet with SNCM Ferries or Acciona Trasmediterranea. For more information, including prices & availability, and to book visit Southern Ferries.

For current visa requirements go to www.projectvisa.com