Mzab Valley & Oases Tour 7 days

Day 1 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 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 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 El-Goléa

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 El-Goléa - 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 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 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.