EXPLORE THE LOST CITADELS OF THE SAOURA

Oasis of the sahara, the gardens of the saoura

More than 40,000 years of history dominate the region, where cave paintings and ancient remains marks every visitor, you will cross the fabulous oases of Taghit, Béni Abbès and Timimoune, magnificent landscapes sublimated by the sunset, and meet the locals in the markets or guest houses that will welcome you.

Timimoun is the capital of the Gourara region, an architectural gem in the Red Oasis. . Béni Abbès, nicknamed the "White Oasis", is the pearl of the Western Erg. . Taghit, the Enchantress, built on a rock between the palm grove and the great sand dunes. . Ghardaia, the Mzab Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a rich and original architectural heritage. . Golea, the flower of the Oases, Hassi el Gara lake wetland, a real refuge for the magnificent Pink Flamingo.

Taghit

Taghit is an oasis situated in south-western Algeria, in the Béchar region, on the edge of the Sahara. Surrounded by vast dunes of golden sand and lush palm groves, the town stretches along the Zousfana wadi. Its exceptional natural setting makes it a popular destination for Saharan tourism, particularly for lovers of the desert, hiking and unspoilt landscapes.

It is renowned for its cultural and natural heritage, featuring traditional mud-brick ksour, an ancient hilltop ksar and spectacular views of the erg. The town retains a strong Saharan identity, where local traditions, hospitality and historical heritage blend together, attracting visitors every year who are seeking authenticity and wishing to explore the Algerian desert.

Timimoun

A fascinating destination situated on the edge of the Grand Erg Occidental. It owes its name to the reddish-ochre colour of its rammed-earth (pisé) buildings, which glow particularly brightly at sunset, creating a landscape unlike any other in the world. Nestled in the heart of a palm grove irrigated by an ancient traditional system of foggaras, the town is a veritable haven of greenery amidst the vastness of the desert. Timimoun charms visitors with its Ksour-style architecture, narrow alleyways, vibrant cultural traditions and a peaceful, timeless atmosphere. Once a crossroads for caravan trade, it retains a strong Saharan identity today and is an ideal destination for travellers seeking authenticity, spectacular landscapes and the chance to discover the heritage of the Algerian desert.

Beni Abess

Béni Abbès is an oasis situated in the heart of the Algerian Sahara, known for its exceptional natural setting and peaceful atmosphere, which attracts travellers in search of authenticity. Nicknamed the ‘White Oasis’, the town is built along the Saoura wadi and surrounded by golden dunes, lush palm groves and impressive rock formations.

It is distinguished by its ancient traditional ksar, its typical mud-brick houses and its rich cultural heritage, which reflects the history of the Saharan peoples. Visitors can discover several places, ranging from the hermitage of De Foucault to the local Museum all whithin the Saharan way of life that remains largely unspoilt and enjoy the unique tranquillity offered by this verdant oasis amidst the vast arid landscape. Béni Abbès is therefore an ideal destination for cultural and adventure tourism, combining nature, history and local hospitality.

Ghardaia

Ghardaïa, known as the capital of the M’Zab Valley, is a historic town in southern Algeria founded in 1048 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is distinguished by its traditional earthen architecture, perfectly suited to the Saharan climate, and by its unique urban layout organised around the ksar and the great mosque situated at the highest point of the town. An important cultural and economic centre in the region, Ghardaïa is also renowned for its rich tangible and intangible heritage, including its Ibadite traditions, its crafts and its famous traditional market. The town plays a vital role in preserving the identity of the M’Zab Valley, whilst attracting visitors thanks to its millennia-old history, its exceptional urban layout and the beauty of its desert surroundings.

EL Golea

Renowned for its vast palm grove, its tranquillity and its impressive desert landscapes, and characterised by its ancient ksar and steeped in authentic Saharan traditions, the town offers a striking contrast between the greenery of its gardens and the vastness of the surrounding desert. It is also known for its natural springs and its lake, which attract numerous species of birds, including flamingos in season, its cathedral isis also a must to visit, El Goléa is a peaceful and culturally rich stopover for travellers exploring the Algerian Sahara.

STEPS :
Day 1: Algiers : City tour
Day 2: Algiers Casbah, Museums.
Day 3: Taghit l'Oasis, the valley of the ksour, the White Oasis of Bénis-Abbès, the chapel of Père de Foucault.
Day 4 : Béni-Abbés, Grand Erg Occidental, Red Oasis, Timimoun
Day 5: Timimoune, Foggara, Ouled Said, Igzher cliffs, Aghlad and its ksour.
Day 6: Timimoune, Goléa Oasis. salt lake, migratory birds, pink flamingos.
Day 7 : El Goléa, Ghardaïa,
Day 8 : The old town of Ghardaïa, Béni Izguen, Boulila tower to admire the sunset,
Day 9 : Ghardaïa, Algiers, Hamma Garden, Basilica of Our Lady of Africa.
Day 10 : Cherchell, Tipaza, Roman archaeological site, Algiers.