Introducing Algeria
Travel Alert: The security situation in Algeria is volatile; check Safe Travel for current government warnings.
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Once a popular holiday destination on a par with neighbouring Morocco, Algeria's tourist industry all but disappeared when bitter civil war broke out in 1992. After a decade of conflict the situation improved slightly, and some access to the southern Sahara region has been possible in the last couple of years. However, independent travel without a vehicle is almost nonexistent, and after the tourist abductions of 2003 self-drive travellers need to be very aware of the risks involved.
This dearth of visitors is a great shame, as Algeria is one of the most fascinating countries in North Africa. In the dramatic Unesco-listed Tassili N'Ajjer and Hoggar regions, near the town of Tamanrasset, tribal culture is very much alive, and the day-to-day hassle common to many Arab countries is conspicuously absent. Algiers contains a vivid mix of tradition and modernism, its colonial past maintaining a presence. Timimoun embodies the storybook oasis town of the Sahara, and the welcoming town of In Salah is split in two by a creeping sand dune.
Your options for travel are limited, especially as a backpacker, but a chance to see even a part of this vast nation should not be passed up.
Last updated: Aug 23, 2010
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Oued Laou - paradise not
by kate88 14 September 2011
Yep, the guide books say there are restaurants in Oujda (a bit like they say you can get beer in Oued Laou!). My copy of the LP mentioned…
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RE: Europcar Tripoli
by Johnbrighton 11 September 2011
How are you going to drive across the Algeria / Morocco border?
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RE: Ferries to Egypt
by anillos_de_saturno 11 September 2011
You don't say your travel dates but if Lybia is stable on your travel dates, as you are spaniard, you could get to Egypt overland from…
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