Introducing Tamanrasset

As the last town on the route south to Niger, Tam, with a current population of around 120, 000, has long been a vital rest stop for ancient caravans and desert traders and, as a major centre for Algeria’s Saharan tourism, is still is a busy crossroads today. It’s one of those places where virtually all trans-Saharan travellers stop for a few days to rest up and make repairs to equipment. Tamanrasset is also the place from which to arrange trips up into the Hoggar Mountains, something that should not be missed on any account.

If you arrive by plane, as many tourists do, you will be treated to a spectacular preview of things to come – endless twisted peaks of red and brown are spread out below you and volcanic craters blister the ground like the surface of some far off planet.

With an altitude of nearly 1400m, Taman-rasset has a climate which stays relatively moderate all year round. Even in midsummer the temperature rarely gets above 35°C. There’s not a great deal to do here but it’s an appealing place in which to while away a couple of days – there’s a good market, some nice cafés and a friendly atmosphere. It’s also a place where you can get things done – there are banks, one of which can change travellers cheques, several internet cafés and Malian and Nigerien consulates for arranging ongoing visas.