Visiting In Salah is discovering a new facet of Algérie. Treat yourself to a wonderful escape into the heart of the Algerian desert as you explore the wonders of this remarkable city. With its refined atmosphere and soothing spirit, this destination opens the doors to adventure and rejuvenation.

Legend and History of Ain Salah

Since time immemorial, In-Salah has served as a vital crossroads for trade between the north and south of the Sahara. It plays a crucial role in the date trade with African coastal nations, thanks to the activity of caravan merchants. The city is often described as the "port of the desert."

Founded in the 13th century, the city was established where a natural spring, Aïn, flowed forth. Legend has it that the first foggara—an underground water channel—was dug by an enslaved man named Salah, lending his name to the city. These foggaras not only ensured the region's water supply but also enabled the irrigation of crops and palm groves. In-Salah also benefits from artesian wells.

As the capital of its region, In-Salah lies in the Tidikelt plain, at the foot of the Tademaït.

The wilaya of In Salah was created on November 26, 2019, and officially established in 2021, after being designated as a delegated wilaya in 2015 by law no. 15-140. Before 2019, it was part of the wilaya of Tamanrasset.

A Brief Geography

Situated in the heart of the Algerian Sahara, the world's largest desert, In Salah lies in the Tidikelt basin. The wilaya, covering an area of 131,220 km², comprises the communes of In Salah, In Ghar, and Foggaret Ezzaouia. It is bordered to the north by the wilayas of El Meniaa and Ouargla, to the east by the wilaya of Illizi, to the northwest by Timimoun, to the west by the wilaya of Adrar, and to the south by the wilaya of Tamanrasset.

Visit In Salah, a Remarkable City of Algérie

Located in southern Algérie, In Salah is a desert oasis. Since 2019, it has been part of the wilaya bearing its name. This city marks the final waystation before a vast 660 km stretch of desert toward Tamanrasset, without a single resupply point. It is surrounded by majestic dunes.

The wilaya of In Salah extends over an area of 134,218.75 km² and is home to 60,690 inhabitants. Its predominantly flat landscape is enhanced by the Tadmit hills and the Tidklelit plains. It encompasses the municipalities of In Salah, An Ghar, and Fuqarat al-Zawa.

Positioned at the southern edge of the arid Tademaït plateau, the city is a vital crossroads of ancient caravan routes, linking North Africa to Central Africa. Despite a decline in its commercial role, In Salah remains essential for the Tuareg nomads and focuses on date exports. Known for its clay-brick buildings and ksars, its oasis benefits from irrigation by artesian wells. The sebkhas to the southwest are fed by underground drainage.

In Salah, Land of Black Gold

In the depths of the region lies a treasure trove of black gold: deposits of precious oil and gas. Managed by a Franco-Algerian enterprise, this precious wealth is the fruit of a strong partnership with Sonatrach.

Its Climate

In Salah is enveloped by a hot desert climate, typical of the hyper-arid vastness of the Central Sahara. Summer is exceptionally long and scorching, while winter is mild, marked by warm days and cool nights.

The region experiences temperature extremes, with peaks ranging between 47°C and 50°C in summer. In Salah is thus reputed to be one of the hottest cities on the planet, which sometimes earns it the nickname "triangle of fire." In winter, however, there is a striking contrast with pleasantly warm days and nights that invite the freshness of evening air.

Rainfall is exceptionally rare in this region, with an annual average of just 14 mm. Rain is most notable in autumn, between October and November. For the rest of the year, precipitation is virtually non-existent.

What to Visit in the City and Its Surroundings

• Adrar N'Ahnet
• Immidir
• Tademaït Plateau
• Tidikelt Plain