Between Oases and Sands of Gouroura
Six days of camel trekking through the shifting sands of the Grand Erg Occidental, from Timimoun to the hidden palm groves of Béni Aïssi.
Duration
9 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
The Grand Erg Occidental is an immense crescent-shaped sea of sand covering nearly 80,000 km². You will find no mountains there, but dunes that can reach 120 meters in height, shaped by winds and centuries. Circulation there is difficult, even for camels, which is why the great trans-Saharan caravans long skirted this ocean of sand by following its natural boundaries: the Taïdemat plateau to the south, the Saoura valley to the west, and the Anti-Atlas to the north. They traveled these routes for nearly two millennia, making the desert a true crossroads of exchange.
The Grand Erg Occidental forms a complex system of small dune massifs separated by depressions of gray sand. The contrast is striking between the brilliant light of the ochre dunes and the darker hues of the vast basins that punctuate them. Along this camel trek, you discover a living desert, where palm groves, wells, ancient ksour, and traces of caravans tell a millennial story. An immersion in the heart of Gouroura, between grandiose landscapes, Saharan traditions, and nights under the stars.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Flight France > Algiers > Timimoun
Timimoun > Tabelkoza
Timimoun, the red city, reveals its narrow streets, its vast palm grove, its verdant gardens and its particularly ingenious irrigation system, based on water-sharing combs.
Oued Boubaker > Qambou > Ounaich
After loading the camels, we set off on a hiking trek. Having crossed a first dune ridge, we emerge into the Oued Boubaker, vast and without dunes. Then, we find the sand landscape that will be ours until we exit the erg. We pass through the Tit depression, and we arrive in a vast basin where we discover the dry well of Bent Abbad (405m).
We arrive at the Qambou well. There is water, but the well is gradually silting up. Many traces bear witness to the passage of caravans.
Ounaïch > Aïssa Well
The walk continues towards the south-west. It is impossible to move in a straight line because we are not following the axis of the dunes. We must continually wind our way through. We will probably discover the Aïssa well filled in with sand, but we have no need to replenish our water supply.
Bivouac in the dunes.
Oulad Aïach > Béni Aïssi
We are now heading south. Throughout the camel trek, we discover the desert life. It is possible to encounter traces of Rym gazelles, fennec foxes, hares or catch a glimpse of a sand fish, the famous skink, burrowing into its element!
We pass near the important Oulad Aïach palm grove (361m) and we camp in the area of the Arelab basin (351m) dominated by its ruined ksar. A long ridge of sand allows access to it. The view of the surrounding dunes is absolutely beautiful!
We arrive at the beautiful palm grove of the village of Béni Aïssi. Three ksour imposing, placed on the heights, dominate the oasis. For a time, the dunes have lost their vegetation. We are approaching the western edge of the erg.
End of trekking > Timimoun > Algiers
We leave the erg to the East, and advance through a wide corridor with numerous small sandy palm groves.
The edge of the rocky coast bears many and sometimes immense forts that we visit (El Mabrouk, Tezmaia).
We end the hiking in a small palm grove in the village of Semouta, approximately 15 km from Timimoun.
Timimoun > Algiers > France
Arrival in France in the morning.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Visa fees
- Pre-routing Province-Paris
- Travel Insurance: Cancellation, Repatriation and Travel Risks
- Your personal expenses: drinks, phones, tips
- Costs incurred by a possible extended stay
Included
- Air and security taxes
- Movements according to the program
- Full board throughout the stay
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Algeria for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Algeria, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into the country and have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada must be in possession of a valid visa to enter Algeria for a tourist stay. There is no visa exemption for these nationalities.
The visa must be obtained before departure, from the Algerian embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence. It is recommended to apply several weeks in advance, as processing times may vary.
Documents generally required for a visa application include:
a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity,
a completed and signed visa application form,
recent passport-sized photos complying with required standards,
a return flight ticket or booking,
proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
The authorized length of stay is generally 30 days, depending on the conditions mentioned on the visa issued.
Travel with children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport covering the duration of their stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Health
No vaccination is officially required to enter Algeria for nationals of the EEA, Switzerland, and Canada. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure and to ensure that basic vaccinations are up to date (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A).
It is also advisable to take out international health insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the Algerian embassy or consulate of their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to have assistance-repatriation and foreign medical expenses insurance.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required and must be requested from the consulate (consular fees apply, processing time 2-3 weeks). An invitation letter or accommodation certificate is required. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date. Conditions can be stringent. We strongly recommend verifying the rules applicable to your nationality with the Algerian consular authorities before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 140 and 240 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (350-700 euros return) are additional. The Algerian Sahara (Tassili, Hoggar) requires a specific budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to match your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Professional Association of Tourism Solidarity) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Great Saharan South
Pioneer of Algeria's great deserts, based in Ghardaïa / M'zab (puis Alger à partir de 2006)
The desert is not crossed with an itinerary alone. It demands listening, respect, and a certain inner availability.
— Louiza
