Journeys › Far South

The Red Oases Route

Algiers, the M'Zab, El Menia, Timimoun and Tipaza

Length12 days / 11 nights

RegionFar South

EffortModerate

From2 590 €

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Why you'll love this trip

Algiers, Boussaâda, Ghardaia, El Menia, Timimoun and Tipaza on a single itinerary.
A north-to-Sahara progression by road, coach, 4x4 and domestic flight.
The M'Zab valley, oases and ksour before the red desert of Timimoun.
A 4x4 desert experience, an optional camp and a return via the Tipaza coast.

About this journey

From the Algiers seafront to the red dunes of Timimoun, this grand circuit lets you feel the shift into the Sahara unfold. Boussaâda opens the road, the M'Zab introduces the valley's architecture and traditions, El Menia marks a new desert stage, then Timimoun settles the trip among oases, foggaras and camp — before a return by way of Tipaza.

Your day-by-day itinerary

12 days

Day 1AlgiersAirport welcome

Airport welcome, transfer to the hotel and a first look at downtown depending on timing. Night in Algiers.

Day 2AlgiersGuided tour of the Casbah

Guided tour of the Casbah, Notre-Dame d'Afrique, the colonial centre and the Bardo or Fine Arts museum. Night in Algiers.

Day 3Algiers to BoussaâdaSouth by road

South by road, arrival in Boussaâda, discovering the oasis, the old ksar and the Saharan feel. Night in Boussaâda.

Day 4Boussaâda to GhardaiaA long drive to the M'Zab valley

A long drive to the M'Zab valley, the first desert landscapes, check-in and rest. Night in Ghardaia.

Day 5M'Zab valleyExploring Ghardaia

Exploring Ghardaia, Beni Isguen and El Atteuf — architecture, Ibadi traditions and local markets. Night in Ghardaia.

Day 6Ghardaia to El MeniaRoad to El Menia

Road to El Menia, a stop in the desert landscapes, discovering the oasis and its ksar. Night in El Menia.

Day 7El Menia to TimimounOff to Timimoun

Off to Timimoun, arriving in the world of red dunes and foggaras, check-in and a first immersion.

Day 8TimimounVillages

Villages, oases, the foggara system, local encounters and a walk in the dunes at sunset.

Day 9Desert and campA 4x4 excursion in the red desert

A 4x4 excursion in the red desert, walks and wide landscapes. Night in Timimoun, with an optional nomad camp depending on the set-up.

Day 10Return to AlgiersA morning of craft or cooking activities

A morning of craft or cooking activities, then a domestic flight depending on the set-up, check-in at the hotel and rest.

Day 11TipazaA coastal excursion: Tipaza and Cherchell

A coastal excursion: Tipaza and Cherchell, then back to Algiers at the end of the day.

Day 12DepartureTransfer to the airport and end of the trip.

Transfer to the airport and end of the trip.

What you'll discover

M'Zab valley

Two nights allow you to settle into the valley before pushing on towards the Sahara.

Timimoun

Three days shape the Saharan part around the oases, the foggaras and a 4x4 excursion.

Tipaza & Cherchell

The final excursion brings the trip back to the Mediterranean before departure.

Route map

Where you'll go

A clear look at the The Red Oases Route route — just the key stops along the way.

RouteThe Red Oases Route

Algiers

The capital, the Casbah and museums.

What's included

Timimoun–Algiers flight.
Accommodation in a double room in hotels or guesthouses.
Full board: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners; a méchoui on the 9th evening.
Transfers and travel by comfortable coach; 4x4 in the desert.
A local English- and French-speaking guide throughout.
Entry to sites and museums.
Excursions, guided tours, workshops and a 4x4 outing.
A music evening.
Bottled water during the excursions.
24/7 support.