Oran & Tlemcen
Two western stages, moving from the Mediterranean to the Andalusian heritage before reaching the gates of the desert.
The Western Saharan Odyssey
From Algiers to Timimoun via Oran, Tlemcen and the Saoura
Length12 days / 11 nights
RegionWestern Algeria
EffortGentle
From2 199 €
From 2 199 € per person, private departure, based on 2 travellers sharing a double room. International flights not included. Prices updated 25 April 2026.
Why we created this trip
We created this odyssey to connect two faces of western Algeria that are often set against each other: the urban, Andalusian heritage of Oran and Tlemcen, then the gates of the Sahara, the oases and the red desert. The road lets you feel that transition instead of flying over it. The workshops, the stops, the encounters and the 4x4 turn the crossing into a gradual experience of the territory.
Trip highlights
- Algiers, Oran and Tlemcen before the transition to the Saharan Atlas.
- Taghit and Beni Abbes: oases, palm groves, rock engravings and the first great dunes of the route.
- Timimoun and the red desert with a 4x4 excursion.
- Workshops, guided visits and a musical evening included in the combined-circuit package.
The Znika moments
Day by day
12 daysDay 1AlgiersWelcome and first discovery
Welcome at the airport, transfer to the hotel and a first discovery of the centre depending on arrival time.
Day 2AlgiersThe Casbah and the capital's landmarks
Guided visit of the Casbah, Notre-Dame d'Afrique, city centre and museum according to the programme.
Day 3AlgiersOranHeading west
Domestic flight or road transfer depending on configuration, then a first discovery of Oran.
Day 4OranTlemcenOran then the road to Tlemcen
Discovery of Oran, then the road to Tlemcen at the end of the day.
Day 5TlemcenAndalusian heritage
Andalusian heritage, palaces, mosques, gardens and historic lanes.
Day 6TlemcenAin SefraAt the gates of the Saharan Atlas
Road to Ain Sefra and arrival at the foot of the Saharan Atlas.
Day 7Ain SefraTaghitThe oasis, the ksar and the palm groves
Road to Taghit, discovery of the oasis, the ksar and the palm groves.
Day 8TaghitBeni AbbesDunes, engravings and sunset
A day among dunes and palm groves, sunset and rock engravings, then the road to Beni Abbes.
Day 9Beni AbbesOasis, ksar and local heritage
Discovery of the oasis, the ksar, the local heritage and the chapel of Charles de Foucauld.
Day 10Beni AbbesTimimounTowards the red desert
Crossing to Timimoun and a first immersion in the red desert.
Day 11TimimounAlgiers4x4 in the red desert, then flight back
4x4 excursion in the red desert, then a domestic flight to Algiers and overnight stay.
Day 12DepartureAirport transfer
Transfer to the airport and end of the journey.
What you discover
Taghit
Oasis, ksar, palm groves and dunes settle the journey into the Saoura.
Beni Abbes
A day around the oasis, the ksar and the local heritage.
Timimoun
The red desert closes the crossing with a 4x4 outing before the return to Algiers.
Route map
Included
Included experiences
- Access to sites and museums.
- Excursions, guided visits, workshops and a 4x4 outing.
- Musical evening.
Logistics & support
- Timimoun–Algiers flight.
- Double-room accommodation in hotels or guesthouses according to the programme.
- Full board: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners; mechoui on the 9th evening.
- Transfers and transport by comfortable bus; 4x4 in the desert.
- Multilingual local guide throughout the trip.
- Bottled water during excursions.
- 24/7 assistance.
Not included
- International flight (return).
- Visa fees.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Drinks, meals and services not included in the chosen package.
- Personal equipment.
- Optional excursions or activities not planned in the programme.
- Possible luggage fees depending on the airline.
Photo album
