On the Ksour road, discovering Béni Abbès and Taghit

First day

Our day begins with our arrival at Béchar airport. We set off for Béni Abbès, 250 km away. On arrival, we settle into a traditional house, full of charm and character, which will be our accommodation for the duration of our stay.

After settling in, we set off on foot to explore the old quarters of the town. We have the opportunity to discover the emblematic historic districts of Beni Abbès, such as Safat, Tlayat and Souiguiat. These districts plunge us into the local history, with their narrow streets and houses with doors decorated with traditional motifs. As we stroll along, we admire the towers and ancient architectural buildings that bear witness to the region’s rich cultural heritage.

At the end of the day, we won’t miss the sunset over the white dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental, offering a magnificent view.

The evening ends with a traditional dinner in our guesthouse, where we enjoy typical regional dishes.

Second day

After breakfast, we start the day with a visit to the Hermitage of Charles de Foucauld. This historic site, steeped in spirituality, allows us to discover the life of this famous hermit and missionary who left his mark on the history of Béni Abbès. From the hermitage, a panoramic view of the surrounding area awaits us, adding to the tranquillity of this unique place.

We continue the morning with a visit to the oldest ksar. Here we discover the oldest mosque, dating from 1605. Built in perfect harmony with nature, the ksour are constructed from sand, clay, stone and palm trunks, elements that give them both solidity and harmonious integration into the desert. Strolling through the narrow streets, we admire the adobe buildings and feel the soul of Beni Abbès.

Our morning continues with a visit to the natural spring of Ayn Sidi Othman. This hidden treasure in the middle of the desert provides a refreshing contrast to the arid landscape.

We then visit the palm grove, with its surprising scorpion shape, dominated at its end by a majestic red dune, the highest in the Great Western Erg. In the heart of this palm grove, we also visit the town’s most beautiful ksar, an architectural gem listed as a national heritage site. Uninhabited since 1957, this ksar bears witness to the rich history of the region.

After lunch, we make a stop at the Ouarourout oasis, where we visit a natural spring hidden in the heart of the desert. Surrounded by dunes, we enjoy a mint tea, taking time to appreciate the calm and majesty of the desert.

At the end of the day, we head for the great dunes of the Erg to watch the sunset. The sky is adorned in shades of gold, orange and purple.

The evening continues with a traditional dinner in the heart of the old ksar, entertained by local artists.

Third day

We start our morning with an unusual activity: sandboarding. It’s similar to snowboarding, except that instead of snow, you have warm sand and large dunes. Possibility of skiing. This early-morning adventure offers unique sensations and unforgettable memories.

After a well-deserved lunch, it’s off to Mazzar. We discover the tranquillity of this small village, before exploring the green palm oasis where an ancient ksar steeped in history also stands. This visit immerses us in the authenticity of Saharan life, where time seems to stand still. We enjoy a mint tea, a moment of relaxation and conviviality in the heart of this picturesque landscape.

At the end of the day, we return to Béni Abbès to admire the sunset. Traditional dinner in our guest house.

Fourth day

After breakfast, we head off to Camel Square for a magnificent camel ride through the sand dunes, followed by a break to discover the traditional preparation of bread (taguella) under the sand.

After lunch, we discover the rock engravings of Marhouma, located in an oasis 18 km south-east of Béni Abbès. These engravings, dating from the Neolithic period, are precious evidence of a human presence dating back several thousand years.

Back in Béni Abbès, we enjoy a delicious traditional dinner, the famous mardoum, stewed meat served in a magnificent khaima, a traditional tent. A culinary experience that takes us to the heart of local traditions. The evening is enlivened by our local musical group, Diwan-Gnaoua.

Fifth day

We embark for El Ouata for a new adventure to an impressive 30 km long site, referred to by geologists as Algeria’s ‘Little Chinese Wall’. It is here that we discover a deposit of Orthoceras (fossils of molluscs and fish), dated at around 470 million years, encrusted in black marble.

We continue the day with a visit to the surrounding ksour. After lunch, we climb aboard our 4×4s, ready for an escapade through the endless expanses of the Great Western Erg before reaching Béni Abbès. The vast white sand dunes stretch to the horizon, creating a magnificent landscape.

The afternoon is devoted to free time, offering everyone the chance to explore the wonders of Béni Abbès at their own pace, rest or visit the local museum. The museum houses many treasures spread over several rooms, including one dedicated to ornithology, where all the bird species of the region are on display. This exceptional collection is the fruit of the work of many great researchers who have stayed here and discovered rare species, thus justifying the very existence of this museum. Other wonders include ancient jewellery and pottery, as well as paintings illustrating Ksour wedding celebrations. It is also possible to have traditional henna applied by expert women to the hands and feet of women and young girls (extra charge).

Sixth day

Around 8.00 am, we leave Béni Abbès for the charming town of Taghit, nicknamed ‘the Enchantress’. Over the 150 km from the white oasis of Béni Abbès to Taghit, a picture-postcard setting unfolds before our eyes. One breathtaking landscape follows another, punctuated by occasional encounters with locals.

On arrival, we discover Taghit’s history by visiting the main ksar, built over 8 centuries ago. Its traditional adobe houses bear witness to the ancestral skills of the inhabitants. As we wander through the narrow streets, we feel the weight of centuries gone by. We then reach the balcony of the palace, an exceptional vantage point overlooking the immensity of the golden dunes and the majestic Mont Baron.

Taghit is famous for its many rock engravings dating back to the Neolithic period. Our exploration continues with the discovery of these. These prehistoric works of art, carved into the rock, tell ancient and mysterious stories – a real journey back in time.

We then head off to the Taghit oasis to admire the lush palm groves and the traditional irrigation systems (foggaras) that enable water to be shared fairly. The Taghit palm grove is one of the largest in the region. It boasts over 100,000 palm trees and 60 varieties of dates.

For the more adventurous, a kayak tour of the oasis is available, offering a unique experience in the heart of this lush oasis. Those who prefer an adrenalin rush can opt for a quad bike ride through the dunes. (optional activity). Under the shade of the palm trees, we settle in for a traditional meal.

After lunch, we enjoy some free time to stroll around the local markets and buy souvenirs from Taghit artisans.

At the agreed time, we set off again for Béchar airport. We leave Taghit with our heads and hearts full of memories, marked by the beauty of its landscapes and the richness of its heritage.

In order to ensure the smooth running of your trip and to guarantee your safety, our guide reserves the right to modify the program according to various unpredictable factors such as traffic, weather conditions, force majeure or other exceptional circumstances. Any changes are made in the interest of your comfort and safety. We thank you for your understanding and look forward to give you an unforgettable travel experience.