Advice - Algeria

[The Other PaulG]

Hi - Can anyone offer advice concerning travel in Algeria??

I did Morocco last year and want to do something that's similar, but different. Questions I immediately have concern getting there, i.e. ferries from Spain, the ports, customs etc.

Then, any tips concerning travelling in Algeria, places to see etc would also be very gratefully received.

The trip will be immediately post-Christmas this year.

Cheers!!

Paul G

 

[Chris That Fat Twat]

Hi - Can anyone offer advice concerning travel in Algeria??

I did Morocco last year and want to do something that's similar, but different. Questions I immediately have concern getting there, i.e. ferries from Spain, the ports, customs etc.

Then, any tips concerning travelling in Algeria, places to see etc would also be very gratefully received.

The trip will be immediately post-Christmas this year.

Cheers!!

Paul G

I preferred Libya for that part of the world but here goes...

this for your ferry http://www.cemar.it/dest/ferries_algerie.htm

www.lonelyplanet.com
www.africatravelling.net
www.fco.gov.uk UK Government site but useful "risk" reports
www.traveldocs.com yank site but can be helpful

Algiers is a bit like Cairo but, if you get a guide or join a group from one of the larger hotels, is safe enough and interesting.
Annaba is their Riviera and beautiful, worth a stay.
Constantine is full of history, loads of amazing bridges and very interesting...but a bit of a toilet.
To travel too far south can be very risky unless you are a "seasoned" traveller but I'll dig out my journal to give you some ideas, and of course you're welcome to borrow any maps.

Medical insurance with repatriation is essential, and get yourself an extra passport.

CTFT

 

[Tsiklonaut]

But aren't Algeria one of those countries that if you go with own viechle alone then you need official acompanying viechle that costs shit lot of money per day?

 

[Chris That Fat Twat]

But aren't Algeria one of those countries that if you go with own viechle alone then you need official acompanying viechle that costs shit lot of money per day?

Yes in parts of Algeria you might need a guide although this is in the more remote areas and mostly for transit routes along the border with Algeria's southern neighbours (Mali, Niger, Chad and Mauritania).
I zigzagged the entire country and joined convoys to cross the more dangerous areas, but never used an official guide. In the past there have been issues with the importation of GPS's but that should have been sorted by now.
Paul for up to date info http://algeria.embassyhomepage.com/ or phone the Consular Section on 0207 5896885.
If you can take your GPS Chris Scott has some routes and reports on his site www.sahara-overland.com , the Hoggar route from south of Mount Tahat across the Sahara is fun but goes far south to Agadez (Niger). For a short stay better to stay in the north, but bear in mind it is the same Atlas and Grand Erg you would have seen in Morocco.

CTFT

 

[nickt]

The HUBB is always a good place to start for travel info, better advice than the official government sites usually as it's from people on the ground.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi

Good thread here about getting into Alg.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/Forum30/HTML/001821.html

HTH,
Nick.