Algeria

Officially known as the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, this North African country is considered the second largest country on the entire African continent and the largest on the Mediterranean Sea. In the past, Algeria was a popular tourist destination until the civil war in 1992 brought the tourism industry down. Tourist arrivals started to improve by small increments beginning early 2000, when the Sahara region covered by Algerian territory was opened to tourists. Independent travel has become unpopular since the height of tourist abductions in 2003.

Despite the lack of tourists, Algeria remains to be a fascinating country. Places to check out include the regions of Tassili N’Ajjer and Hoggar, both listed as UNESCO Heritage Sites, where local color is rife in the everyday lives of traditional Algerian tribes. There is also the Algiers, where the old school and the modern meet to showcase an interesting mix of Algeria’s colonial past and hopeful present. Timimoun provides tourists a slice of the Sahara desert while In Sajah is made interesting by the sand dunes that divide the region into two.

Because of its geographical location, the weather in Algeria is mildly wet during winters but can get extremely hot and dry during summers. To enjoy the coastal area, it is recommended that you travel during the months of spring and summer. On the other hand, the Saharan region is best enjoyed between the late autumn and early spring months of November and April.

Although the government has taken steps to ensure the safety of tourists, it is still advisable to check safety advisories. Algeria’s history of abductions and bomb attacks make the place dangerous for backpackers.

Algeria