In 2009 we got our visas at the embassy in Stockholm, same-day service. I believe cost was €40? The clerk asked us to present hotel bookings which we did.
No questions were asked about transportation.
We then drove to Tunisia in our 4x4.
At the border (Bou Chebka) they asked for a guide but let us go after we showed out hotel reservations for Algiers. We then drove to Illizi without a guide.
So, we were lucky, and an exception to the rule.
Nice little trip it was. I will try it again. :)
Too bad they don't treat you the same way.

In Nov 2010 there were 22 checkpoints on the way to Djanet. Few times we had a problem because we didn't have extraordinary stamp from last town and our guide has to go back to get it. Most frustrating was when was about one hour to sunset sometimes we could not leave checkpoint. "For our security!!". ehhh...

sz

In Jan 2010 we did the same: got the visa same day with a simple hotel reservation to Algiers, drove to the Northern border (since we really had to go to Algiers first) nobody asked a single question about where we were going and if we had a guide or not.

Things change. Especially if you announce you want to visit Le Grand Sud and since you need to have a guide there and you need to have a complete itinerary they are aware of your plans. One car might do the way you did but you can't really do the same with a group of cars.


g.

True, I cannot tell anyone that it will work out this way for them. Most likely it will not.
But it was really straight forward when we did it - we followed all instructions we were given, had all docs in good order, visited the DRS in Ouargla and they stamped our fiches and called down the road to smoothen our passage. They were surprised we drove without a guide but noone demanded one and there were never any arguments or raised voices.
We never avoided police or gendarmes. But it wasn't until Ouargla I dared say "Illizi" when they asked where we were going.
I can recall 14 checkpoints from Oued to Djanet.