Go for it. You are not missing out on anything. AFAIK Tadrart provides an ultimate desert experience.

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www.globerider.pl

Hi,
Hoggar and Tefedest are open for tourist now.
Best Regards
Artur Urbanski

I think not doing the Assekrem is a shame - just my thoughts. If you're really short on time and a competent driver/rider, it's a 2.5 hour drive each way so can even be done in a day...

So, open or not open?

RR.

Hi,
They were opened to the public on the 1st of January 2017.
You can check in Tamanrasset. Only these areas are open for foreign tourists.
Best Regards
Artur

Even with my car or only by air?
Sorry my 1st question was not accurate enough
RR.

Hi all

Got back on Sunday after my trip around Djanet with Torre.pl, led by Artur's wife Madga.

This has been my best trip to Algeria and indeed the best trip anywhere for quite some time. Every day of the 2 weeks I spent there I did something special, saw something special and met someone special. I'll put the pictures and videos online as soon as possible.

Mark

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www.overlandcruiser.wordpress.com

I have been pondering an Algeria trip down to the south next year. What time of year would be best to go, Feb-Mar or Oct-Nov?

I've found November best. Oct can be too hot and even late summer storms.
By March the winds are back.

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Morocco Overland 4 (2025) • Trans Morocco Trail

Great, thanks Chris. That question answered. I had been planning for autumn anyway but was willing to be flexible if the weather was better earlier in the year.

I guess the next question is to go with an organised group, if anyone is planning a tour, or assemble my own small team of friends and hire our own guide. I am definitely not a 'fly and drive' type, so will only go if I can take my own vehicle(s).

Only just seen these further posts. Chris / Tembo - I can DEFINITELY confirm it was windy in March! By day it was about 30 C (but a dry heat, so you didn't really feel it) and down to 10/15 by night. They were saying that when they did the same tour at end Dec 16, they had frost on their tents in the mornings.

I also met 2 foreigners in their own vehicles (German and Austrian) in Essendilene Canyon and they had a local guide in a 3rd (local) vehicle.

I can 100% recommend the local guide and agency that Torre.pl used. PM me if you want further info.

Mark

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www.overlandcruiser.wordpress.com

Just back from a nearly 3 week trip to the Tadrart & Central Tassili, weather was a very plasant 25-30C except for two days when it went over thity, nights were cool and almost no wind. A howling sandstorm brew up on the afternoon of the last day causing a hasty retreat to Djanet, but other than that everything went smoothly.

Officialdom is still unpredictabe, of our party of ten all but one received the visas more than six weeks before departure at six different embassies on three continents, one (applying at the Frankfurt consulate) never received it, as usual no denial or explanaton given just 'waiting for the approval from Algiers'.

Up till a few months ago day-trips were allowed to Jabbaren on the plateau above Djanet, this time it was no-go, again as usual without any explanation.

There was conspicious military presence in the Tadrart, but no controls anywhere between Djanet and Illizi, everyone appeared very relaxed just like last November. Apperently things are quiet in Ghat accross the border, people with relatives there told me there have been no problems there other than the 'incident' with the two Italian airport contractors.

In summary things do appear to ease up a bit, but still pretty unpredictable, one must always have a plan B & C just in case.

Trip account will be in the works soon.