I wonder if anyone has updates or advice for me, as I'm trying to plan a May 2018 trip to Algeria, focused on the Sahara. I know it's getting hot in May, but I actually want that, as it feels right for the Sahara, and it won't quite be up to maximum temps yet.

Currently, based on reading helpful posts on here as well as an extensive trip report of a biking trip near Djanet about a month ago (anyone from that trip on this forum??) my thinking and my questions are as follows:


1. Driving to the South. I am still open to the idea of flying in to the South, but I'd kind of prefer to drive all the way down. Feels like the right way to see the Sahara, driving 2000km into the desert and feeling the scale of the place... However, I know escorts are necessary in places, and I don't know much about the status of the routes from Algiers, apart from the TSH, which sounds OK.

Additionally, I assume this isn't possible, but if anyone could confirm whether or not it's possible to hire a car in the North and drop it off in the South and fly back, that would be great.

2. Hiring a guide. If I want to drive down, and it is possible, at which point do I need to have a guide with me? I know I probably need one (or more) for the desert itself, but can I just arrange for the guide(s) to join me in Djanet? Also, is there a way to go about selecting a guide who will allow for a degree of freewheeling exploration...?

3. Not going to Tamanrasset. I know Tam is probably a bad idea, as it seems it is very tightly controlled by police, no freedom, escorts everywhere you go, and only a very small area open. I would love to go to Assekrem, but based on this article,

Tamanrasset:Les agences de tourisme sont poussées à la fermeture - Tamoudre: Touaregs, vie et survie

and other reports, I guess it is probably not worth it. Can anyone confirm this, and also that it is not possible to drive from Djanet to Tam or vice versa.

4. Climbing Saharan mountains. Has anyone climbed or at least visited any of the mountains in the Djanet area, and do you know if they're in currently accessible areas. I'd love to have a go at Mount Tazat or Mount Tiska, as I've read favourable reports. Not too concerned if it's not possible to summit, but I'd love just to have a go and also to spend time in those areas, which sound spectacular.

5. Timing. I have two weeks, which I can possibly stretch by a couple of days, so any thoughts on timing, what's realistic to fit in, whether I might have time for Constantine or other northern areas would be welcome. I kind of hoped to see Timimoun and Ghardaia as well, but I guess that's probably asking too much and there simply won't be time.

6. Visa. Finally, any info on visas would be helpful. I imagine my entry and exit dates will need to be stated precisely on my application, but are other dates (driving from x to y, and y back to x, etc.) also rigid? And can I get a letter of invitation from a hotel or agency in the North and then still go to the South?


Thanks very much in advance and sorry for the long post. Extensive, up to date info is hard to come by for Algeria, yet it seems important. Any help at all would be appreciated!