Algeria tours, jewel of the Sahara

Planet

This tour visits a very remote region in the Sahara, which has barely been touched by the presence of humans, and we strongly believe in maintaining its pristine nature. The nature of this trip means that most nights are spent camping. We strive to ensure that we leave these areas as we find them and our team have been trained in strict no litter policies, meaning that we take all refuse to either be recycled or properly disposed of back in Algeria's main towns and cities. Washing of dishes is carried out well away from any water sources so as not to contaminate them.

The part of Algeria that we visit on this tour is home to some of the most important examples of ancient rock art in the world. We take care to protect these sites and ensure that the group is appropriately briefed by their guide, to ensure that the heritage of this country is maintained for future generations – not just western travellers but more importantly to local people to whom they have far more cultural and historical significance.

Throughout the tour we make a point of using local produce for the meals provided, and stock up on supplies in the towns that we visit. Not only is this a great introduction to the culinary culture of the region but it helps in a small way to cut down on food miles.

People

Using local drivers, cooks and guides ensures that money stays within local economies and means we will be treated to such valuable, in-depth and honest knowledge which you perhaps wouldn’t get from a western guide. It also means we are keeping carbon emissions down.

This trip spends time in the traditional lands of the Tuareg people, one of the Sahara’s most traditional ethnic groups who are quite wary of outsiders. Through long association with this area, our local team has established solid relationships with certain communities and our presence here is welcomed – we feel that it is very important to be seen as guests here rather than outsiders come to merely look. We are able to spend time with the communities learning about their traditions and customs.

We are careful not to disrupt the traditional way of life of the Tuareg. As a way to say thank you for allowing us to visit, we bring traditional gifts, such as sugar, tea and so on – we do not bring modern accoutrements that may change their way of life as we feel that it is important for all tribal groups that any move towards a more ‘modern’ lifestyle is made on their own terms and not imposed upon them. We give gifts to the elders of the villages who will then ensure that they are distributed appropriately, rather than just giving them to individuals, which can cause problems, jealousy and fights within small communities.