Students looking for some advice and information about travelling

[majkel]

Hello, I'm sorry if this topic is already discussed in this forum but if haven't found it.
We're a group of 5 students from different European countries.
We re planning to go to Algeria in July for 2 weeks. Because of that we're looking for some people who have traveled over there in a way of backpacking and can share some experience. We'd like to get down to the Tamanrasset by public buses and then do some trekking in the mountains.
Is it possible in two weeks?
What are the prices for the busses and camping in Algeria?
I heard we need to hire a guide and a car to get to any ot the spectacular places around Tamanrasset, is it necessary and if so how much does it cost?
Can we camping wherever we want or only on camping sites?
If our plan is too time consuming for a 2 weeks what would you guys recommend? We have to give up on the internal flights because they're just too expensive.
I'll be glad with any kind of help, because it's really hard to find anything and I' have to be sure that we can afford this trip.

Thank you very much for any help.
Take care
Michal

[gn4dz]

Hello, I'm sorry if this topic is already discussed in this forum but if haven't found it.
We're a group of 5 students from different European countries.
We re planning to go to Algeria in July for 2 weeks. Because of that we're looking for some people who have traveled over there in a way of backpacking and can share some experience. We'd like to get down to the Tamanrasset by public buses and then do some trekking in the mountains.
Is it possible in two weeks?
What are the prices for the busses and camping in Algeria?
I heard we need to hire a guide and a car to get to any ot the spectacular places around Tamanrasset, is it necessary and if so how much does it cost?
Can we camping wherever we want or only on camping sites?
If our plan is too time consuming for a 2 weeks what would you guys recommend? We have to give up on the internal flights because they're just too expensive.
I'll be glad with any kind of help, because it's really hard to find anything and I' have to be sure that we can afford this trip.

Thank you very much for any help.
Take care
Michal

Just be aware that in july it's too hot in desert : 45º and it can reach 50º..and you have chosen to travel by bus

[Al-khiyal]

I think that security regulations in the area will make any idea of 'freelance trekking' problematic. A ban on night movement of vehicles has also just been imposed, together with restrictions on access to certain areas and to water sources. It could be that the planned trip is not possible as currently envisaged. Restrictions on movement imposed as a consequence of security measures are the first things that you will need to learn more about.

[majkel]

Thank you for some information, i guess we ll have to change our plans if there is so hot and if there are some restrictions as regards traveling.
take care

[Al-khiyal]

salam wa dobry wieczor, ya majkel,

I hope that you will do some careful searching and that you'll learn enough to be able to make a good and a safe itinerary.

Algeria welcomes you, but Algeria does not want you to get lost, die of thirst or sunstroke, get bitten by scorpions far from human aid, get abducted or in any other way have a bad time. And Algeria most certainly does not wish to have to make sad telephone calls to your people.

Some of the regulations that might seem, at first glance, strict or unreasonable, are actually in place for very good reasons. Above all, the safety of visitors is a priority. There are many local guides and a lot of these people do work for travel companies. So it is likely that if you try to learn by asking some of these companies they will try to get you to join one of their holiday offers. What the guides know, in terms of where is safe and where is not, what routes are closed, travel times between places, what sites have access to water etc. is invaluable, and for tourists their knowledge can literally be the difference between life and death in the desert. Whatever expense the services of a good local guide might incur it is money well spent and they can also point you to places of breathtaking beauty or historical interest. Plus, they know where the fun is.

I hope that you and friends will succeed in making a wonderful trip to Algeria and that you will all have nothing but good memories of your time there.

Good luck, and every good wish to you all.

[Al-khiyal]

Pour votre sécurité

Les déplacements touristiques dans le Grand sud algérien sans un guide accompagnateur algérien, agréé par le ministère du Tourisme, sont interdits.

Les voyageurs dans cette région doivent donc impérativement faire appel à des agences de voyages agréées, seules à connaître le terrain, à maîtriser les techniques de survie en zone désertique et à disposer de matériels adaptés et éprouvés. Les circuits proposés par ces agences sont connus et autorisés par les autorités locales, avec lesquelles elles sont en liaison permanente.

Le décret portant réglementation du Parc national de l'Ahaggar évoque notamment les conditions dans lesquelles doivent s'effectuer les recherches scientifiques dans les domaines de l'archéologie, de la faune et de la flore, ainsi que les conditions relatives au prises de vues photographiques ou cinématographiques.

No guide, no permission to travel, ya majkel. You could try contacting that agency, using the link above, for further information/advice.