Algeria
From Travel Information and Popular Attractions: TravelName.com
Algeria is the second biggest nation in Africa and about 85% of the country is covered by the Sahara. Tourists visiting Algeria should be aware of the terrorism threat which has been ongoing for quite sometime. In 2007 there have been bomb attacks in Algiers, Batna and Dellys which have taken life of more than 50 people. Check the travel.state.gov website for most up-to-date information on Algeria tourism safety guidelines. Tourists are highly advised to visit Algeria via a reputable travel agency. Security and safety during Algeria tourism is still an issue, but the danger is not as indiscriminate as it was once. Northern Algeria tourism offers two ranges of moderately high mountains - the Saharan Atlas and the Tell Atlas. The country has a population of 35 million people mainly located near the northern coast.
RELIGION & CULTURE
Islam is the most popular religion of Algeria. Even though today Berbers make just 20% of the total population and remain mostly in mountainous regions, Algeria was originally mostly inhabited by them (Berbers). The Arabs conquered North Africa in the seventh century. Berbers try to preserve much of their language and culture even today.
THE CLIMATE OF ALGERIA
Algeria tourism presents a very sunny climate. Algeria's weather varies from Arid to semiarid. The weather patterns fluctuate from mild, wet winters with hot to dry summers along the coast. The dust and sand storms are especially common in the summer. In south summers are hot but nights are chilly. In the North you will find sticky and warm summer, but winters experience rain and mild weather. Saharan desert region of Algeria is almost rainless. Above 900 meters you can often see snow in the winters.
Popular Attractions and Activities
Sahara desert is the main attraction of Algeria tourism. It has a variety of landscapes - deserts, dunes, meadows, forests etc. along with many beautiful beaches. It also has one of the finest
Due to a predominantly Muslim country, Alcohol is not encouraged and is only available in more expensive restaurants and hotels. The main towns offer reasonable entertainment facilities, including hotel restaurants, nightclubs, folk dancing and traditional music. Popular shopping items include leatherwear, rugs, copper and brassware, local dresses and jewellery.
Algiers
The capital of Algeria and famous for it's white buildings. It is a cosmopolitan city and is located on the Bay of Algiers of the Mediterranean Sea. The capital city of Algiers has a rich past and ruins at Djemila, Tipasa and Timgad
Constantine
Located in north-east Algeria, is a natural fortress spectacularly perched over a rocky mountain, 800 ft above the Rhumel River valley.
Oran
It is in north-western Algeria. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, it is the second-largest city in Algeria
Ghardaia
It is an oasis town in northern Algeria. Today it is a centre of date production and is known for its exquisite rugs and cloth.
Tamanrasset is a desert town in southern Algeria. Located near the Ahagaar Mountains.
Grand Erg Occidental Algerian Desert - Rolling sand dunes and hills of powdery sand with a picturesque view are found here in Grand Erg Occidental, Algerian Desert.
Ahaggar Mountains is a group of mountains consisting of volcanic rocks rising from the barren planes of Sahara with an average height of 900 meters.
Djemila is a mountain village and is located in the the northern coast east of Algiers. Some of the best preserved Roman ruins in North Africa are found here.
Tassili N Ajjer national park in Algeria is very famous for its prehistoric rock paintings which are about 8000 years old.
Transportation
Most of the tourists arrive here by air, there are many flights from Europe and Africa. They arrive at Algiers, Annaba, Constantine, Oran Djanet and Tamanrasset. There are ferries which operate in the northern part of the country. Border crossings via road are usually not preferred due to security issues. After arrival, most people prefer to travel in their own vehicle over public transportation. Algerian guide is usually advised or required depending on where you travel. There are many good Car rental companies at the airports and in major cities. Algeria tourism offers reasonably good hotels ranging from economical to luxury hotels.
Additional Information
MEDICAL FACILITIES DURING ALGERIA TOURISM
Hospitals and clinics in Algeria are available and improving in the large urban centers, but are still not up to Western standards. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services so do carry appropriate local currency before you arrive in Algeria. Most medical practitioners speak French; English is not widely used. Prescription medicines are not always readily available. Some pharmacies may at times be out-of-stock. In addition, the medicine may be sold under a different brand name and may contain a different dosage than in the U.S. Please be aware that some newer medications may not yet be available in Algeria. It is usually easy to obtain over-the-counter products. Emergency services are satisfactory, but response time is often unpredictable. In all cases, response time is not as fast as in the U.S. Cases of tuberculosis are regularly reported. The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to Algeria tourism getaway, and confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. (source US Department of State).
Capital
Algiers and a popular Algeria tourism destination.
Embassy of Algeria in the USA
2118 Kalorama Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Website: www.algeria-us.org
Algerian Tourism Consulate in the UK
6 Hyde Park Gate, London SW7 5EW, UK
Website: www.algerianconsulate.org.uk
Time
GMT + 1.
Religion
Mostly Islam.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
