Algeria
Algeria, the largest country in Africa has a diverse climate that varies from the north to the south. The southern part of the country lies on the Sahara desert and this region generally experiences a harsh and dry weather especially in summer. In winter, nights are cooler. The best time to visit is early spring – March, autumn is also a good time to visit as temperatures begin to drop. The southern parts are best visited in winter, December to February.
Clothing should be based on weather of the area being visited. Lightweight clothing in summer, a jacket or sweater, sunglasses, and sunscreens are also recommended. Women should avoid minis and shorts.
Algeria covers a large expanse of land, therefore intercity travel by air is a more comfortable option as travelling long distances can be stressful. Algeria has a public transport system and you can hire taxis to get around. Travelling by rail gives you the opportunity of enjoying the views of the landscape.
Its population of over 40 million are majorly Arabs and are predominantly Muslim. Arabic and Tamazight are the official languages, however, French is also widely spoken. Couscous is a popular dish in Algeria often accompanied with meat and vegetables.
Some fun activities to engage in include: desert surfing, hiking, and swimming.
Its capital and largest city, Algiers is a popular tourist site. Algeria has a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Some places of interest are:
- Jardin d’Essai du Hamma, a botanical garden
- Tipaza Ruins, located in the Tipaza province, is an archaeological site consisting of ancient relics
- Beni Hammad Fort (Al Qal’a of Beni Hammad), the ruins of the first capital of the Hammadid dynasty,
- Djémila, The remains of an ancient Roman colony
- Tassili n'Ajjer, located at the borders of Libya and Niger, the Tassili n’Ajjer has drawings and paintings that record the evolution of the life of the people at the edge of the Sahara
- A number of Beaches where you can swim, snorkel or surf
Algeria a popular tourist destination in Africa, there are numerous luxury accommodations to provide comfort for the increasing number of visitors.
