Golden dunes rising behind a palm oasis, a night in a bivouac camp and the restored ksar of Taghit — the western Sahara at its most accessible.
In the far west of Algeria, the Grand Erg Occidental covers some 100,000 km² of dunes. At Taghit, its highest ridges rise directly behind a palm grove and a restored mud-brick ksar, one of the most striking views in the Algerian Sahara.
This short circuit is the easiest way to experience the great sand sea. You walk the dunes at sunset, explore the ksar and its alleys, visit prehistoric engravings in the Zousfana valley, and spend a night in a bivouac camp among the dunes, with a camel ride if you wish.
Access is by domestic flight to Béchar, then about an hour's drive. SEFAR Aventure organises transport, guide, meals and camp; accommodation in Taghit is in a traditional guesthouse. Ideal as a first Sahara experience or as an extension to a city break in Algiers.
Flight from Algiers to Béchar and drive to Taghit across the hamada. Settle into your guesthouse.
Morning walk through the restored ksar and palm grove, then climb the dunes for sunset over the erg.
Visit the rock engravings of the Zousfana valley, then head into the dunes by camel or on foot for a night in a traditional camp.
Sunrise on the dunes, return to Taghit and transfer to Béchar airport.
A valid passport (6 months) and an Algerian visa or visa-on-arrival authorisation are required. We send the invitation documents you need once your booking is confirmed.
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