Travel in Algeria – Hotels, Algeria Vacations, Lodging, Trips, Attractions and Travel Guide

Algeria: A Vacation Oasis

This is a road in the ruins of a Roman village in Algeria.

The country of Algeria is located in North Africa and is the second largest country in all of Africa. Algeria is also the largest country on the Mediterranean Sea. The landscape of this country varies from coastal, mountains, and deserts regions. Over 90% of the population in Algeria speaks Algerian and Arabic, with French being the most widely spoken second language.

Tassili n'Ajjer National Park is located in the mountain range of the Sahara Desert. The altitude of the mountains causes the vegetation of the area to be richer because of the water-holding sandstone. The park has 28 rare and endangered plant species. There are also more than five endangered mammals that inhabit the national park. The park has one of the best preserved prehistoric cave art in the world. There are more than 15,000 drawings and engravings that record the evolution of human development over 8,000 years ago. The Tassili n'Ajjer National Park with its rare flora, fauna, and prehistoric cave drawings has made the park a National Heritage Site.

Just outside of the town of Batna is the ancient city of Timgad. The city was built by the Roman Empire and is now a World Heritage Site. The city is one of the best examples of the Roman grid plan. Timgad was originally designed to hold a population of 15,000; the city soon outgrew its designated borders and spilled outside the grid plan. The settlement was also walled but not fortified and was located at the intersections of six roads. One of the most famous structures on the site is the Trajan's Arch. The arch is made mainly out of sandstone and stands to the west side of the site. The theater in Timgad is still in good condition and is still in use to for contemporary productions. The encroaching sands of the Sahara have preserved Timgad and are one of the best places to experience Roman ruins in the world.

The city of Ghadaia is located in the Sahara Desert. The walled city is considered the pearl of the Mzar Valley. The city is surrounded by well preserved medieval walls. Visitors to Ghadia must be escorted in and out of the city. Permission must be obtained to enter the gated community. The city is well known for its goat hair rugs. The traditional Berber rugs are made in the walled city. Craftsmen take up to six months making these beautiful carpets. The color scheme of the traditional carpets, are usually done in red, yellow, black and green. The dyes in the carpets are made from natural plant and mineral extracts. Vendors also have many other traditional handicrafts for sale. Since the city of Ghadaia, has been so well preserved it now a World Heritage Site. Ghardaia is one of the top tourist destinations to visit in Algeria.

The cuisine of Algeria has had many influences over time. The influences have been taken from the Arabs, Turks, Berbers, Romans, French and the Spanish. The eclectic mix of these cultures in the cuisine has made the food in Algeria unique. Lamb, vegetables, dried fruits and grains make up the basis for many of the traditional dishes. The national dish of Algeria is Couscous. Couscous is generally steamed and served with various meats and vegetables. The cuisine in Algeria is a rare treat for gastronomes.

The Sofitel Algiers Hamma Garden is located five minutes from the city center of Algiers. The luxury hotel has three impressive restaurants. The rooms are opulent lodging when making this a home base for guests. The staff at the Sofitel is very knowledgeable and helpful about the surrounding area. The Hilton located in Algiers overlooks the bay. The five-star hotel surrounds guests in the lap of luxury. The rooms are spacious and elegant. The indoor swimming pool is a favorite with guests to the hotel. The restaurants and full service staff is considered the best in Algeria. These hotels are the best that Algeria has to offer visitors.

Algeria is enraptured with culture and steeped in history. The beautiful and unique country is a delight for travelers. The country of Algeria is a true oasis for travelers amongst Africa.