Would you like to discover the great and beautiful country of Algeria? Here’s everything you need to know to set off on your adventure in a motorhome or camper van!
Fascinating and immense, Algeria is a country that’s hard to get to, but has a lot to offer. 80% of the country is covered by the Sahara desert, while in the north, coastal towns abound. Numerous cultures (Arab, Berber, Roman, Phoenician, etc.) have played their part in the course of history, shaping a rich and unique country.
In short, a destination that never ceases to fascinate frequent travelers in search of a change of scenery. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about visiting Algeria in a motorhome or camper van!
Visiting Algeria in 2021
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Leonid Andronov
It’s worth noting that Algeria is a very difficult country to visit at the moment. And that’s even truer for motorhomes and camper vans. You’ll need to plan everything in advance. Without the intermediary of a tourist agency or an official guide, you’ll have trouble obtaining a visa.
Some parts of the country must be crossed with a military escort. Particularly the Algerian south, which we haven’t mentioned in our itinerary ideas.
Yet some travellers still venture into this magnificent country. For the time being, we advise you not to follow them without rigorous preparation. But who knows how things will evolve in a few years’ time? We can only hope for the best, not only for travel, but above all for the Algerians themselves.
Route ideas in Algeria by motorhome
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Anton_Ivanov
A week away
North :
- Days 1 and 2: Algiers. The capital is full of treasures: the Kasbah and its mosques, Bab el Oued, the Basilica of Notre-Dame d’Afrique… Not forgetting the gentle waterfront. Set aside a few hours to discover Algerian culture through the city’s museums. Finally, take a trip to the Roman ruins of Tipasa and Cherchell;
- Days 3 and 4: Oran (4h17, 410 km). Fascinating Oran is Algeria’s second-largest city. It blends Arab, Berber and Spanish influences. The contrast between its modernity and its rich historical heritage is striking;
- Days 5 and 6: Tlemcen (2 hrs, 180 km). Take a day to discover beautiful Tlemcen, its great mosque and souk. Then explore the surrounding area: the ruins of Mansourah, the El Ourit waterfalls, the Ain Fezza caves and more;
- Day 7: return to Algiers.
South :
- Day 1: Ghardaïa. The capital of the M’zab valley is well worth a visit. Don’t miss the lively souk, the auction market on Place Lalla Achou or the thousand-year-old city of Beni-Isguen. A true journey through time;
- Days 2 to 4: the M’zab Valley. On the way to Timimoun, take your time. The valley’s desert landscapes, dotted with oases and fortified villages, are unique in the world;
- Day 5: Timimoun (7 h, 620 km). Situated in the heart of an oasis, Timimoun is part of the beautiful Gourara region. Its houses and red fortifications are a must-see;
- Days 6 and 7: return.
Two weeks away
- Days 1 and 2: Algiers and its surroundings. Take at least two days to visit Algiers, its monuments and museums. You can also discover the surrounding area: the Roman ruins of Tipasa or the cities of Tlemcen and Oran;
- Days 2 and 3: Tikjda (4 h 15, 210 km). This town is famous for its monkeys. In winter, the surrounding area is covered in snow. A fascinating sight! Then on to Tizi Ouzou to admire the Djurdjura mountains;
- Day 4: Bejaïa (2 hrs 50, 120 km). The center of Kabylia, Bejaïa is full of treasures. Visit the Kasbah and stroll to Cap Carbon.
- Day 5: Jijel (3 h 25, 140 km). Pretty Jijel and its beaches are well worth a visit. On the way, stop off at the Kherrata Gorge and its marvellous caves;
- Days 6 and 7: Constantine (3 h, 140 km). Known as the city of bridges, Constantine is one of the oldest cities in the world. Discover the old town, the palace and the suspension bridges over the Rhumel Gorge;
- Day 8: Sétif and Djemila (3h10, 180 km). Visit the town of Sétif. Nearby, you’ll find the superb remains of the ancient city of Djemila;
- Days 9 and 10: Ancient sites of the Aurès: Medracen, Timgad, Lambèse (3 h, 195 km). Take two days to visit the ruins and enjoy the beauty of the Aures massif ;
- Days 11 and 12: Excursion to the El Kantara Gorge ;
- Day 13: Hammam Debagh and overnight in Annaba (4 h 55, 270 km);
- Day 14: Remains of Hippo and a stroll along the Mediterranean coast ;
- Day 15: return to Algiers.
Leave for a month
Do you have the opportunity to spend a month in Algeria in a motorhome or van? This road trip is a mix of the previous itineraries.
- Days 1 and 2: Algiers and surroundings ;
- Day 3: Oran (4 h 17, 410 km);
- Day 4: Tlemcen (2 h, 180 km);
- Day 5: return to Algiers (5 h, 500 km) ;
- Days 6 and 7: Tikjda, Tizi Ouzou (4 h 15, 210 km);
- Day 8: Bejaïa (2 h 50, 120 km) ;
- Day 9: Jijel (3 h 25, 140 km);
- Days 10 and 11: Constantine (3 hrs, 140 km);
- Day 12: Setif and Djamila (3h10, 180 km);
- Days 13 and 14: Ancient sites of the Aurès: Timgad, Medracen, Lambèse (3 h, 195 km) ;
- Days 15 and 16: Excursion to the El Kantara Gorge ;
- Days 17 and 18: Ghardaïa (7 h 20, 550 km);
- Days 19 and 20: M’zab Valley;
- Day 21: Timimoun (7 h, 620 km);
- Days 22 and 23: return to Ghardaïa (7 h, 620 km);
- Days 24 and 25: Biskra (7 h 15, 580 km);
- Days 26 and 27: Hammam Debagh and overnight in Annaba (6 h 20, 410 km);
- Day 28: Annaba and the remains of Hippo ;
- Day 29: Skikda (2 h, 115 km);
- Day 30: return.
What’s the budget for motorhome travel in Algeria?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Leonid Andronov
Average budget 1 week
- Motorhome rental + insurance: 800 € in mid-season;
- Motorhome rental + insurance (between private individuals): €560;
- Petrol: €50;
- Total: between €710 and €850.
Average budget for 2 weeks
- Motorhome rental + insurance: €1,600 in mid-season;
- Motorhome rental + insurance (between private individuals): €1,120;
- Petrol : 90 €;
- Total: between €1,210 and €1,690.
Average budget for 1 month
- Motorhome rental + insurance: €3,200 in mid-season;
- Motorhome rental + insurance (between private individuals): €2,200;
- Petrol: €180;
- Total: between €2,380 and €3,380.
Driving a motorhome in Algeria: traffic rules you need to know
What documents should I carry?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Rob Hyrons
- International license. To obtain one, go to a Touring Club with your driver’s license (original + photocopy), two passport photos and a 500-dinar tax stamp;
- French license;
- Identification;
- Technical inspection;
- Vehicle registration document;
- insurance papers.
What are the speed limits?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – kheira benkada
The official limits are as follows:
- In built-up areas: 50 km/h;
- Outside built-up areas: 100 km/h;
- On freeways: 120 km/h.
The fuel
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When traveling in Algeria in a motorhome, you always need to keep an eye on your fuel reserves. Especially in the desert. The country has just 2,500 service stations. By comparison, France has 11,000, even though its surface area is 3.5 times smaller!
Fuel prices, on the other hand, are very low. You can expect to pay around 20 centimes per liter for diesel.
Drinking and driving
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The threshold is 0.2 grams of alcohol per liter of blood. Knowing that a single glass of alcohol can raise the level from 0.20 to 0.30 g/L, we advise against drinking before driving.
Other information about driving in Algeria
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sun_Shine
If you’re driving a camper van or van in Algeria, you’ll need to be quick on your feet! Respect the rules of the road, but also be extremely vigilant to what’s going on around you. Algerian driving is very fast and nervous… It will take time to get used to.
The road network is in excellent condition. On the other hand, checkpoints and roadblocks are very frequent. They can slow you down considerably. Always keep your cool!
How and where to rent a motorhome in France?
Would you like to visit Algeria by motorhome, but don’t own a vehicle? It’s now very easy to rent these vehicles between private individuals, especially in France. There are many online rental platforms, such as Yescapa. Bear in mind, however, that you’ll need to take a ferry to get to Algeria with a vehicle.
How does it work?
- First, you need to choose the motorhome in your city (e.g. Bordeaux, Nantes, Toulouse, Paris, Montpellier or Marseille).
- Make sure you choose unlimited mileage, check the number of berths available and whether international travel is possible.
- Make your rental request online and share your travel information (dates, rental options, mileage, etc.) with the owner.
- If your request is accepted and after payment, you will have access to the owner’s contact details to arrange a first meeting.
- On the day, present your driver’s license and pay the deposit.
- An inventory of fixtures is drawn up and a rental contract is signed by both parties. You’ll need to sign it as soon as you return from Algeria, and once you’ve done that, that’s it!
RV parks in Algeria: where to park?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alvarodz
As we saw earlier, Algeria is generally best visited in the company of a guide. He’ll be able to tell you where to park for the night. On applications such as Park4Night, you won’t find any spots. It has to be said that nothing is designed for mobile travelers!
But the country is full of incredible places to sleep in your camper or van. Don’t hesitate to ask Algerians for advice on comfortable and safe places to park. Above all, don’t neglect your safety.
When is the best time to travel by camper van in Algeria?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jordi Ibern
Northern Algeria has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and winters mild, especially on the coast, where the weather is always pleasant. Between May and October, you can enjoy the region to the full.
The south, on the other hand, is very hot. Avoid going there after April, and prefer winter! Particularly in the Saharan region, where there’s a big temperature difference between day and night.