Algerian tourism is experiencing a surge in hiking activities, driven by improved security conditions and a growing desire to explore the country's diverse landscapes. From coastal regions to mountainous areas and the Sahara desert, hikers are taking to social media to showcase their adventures. This trend has become a lucrative business for tour operators and guides, who are capitalizing on the demand for outdoor excursions.

Several tour operators are offering hiking packages, including Habib Adventures – Wildora Travel, which is promoting a hike to Lac Noir in Béjaia for 2,200 Algerian dinars (DA). The company also offers a visit to the Tibhirine monastery in Médéa and a hike to the Forêt de Theniet El Had in Tissemsilt for the same price. For a more extensive experience, the company is offering a six-day trip to Djanet, starting at 87,000 DA, and a four-day trip to Timimoune for 360,000 DA.

Road Trip dz, another tour operator, is organizing a weekend getaway to Miliana on October 31, priced at 3,000 DA per person. The company's program includes a visit to a local fair, where participants can discover and purchase local products. Road Trip dz is also offering a three-day, two-night trip to the Aurès and Zibans regions, which includes visits to Timgad, Imdghassen, and Sidi Okba.

Tahwissa213, a tour operator, has scheduled a hike to the summit of Lalla Khedidja in Tizi Ouzou for October 30. The 18-kilometer hike has a difficulty level of 9/10, and participants are required to have good physical health and condition. The company has also specified that participants should bring a headlamp or flashlight for the nighttime descent.

Most tour operators are based in Algiers and Blida, but there are also hiking clubs and groups operating in other parts of the country. The Fox Aventure et Randonnée club, based in Oran, recently organized a one-kilometer hike to the Vria Guitare site and a bivouac in Tlemcen.

Social media groups, such as "Les passionnés d'aventures dz" and "Les randonneurs dz", have capitalized on the growing interest in hiking and are selling outdoor gear and equipment. These groups have become a platform for enthusiasts to share their experiences and connect with like-minded individuals.

The surge in hiking activities has become a welcome development for Algeria's tourism industry, which has been seeking to diversify its offerings. With its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Algeria is well-positioned to become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Key points

  • Algerian tourism operators are offering a range of hiking packages to cater to the growing demand for outdoor excursions.
  • The hiking trend has become a lucrative business for tour operators and guides in Algeria.
  • Social media groups are playing a key role in promoting hiking activities and selling outdoor gear in Algeria.

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Written by

SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.