Algeria in Camping-Car: rental, advice, areas, routes

Want to discover this beautiful and great country that is Algeria? Here’s all you need to know to try the adventure in a camper or in a fitted van!

Fascinating and immense, Algeria is a difficult country of access, but it has a lot to offer. 80% of the territory is occupied by Sahara Desert , while in the north, the coastal cities are swept. Many cultures (Arab, Berber, Roman, Phoenician, etc.) played on the course of history, fashioning a rich and unique country.

In short, a destination that continues to fascinate large travellers in search of a change of scenery. In this article, you are told everything you need to know to visit Algeria by camping-car or in fitted van!

Visit Algeria in 2021

It should be noted that Algeria is a very difficult country to visit right now. And it’s all the more true in camping-car or in fitted van. Thus, it will be necessary everything planned in advance . Without a tourist agency or an official guide, you will find it difficult to obtain a visa.

Some areas of the country must be crossed with military escort . In particular the great southern Algerian, which we did not mention in the ideas of itineraries.

Yet some travellers still venture into this beautiful country. At the moment, we advise you to follow them without rigorous preparation. But who knows how things will evolve in a few years? We can only hope a better one, for the journey but especially for the Algerians.

Ideas of itineraries in Algeria by camping-car

Leave a week

The North:

• Days 1 and 2: Alger. The capital is full of treasures: the Casbah and its mosques, Bab el Oued, the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa... Not to mention the softness of his seafront. Plan a few hours to discover Algerian culture through the city's museums. Finally, go on a trip to the Roman ruins of Tipasa and Cherchell;
• Days 3 and 4: Oran (4h17, 410 km). The fascinating Oran is the second city of Algeria. It mixes Arab, Berber, Spanish influences. The contrast between its modernity and the richness of its historical heritage is striking;
• Days 5 and 6: Tlemcen (2 h, 180 km). Take a day to discover the beautiful Tlemcen, its large mosque and its souk. Then go to discover its surroundings: the ruins of Mansourah, the waterfalls El Ourit, the caves Ain Fezza, etc;
• Day 7: back to Algiers.

The South:

• Day 1: Ghardaïa. The capital of the M’zab valley is worth a visit. Don't miss his lively souk, the market at the cries on Lalla Achou Square or the millennium city of Beni-Isguen. A true journey in time;
• Days 2 to 4: the valley of M’zab. On the way to Timimoun, take your time. The desert landscapes of the valley, sprinkled with oasis and fortified villagesare unique in the world;
• Day 5: Timimoun (7 h, 620 km). Located in the heart of an oasis, Timimoun is part of the beautiful Gourara region. His houses and red fortifications are to be seen;
• Days 6 and 7: back.

Leave for two weeks

• Days 1 and 2: Algiers and its surroundings. Take at least two days to visit Algiers, its monuments and museums. You can also discover its surroundings: the Roman ruins of Tipasa or the towns of Tlemcen and Oran;
• Days 2 and 3: Tikjda (4:15, 210 km). This town is famous for the monkeys who live there. In winter, its surroundings are covered with snow. The show is fascinating! Then go to Tizi Ouzou to admire the mountains of Djurdjura;
• Day 4: Bejaïa (2 h 50, 120 km). Centre de la KabylieBejaïa is full of treasures. Visit the Casbah and go to Cap Carbon.
• Day 5: Jijel (3 h 25, 140 km). The pretty Jijel and its beaches are worth a visit. On the way, stop at the gorges of Kherrata and the wonderful caves;
• Days 6 and 7: Constantine (3 h, 140 km). Named the city on the bridges, Constantine is one of the oldest cities in the world. Discover the old town, the palace and bridges suspended on the gorges of the Rhumel;
• Day 8: Sétif and Djemila (3h10, 180 km). Visit the city of Setif. Not far, you will find the beautiful vestiges of the ancient city of Djemila;
• Days 9 and 10: the ancient sites of Aurès: the Medracen, Timgad, Lambèse (3 h, 195 km). Take two days to visit the ruins and enjoy the beauty of the Aurès massif. ;
• Days 11 and 12: excursion to the El Kantara Gorge;
• Day 13: hammam Debagh and night in Annaba (4 h 55, 270 km);
• Day 14: remains of Hippoon and walk on the Mediterranean coast;
• Day 15: back to Algiers.

Leave for a month

Do you have the possibility to leave for a month in Algeria on a camper or in a fitted van? This road trip is a mix of previous routes.

• Days 1 and 2: Algiers and its 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 h, 140 km) ;
• Day 12: Setif and Djamila (3h10, 180 km) ;
• Days 13 and 14: the ancient sites of Aurès: Timgad, the Medracen, Lambèse (3 h, 195 km);
• Days 15 and 16: excursion to the El Kantara Gorge;
• Days 17 and 18: Ghardaïa (7:20, 550 km);
• Days 19 and 20: the valley of M’zab;
• Day 21: Timimoun (7 h, 620 km);
• Days 22 and 23: return to Ghardaïa (7 h, 620 km);
• Days 24 and 25: Biskra (7.15 p.m., 580 km);
• Days 26 and 27: hammam Debagh and night in Annaba (6 h 20, 410 km);
• Day 28: Annaba and remains of Hippoon;
• Day 29: Skikda (2 h, 115 km) ;
• Day 30: back.

What budget to travel by motorhome in Algeria?

Average budget 1 week

• Rental + motorhome insurance : 800 on average season;
• Rental + motorhome insurance (between individuals): 560 € ;
• Essence: 50 € ;
• Total: 710 € and 850 €.

Average budget for 2 weeks

• Rental + motorhome insurance : 1 600 € on average season;
• Rental + motorhome insurance (between individuals): 1 120 € ;
• Essence: 90 € ;
• Total: 1 210 € and 1 690 €.

Average budget for 1 month

• Rental + motorhome insurance : 3 200 € on average season;
• Rental + motorhome insurance (between individuals): 2 200 € ;
• Essence: 180 € ;
• Total: 2 380 € and 3 380 €.

Driving in Algeria by camping-car : the traffic rules to know

What documents do you have on board?

• The international permit. To get it, go to a Touring Club with your driver’s license (original + photocopy), two identity photos and a tax stamp of 500 dinars;
• The French permit ;
• identity document ;
• The technical oversight ;
• map gray of the vehicle;
• Papers insurance.

What are the speed limits?

The official limitations are as follows:

• In agglomeration: 50 km/h ;
• Out of town: 100 km/h ;
• On the highway: 120 km/h.

Fuel

To travel to Algeria by camping-car, you must always have a look at his fuel reserve . Especially in the desert. The country has only 2,500 service stations. In comparison, France has 11,000 while its surface is 3.5 times lower!

However, the price of fuel is very low. Count about 20 cents per litre of gasoil .

Alcohol flying

The threshold is 0.2 grams of alcohol per litre of blood . Knowing that only one glass of alcohol can raise the rate from 0.20 to 0.30 g/L, we advise you to drink before taking the road.

Other information on driving in Algeria

To drive to Algeria by motorhome or fitted van, it will be necessary be reactive ! Respect the road code, but also be extremely vigilant about what is happening around you. Indeed, the conduct of Algerians is very fast and nervous... It'll take time to get used to it.

The road network is in excellent condition. On the other hand, controls and dams are very common . They can slow you down considerably. Keep your blood cold!

How and where to rent a motorhome France ?

Would you like to visit Algeria on a motorhome, but you don’t have a vehicle? Now it is very simple to rent these vehicles between individuals, especially in France. Many platforms allow this type of rental, online, as Yescapa For example. However, keep in mind that it will be necessary take a ferry to go to Algeria with a vehicle.

How does it work?

• At first, you have to choose the motorhome in your city (For example Bordeaux, Nantes, Toulouse, Paris, Montpellier or Marseille).
• Be careful choose unlimited mileage, to check the number of beds available and if travel abroad is possible.
• Do your work online rental request and share your travel information (dates, rental options, mileage, etc.) to the owner.
• If your request is accepted and after payment, you will have access to the owner's contact information to organize a First meeting.
• Day J, present your driver's license and pour bail.
• One. status of premises is executed and a lease is signed between the two parties. You will have to sign it when you return from Algeria, and once done, the tour is played!

Campsites in Algeria : where to park ?

As we have seen before, Algeria is generally visiting with a guide. He'll tell you where to park for the night. On applications such as Park4Night, you will not find any spots. You have to say that nothing is planned for mobile travellers !

But the country is full of incredible places to sleep in its camper or van. Feel free to ask Algerians for tips to find comfortable and safe places to park. And above all, don't neglect your security.

What is the best time to travel by motorhome in Algeria?

North Algeria is inhabited by a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and mild winters, especially on the coast where the weather is always pleasant. Come on. May and October , you will enjoy the whole region.

On the other hand, south is marked by very strong heat. Avoid going after April and prefer winter ! Especially in the Sahel region, where there is a high temperature difference between day and night.