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Algeria -
is the Sahara….
It covers more than 80% of the country and with 90 percent of Algerians living along the northern coast on 12 percent of the country's land, it leaves a lot of sand and rock for us to explore!
Since antiquity, Algeria has enticed settlers—Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Turks—and, in the 19th century, the French. With them came wars and unrest, which continued until now – but as stability returns Algeria is now safe for us to visit. Algerian desert guides, from the best agency in the country, will accompany us and will show us some of the amazing landscapes this country offers.
We concentrate our travels in the east and southeast, following desert pistes across the Grand Erg Oriental, through the Tissili Mountains to Djanet, one of the Sahara ancient caravan towns. We continue through another Algerian classic, the Hoggar Mountains and then to the desert town of Tamanrasset – Tam is pretty much in the middle of the Sahara, its Tuareg inhabitants survive in one of the worlds hottest and driest places. We then swing north following pistes across extensive dune seas to return to the Tunisian border.
Sounds easy? Well its not; this is the hardest expedition we offer, you will be pitting yourself and your vehicle against one of the globes toughest environments, distances are long, days are hot and the going will be slow but rewards are high. This really will be an unforgettable trip, the sights and scenes will linger and replay in your head for many years, you will have achieved what many can only dream of – driven to the heart of the Sahara.
Summary
Start point |
Marseille, France (via ferry from Dover to Calais).
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Finish point |
Marseille, France (via ferry from Dover to Calais).
NOTE – We leave you once you have embarked at Tunis
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Number of days |
25 days (19 days in Algeria, 4 in Tunisia), 26 nights.
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Approx. distance |
5500 kilometres (not including travelling between UK ports and start point for the expedition).
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Road conditions |
Mixture of sand and gravel tracks, some local roads.
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No’ of vehicles |
Maximum of 6 guest vehicles plus support vehicle.
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Accommodation used |
Accommodation will be mainly in wild or rural community campsites with limited facilities. In some places we use organised campsites attached to an auberge, where toilet/shower facilities are usually available.
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Specialist equipment - vehicle |
A well maintained and serviced 4x4 vehicle fitted with underbody protection. A CB radio must be fitted. Tyres of All Terrain tread patterns are most suitable. A full set of recovery equipment (strops and shackles) is essential along with a spade. A winch is not essential but could be desirable for self-recovery. An additional fuel and water capacity of 40 l each is required, (jerry cans are OK). A vehicle fridge is highly recommended for cold drinks and keeping food fresh for extended periods.
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Specialist equipment - camping |
Either roof (preferable) or ground tents are suitable. You will need good quality sleeping mats if using ground tents, along with sleeping bags. You should bring your own chairs, table, stove, pans, cutlery and utensils. Clothing can be light as the days will be hot, however you should bring some warm and windproof outer wear. Protection from the sun and UV is needed.
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Passport |
Required.
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Visa |
Required (sourced by OneLife Adventure).
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| Health |
- Small first aid kit and EHIC advisable (European Health Insurance Card - available from UK Post Offices)
- Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Polio, Typhoid vaccinations are recommendations; confirm your needs with doctor.
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| Cost of living |
A lot less than the UK - 1 GPB = approx’ 150 Dinar, with diesel at 12 dir/l. You will need to bring cash as Euros or Pounds to change in Bureau de Change upon entry to Tunisia and Algeria. There will be no ATM’s – bring cash with you. Credit cards are not accepted in Algeria. |
Weather
Generally dry and warm with low humidity, occasionally very hot in the dunes and valleys during the days but it can be cool in the hills and at night. Rain is rare away from the coast.
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Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Mean daily temp oC
Rainfall mm |
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12
0 |
14
0 |
19
0 |
24
0 |
28
0 |
31
0 |
31
0 |
30
0 |
28
0 |
24
0 |
19
0 |
14
0 |
Food and Shopping
Food in Algeria is restricted in choice and availability compared to the UK. We co-ordinate and assist you with food purchasing while in country. Meals can be cooked individually or communally, the choice is yours but at times during the expedition OneLife Adventure will host group meals, with everyone helping on an informal basis.
Schedule and Pace
The route and timings are not fixed, we will be free to break journey, stop and explore, as you desire. I aim to be in the campsite by 17.00 on most days to allow us to relax and enjoy the experiences of the day. The daily distances driven vary due to the terrain and ground conditions but a typical day will be 3-4 hours driving in the morning, 1 hour for lunch and then a further 2-3 hours driving. Some days will be longer than this due to the distances to be driven.
Outbound shipping
The crossing from Dover to Calais is made by ferry and is included in the expedition price. You are free to specify your own preferred dates and times. The drive from Calais to Marseille will take about 12 hours on the French autoroutes.
Note – This section of the expedition is unsupported by OneLife Adventure, the above information is to aid you plan your arrivals and departures. The booking is made on your behalf and cost of the ferry is included in the expedition price. Accommodation, meals and refreshments you take during this transit stage are not included.
Inbound Shipping
The return crossing from Calais to Dover is made by ferry and is included in the expedition price. Again you are free to break the return journey and specify the ferry dates and times allowing you to extend your holiday as you choose.
Note – As for the outbound journey, this section of the expedition is also unsupported by OneLife Adventure. Accommodation, meals and refreshments you take during this transit stage are not included.
Cost
- For each additional adult up to a maximum of 4 per vehicle add £250.
- Under 16’s go free - OneLife Adventure does not charge its young guests. (Where shipping companies charge an additional fee these are passed on at cost, contact us for these costs)
The expedition price includes flexible return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and a deluxe external cabin for Marseille to Tunis, all visa, invitation and vehicle entry costs to Algeria, all campsite/accommodation costs, full backup and guiding from the support team including local guides in country.
It does not include your fuel, food, snacks, drinks, vehicle insurance and personal spending.
OneLife Adventure Expedition Rating System
HOGGAR & TISSILI EXPLORER
 
 Easy, short driving days, suitable for families and drivers with basic off road driving skills.
 Easy camping with occasional wild sites interspersed by sites with facilities, no technical needs, suitable for families and young children.
 Higher off road content, moderate driving days, suitable for families and medium
off road driving skills.
50% wild camping, some technical needs, suitable for families and young children used to camping.
 Longer days occasionally and high content of off road driving, recoveries likely and moderate levels of off road skills needed.
 80% wild camping +, weather or environment requires some technical clothing/equipment, suitable for experienced families with older children.
 Long days and long distances are the norm, likely to encounter severe hazards and will require teamwork to succeed, experienced drivers.
Extreme weather (hot, wet or cold), will require extensive technical equipment, irregular meals and physical discomfort will be the norm! Success is achieving the destination – Camel Trophy style.
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