4 independent reviews for Algeria and the M’Zab Valley small group holiday
Reviews for Algeria and the M’Zab Valley small group holiday
Karen Foster review 10 Nov 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's a difficult choice between the very extensive Roman sites and the beautiful mosaics, both the ones in situ and the ones in museums. However, the warmth of Algerians was also striking. The phrase 'You are welcome to my country' was said to us many times by locals who overheard us speaking English. Algeria goes not have many tourists which was wonderful in that we often had sites almost to ourselves.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be flexible and be prepared for some of the itinerary to be changed on the fly because of local activity. We were there over a National holiday and some venues were closed to the public . However, that meant we were able to experience the celebrations related to the holiday which was a plus. Algeria is a huge country and the holiday was quite fast paced to allow us to cover so much ground and so many different areas.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The holiday benefited local people in that we were eating in local, non-multinational restaurants and staying primarily in locally owned accomodation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Algeria is a hidden gem. Our guide, Rushdi, was extremely knowledgeable about his country, it's history, culture and it's strengths and challenges. He did regular 'podcasts' on different topics while we were travelling in the coach between major stops which were very informative.Loraine Hayes review 19 May 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Roman ruins at Timgad and Djemila2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Full on in terms of always on the move but plenty of down time on bus journeys. Can be very hot with limited shade.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not particularly in terms of local people though we ate in very local establishments which were well served by locals. Increased tourism in Algeria will impact the environment in terms of large buses in remote areas but this is unavoidable.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent tour leader with a true passion for her people, her country and her religion made this an outstanding experience.Jeff Watts review 29 Oct 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the Roman sites in various place and the Ghoufi Canyon.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take cash to change up. Bank ATMs do not take oversees cards and only a few big hotels have ATMs.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Maybe.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good. Very few tourists so really felt like you were seeing things that not many do.Stephen Knaggs review 29 Oct 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
First impact of Tipaza on the coast close to Algiers. Undoubtedly the other Roman sites of Timgad and Djemila were more spectacular, but, the setting of Tipaza by the sea was beautiful. Special mention for the drive through the mountains from Batna to Constantine.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go on the extra trip to Tiddis - it's true, not much of the site has been uncovered or renovated, but the setting is beautiful. Credit cards are only accepted in the modern hotels in Constantine and Algiers, so get cash early. I bought at the airport, so got a poor rate of exchange, but there are atms on floors D & A in the El Aurassi hotel. Don't fret the police escorts - many of ours enjoyed a chat. Carry toilet paper... I would be tempted to get the visa in advance, rather than on arrival, especially if you're close to London. It's cheaper, and applying for a visa at the airport is kafkaesque.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - all local restaurants used.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Algiers and Constantine are beautiful, walkable cities so maybe an extra night in each would work. The roman sites are fabulous, as was our guide, Soumia. Many of the hotels were simple, but comfortable. I loved the Belvedere in Ghardaia. Having said that, travelling there was a nightmare; the flight is late, there are no assigned seats on it, and we had to wait for our police escort. We also had to deplane because of a fault. Despite these small quibbles, the trip was interesting and full of beauty.Holiday Reviews
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