M'Zab Valley | Algeria

Minimalist of color at M'zab Valley

The M'Zab Valley is a region of the Northern Sahara that holds five traditional fortified villages. 

Like most of the Algeria tourists’ spots, M'zab was interestingly favored by the tranquility prevailing in the region known for its natural, architectural, and cultural heritage classified by UNESCO as world heritage. It is one of the most beautiful, interesting, and rewarding place to visit in Algeria.

The traditional human habitat in the valley during the 10^th century has been preserved intact. M'Zab Valley is a very simple place, yet, so functional and perfectly adapted to the environment. 

The architecture of M’Zab was designed for community living, while respecting the structure of the family. It is a source of inspiration for today’s urban planners.

Mzab Dhardia

M'zab is famous for its architecture which is dominated by simple structures, curving walls and no ornamentation. Streets are narrow, and all of the towns are situated with one, very visible mosque in its centre, situated on a rocky knoll. You will notice the minimalist color choices which are limited to white, light brown and blue. 

People of M'zab dress in equally simple garments, even today.

By Gisela Campos 

Al Qal’a of Beni Hammed | Algeria

Muslim Mosque, Al Qal'a in Algeria

Muslim Mosque, Al Qal'a in Algeria

Al Qal’a is one of the most astonishing site in the largest country on the Mediterranean Sea, Algeria. It has amazing sights to offer to civilization. The ancient ruins will truly surprise you, as it unfolds the history and the splendor it brings bit by bit.

The Al Qal’a of Beni Hammed ruins is the remnant of the first ancient Muslim City in Algeria. It is the vestiges of a former mosque which consists of 13 aisles and eight coves as its main features; this large mosque is one of the most notable features on the site. 

The location of the ruins is only a kilometer above sea level. For a person who does not know what the previous attraction looks like, it will just give them an impression of a plain structure in the midst of a vast dusty land. However, the area is known for its beautiful landscape and hills where the archeologist have also discovered numerous fountains. 

In 1980, Al Qal’a of Beni Hammed was named to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Paris, France. The core attraction of this cultural spot is the square brick monument of the city accented at the middle of the ruins. If you would look closely at the structure, you can say that it is centuries old already and is entirely made up of bricks. It is highly acknowledged and cherished because it is the only structure which stood still while others are left as a broken piece of column. The winter season adds up tourists as the beauty of the structure enhances when snowflakes cover the field.

By Jessica Alvarez

Santa Cruz | Algeria

Sta Cruz Castle, Algiers

Santa Cruz Castle in Algiers, Algeria is a historical site known for its splendid archaeological artifacts and it is located at the Pic d’Aidour, also known as Mount Murdjadjo.

The strategic location of the Santa Cruz Castle in North Africa makes it as one of the most hotly contested country in the world during the colonization era. It also features the Spanish and French culture and Santa Cruz Castle also symbolize the Council of Oleiros.


The castle has been declared as a place of cultural interest. The natural beauty of its setting and landscape makes it an extraordinary spot full of magic and history. The castle also provides a very good platform in viewing Santa Cruz Mountains, and located near the site is an ancient church guarded by Algerian soldiers.

Sta Cruz Castle over the Oran Gulf 

at the Mediterranean Sea

The Santa Cruz Castle in Algiers, Algeria has always been a popular tourist site. A small chapel known as the Chapel of Santa Cruz stands close to the fort and has been refurbished with a tower, which has a huge statue of the Virgin Mary. The statue is said to be a replica of that at Notre Dame de la Gerde in Marseilles, styled as Notre Dame de la Salut de Santa Cruz.

By Rebecca Valerio

Belezma National Park | Algeria

Belezma National Park, Algeria

The Belezma National Park was established in 1984 and considered as one of the most promising destinations for eco-tourist and wildlife lovers in Algeria. It lies Northwest in the Province of Batna in Northeast Algeria. The climate here ranges from a cool sub humid to dry semi-arid climate.

The real asset of Belezma National Park is its wide variety of flora and fauna. It is the perfect habitat for more than 300 resident species of wildlife, and the 59 wildlife species are considered to be endangered.

This national park is a home to other species of wildlife such as the Cuvier’s Gazelle, Atlas Barbary Sheep, the dark spotted Serval and several wild desert cats.

Wild Desert Cats

The Barbary Sheep is a species of goat-antelope, you may spot one of these solitary animals as they graze among any available plants in the semi-arid areas of the park.

The Serval is an attractive medium-sized wild cat. Although the Serval is a master of camouflage, visitors to the Belezma National Park stand a good chance of seeing this increasingly rare animal.

One of the protected animals is the Cuvier’s Gazelle. Unfortunately, it is believed that there are only approximately 2,000 of these beautiful endangered animals remaining in the world. These endangered species are divided between eight Northern African nature reserves, including the Belezma National Park. It is much easier to capture a glimpse of these illusive and solitary animals particularly in the park’s semi-arid sections. The residents in the Belezma National Park, even the visitors don’t manage to catch sight of the more elusive and rare species. 

Suggested activities are Hiking, Game drives, Birding Trips and Wildlife watching in this very interesting place of Algeria.

Ksar Jerid Hotel

Three of the cheapest featured hotels near Belezma National park are the Ksar Jerid which offers $59 per night, the Iberostar Palmyre offers $60 per night and the El Mouradi Tozeur which is $71 per night and they were all located in Tozeur.

By Dana Carlos

Tebessa | Algeria

Arch of Carcalla

Tebessa in Algeria is located 20 km from the boarder with Tunisia and has 161, 440 people. The place is also known for carpets — it is famous for producing the finest, traditional Algerian carpets which have a good market all over the world. Aside from carpets, the city has something more to offer.

Tourism is one of the main sources of revenue in the Tebessa.  The place is rich with historic value because it is the first town where Numidians settled. At the city, tourists can find numerous attractive sites such as the remains of Saint Crispinus Basilica and the Gate of Caracalla.

Saint Crispinus Basilica

The city began as a town in the 7th century. By the year 146, it was absorbed into the Roman Empire and was called Theveste. 

In the 1st century, the Legio III Augusta stayed in the site prior to the transfer to Lambaesis and become a colony under Trajan. It is linked to other areas to the country by rail and road.

The climate of Tebessa is mainly mild. Like other parts of Algeria, it also experiences Mediterranean type of climate. The summer months are mild and humid while winter months are cool. The ideal time for visiting the city is during the winter season when the weather is pleasant with little rain.

By Amara Borja

Tipaza | Algeria

Tipaza, Home of the Gods

Tipaza is a small town that lies along the coast of Algeria. Known for Roman ruins and a sandy beach.

Making the ruins of Tipaza so extraordinary is because of the fact that it does not only showcase the architectural style of one group of rulers, but shows the influence of the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantine and Christians had on the construction of this lost city and the role they played in the development of Algeria.

Flocks of tourist keeps on visiting Tipaza to explore its ruins and to discover the history of the ancient civilizations in Algeria.

A must-see and nice sightseeing views at the place include the Christian chruch vestiges and the Corne d'or Tourist Complex. To learn more about the history of the place, it is best to visit the Tipaza Museum.

Tipaza was conquered by Roman military colony by the leadership of Emperor Claudius. The Roman city was built on three small hills which overlooked the sea, most of these stood on the central hill however no traces remains, but there are ruins of three churches which makes the province very interesting. One of these is Great Basilica, second is the Basilica Alexander which were both seated on the Western hill, and the third is the Basilica of St. Salsa on the Eastern hill. 

The Great Basilica, Tipaza

The Great Basilica has seven aisles; however the site was used as a quarry for centuries, erasing much of the original structure. The basilicas are surrounded by cemeteries, which are full of coffins, all of stone and covered with mosaics. The tombs out of solid rock have been the foundation of the church. Christianity was early introduced in this part of the country and on the third century Tipaza was known as the Bishops Cathedral.  

Most of the inhabitants continued non-Christian until, according to the legend, Salsa, a Christian maiden, threw the head of their serpent idol into the sea, whereupon the enraged populace stoned her to death. The body, miraculously recovered from the sea, was buried, on the hill above the harbour, in a small chapel which gave place subsequently to the stately basilica. Salsa's martyrdom took place in the 4th century. Truly this mythological story added curiosity on the tourist. 

By Alison Mendez

Djemila | Algeria

Djemila Roman Theatre

The remarkable heritage site of Djemila, is one of the most significant place in Algeria.  It embodies the perfect expressions of the meeting of Roman power and African beauty despite of its early history lost. The town survival can trace its origins as far back as the 1st century. Here, you will come closer to understanding Roman aesthetic: the marriage of order and beauty; as the French writer Albert Camus observed, ‘a lesson in love and patience’.

Djemila Arch

Djemila's geographic position has become this heritage site's advantage. It is above 900m sea level on a spur of land created by two mountain rivers that is surrounded by rolling hills. The early years were some of the best:  enhancements took place but the progress has not taken its success to a grand city. It has become the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 for its adaptation of the unique Roman architecture built to a mountain environment.

The beauty of the well preserved ruins surround the forum of the Harsh, gives a dramatic entrance to the large pave square through a majestic arch.

By Rosie Rodriguez

ALGERIA

Algeria, a country that was ruled by French colonizers and endured struggles for independence for more than a century, has now grown remarkably and substantially into a market-oriented economy through broadminded foreign investments.  As with any developing country, multitude of factors may cause the stagnation however there are measure being done to uplift it's economy. 

Significant increase in population has been critical in Algeria. In 2010, Algeria’s population rises to 36.5 million with a growth rate of 1.173%. This has remarkably attracts foreign investors to do business in Algeria.

The Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs has been the foremost and fundamental model utilize in any economic structure.  It involves the spectrum of human needs that is universally relevant and straightforward, regardless of culture.  The basic of this involves physiological needs that include a clean source of drinking water.

Water in Algeria

The Tenes Plant produces potable water for Algeria

In Algeria, the 14th country  with poor water resources, has 87% of the population in urbanized area with access to potable drinking water, however, 13 million inhabitants in the rural areas still does not have such supply. With the difficulty to obtain drinking water, people normally use water stocked in tanks, increasing the risk to acquire diseases. In estimation, Algeria’s current supply of water amounts to 5 billion cubic meters, inadequate to provide the 15-20 billion cubic meters of domestic demand.  In addition to, the average availability for local consumption is at 55 liters per inhabitant/day.  If the shortage of supply coincides with population growth, Algeria will only have 25 liters per inhabitant/day, catapulting the country from 14th to 6th place among countries with scarce water supply. In a desert country like Algeria, topographically deprived of water sources and worsen by semi-arid climate, the government confronts a colossal task to increase water resources to achieve the national need for water.

In lieu of the scarcity, the government developed a new national water policy that created the Ministry for Water Resources. Currently, the ministry has the third largest budget behind Defense and Education.  In 2001, pre-existing institutions were replaced by newly-formed Algerienne des Eaux (ADE), a company geared to develop policy and manage water distribution systems.  The National Agency of Dams was also founded with the purpose to improve storage capacity of existing dams and the creation of 50 additional dams before the year 2020.

Algiers, Algeria

Moreover, Algiers, the capital city of Algeria, embarked on an extensive rehabilitation of the water distribution system.  This includes partnership with the private sectors and the construction of sea-water desalination plants that will augment limited resources and climactic changes.  The country’s desalination program is to be overseen by the Algerian Energy Company which was established in 2001 by Sonatrach, the national oil and gas company of Algeria, and Sonelgaz – State-owned gas and power distribution company.

Electricity in Algeria

In conjunction with the increase in population, Algeria’s electricity demand is growing at a rapid rate. Although shortage is not yet imminent, Algeria is currently exporting excess supply to Morocco and Tunisia. However, to be able to support the export industry which is also planning on diversifying to Europe, the country needs significant increase in capacity for the coming years.

Natural gas is the largest source of Algeria’s electricity generation. The year 2002, marked a significant increase in private investment for electricity generation. Joint venture with Algerian Energy Company by private investors is required by the Algerian law. Various partnerships are already been undertaken. Firstly, Algerian Energy Company contracted with Anadarko and General Electric to build the country’s first privately-financed, gas-fired power plant at Hassi Berkine.  Secondly, In August 2003, France’s Alstom agreed to construct a 300-MW power plant at F’Kirina, 300 miles east of Algiers.  Thirdly, In July 2003, Canada’s SNC-Lavalin obtained a contract to design and build an 825-MW, combined cycle power plant in Skikda, to be operational by the third quarter of 2005.  In addition to, the Canadian company is set to build a 1,200-MW, also a combined cycle power plant in Tipasa, west of Algiers. Lastly, in 2005, Siemens is planning to build a 500-MW, gas-fired plant in Berrouaghia, to be operational by the last quarter of 2006.

In response to the growing needs in water and electricity supply in Algeria, annual expositions such as New-Fields' Electricity and Water Expo promotes opportunities to sustain and meet the increasing demand.