Algerian Sahara gains global recognition as a top destination for nature and history

A report published in the American magazine Condé Nast Traveler on November 3, 2026, showcases the Algerian Sahara as a premier destination for off-grid travel. Following a nine-day itinerary from Algiers to Djanet with the tour operator Explore Worldwide, journalist Heather Richardson highlights the region's breathtaking sandstone canyons and ancient rock art in Tassili n’Ajjer, which dates back nearly 10,000 years.

The article praises the tranquil and authentic experience offered by the desert, noting its limited tourist crowds. It also examines Algeria’s broader tourism development strategy aimed at increasing visitor numbers by 2030, supported by the visa-on-arrival program that has served nearly 39,000 travelers since 2023. Local experts, such as guide Aïssa Khirani, emphasize the importance of sustainable development that benefits local communities while maintaining the desert's peace. While the region holds immense potential, the report points out that the expansion of hotel infrastructure remains a critical task for the future of the sector.