Destination Algeria

Cancelled elections, military government, insecurity, terrorism and radical Islam have all proved less than effective marketing initiatives by ‘Destination Algeria’. As such, from the early 90s Africa’s second largest country effectively disappeared from the map, drowned beneath the sands of the Sahara and then veiled by an increasingly thick fog of geographical ignorance.

Recent emergence from a dark decade of conflict has sparked new interest in a country whose frontiers encompass Mediterranean coastal villages, vineyards, walled Berber cities, Roman and Ottoman sites, ski resorts, snow-capped mountain ranges and endless dune seas.

As author of Bradt’s first edition Algeria, Jonathan Oakes reports, “Algeria is finally finding itself in the brochures of a few adventurous tour operators. Not the sun and sea holidays that are offered in neighbouring countries – the infrastructure is not ready for that yet…”

Regarding the kind of welcome visitors are likely to encounter Oakes comments, “The fact that a tourist has chosen to visit their country, aware of its violent image excites them (Algerians) and a few positive words about the country does wonders for both the Algerian self-image and the greeting you are extended.”

Oakes does not claim Algeria to be an easy destination; those in search of backpackers’ hostels and banana pancakes will certainly be disappointed. However, travellers confident enough to leave the baggage of preconceptions behind and create room for Bradt’s new guidebook will find Algeria hugely rewarding and currently the place to visit in North Africa.

Jonathan Oakes originates from a quiet village in the northeast of England. His love of writing began during three years as Director of Studies at a language school in Tbilisi and has grown during a multitude of teaching jobs in over 40 countries. Jonathan now lives in Algeria, working for an executive training centre.

Title: Algeria
Author: Jonathan Oakes
Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides
Price: £15.99
ISBN: 978 1 84162 232 3
Web: Bradtguides.com