4x4 Raid - Assamar Tours
Embark on aExceptional 4x4 Raidthrough the most emblematic lands of Algeria, a unique itinerary connectingOran to the port of Algierspassing through the legendary oases of the Sahara.
This 15-day route takes you from the reliefs of Brézina to the golden dunes of Taghit, from the mythical oases of Béni Abbès and Timimoun to the vast expanses of El Menia and the Mzab, before heading towards the gates of the eastern desert atOuargla and Biskra..
Designed for adventure enthusiasts, this raid combinesdriving, exploration, culture and total immersion, with professional guidance, secure assistance and balanced stages between tracks, dunes and the discovery of the most beautiful oases in the country.
An intense, authentic and memorable journey, to experience.the Sahara in all its grandeurand reach Algiers after a crossing that marks you forever.
🌍 4x4 RAID IN ALGERIA
Grand Erg Occidental – 100% Authentic Saharan Immersion
Designed and led by a100% local team, experts in the Sahara and familiar with every track, this 4x4 raid immerses you in the heart of one of the most beautiful deserts in the world. Discover magnificent landscapes, unique sensations, and preserved places, far from any pollution and close to the Saharan culture.
PROGRAMME 15 DAYS
Oran → Grand Erg Occidental → Touat–Gourara → Mzab → Eastern Sahara → Algiers
DAY 1 — Arrival at the Port of Oran
- Welcome of the group, check-in at the hotel.
- Introduction of the team and the rules of the raid.
- Verification of vehicles, equipment and documents.
- Free evening in Oran.
Night: Oran
DAY 2 — Oran → Brezina
- Official start of the 4x4 Raid.
- Scenic route to Brezina, first areas of steppes and semi-desert relief.
- Discovery of natural sites and small regional tracks.
Night: Brezina(hotel / inn)
DAY 3 — Brezina → Taghit
- Descent towards the gates of the Sahara.
- Arrival atTaghit, one of the most beautiful oases in the Sahara.
- Discovery of the old ksar, first dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental.
- Small introduction to driving on sand.
Night: Taghit(hotel or bivouac)
DAY 4 — Taghit → Béni Abbès
- Crossing areas of hamada and erg.
- Arrival in Béni Abbès, the white oasis nicknamed “The Pearl of Saoura.”
- Visit to the ksar, palm grove and museum.
Night: Béni Abbès
DAY 5 — Béni Abbès → Timimoun
- Route to the majesticTimimoun, capital of Gourara.
- Spectacular landscapes: red dunes, cliffs, oasis.
- Settle in and then visit the city centre.
Night: Timimoun
DAY 6 — 4x4 loop around Timimoun
Day 100% off-road:
- oasis villages (Ksar Kalaa, Ouled Saïd…),
- foggaras,
- coloured reliefs of Gourara.
- Sessions of crossing in the erg.
Night: Timimoun(hotel or bivouac)
DAY 7 — Timimoun → El Menia (El Goléa)
- Crossing the desert plateau towards the oasis of El Menia.
- Alternating off-road/road.
- Settle in and quick visit (Charles de Foucauld church, palm grove).
Night: El Menia
DAY 8 — El Menia → Ghardaïa (Valley of the Mzab)
- Route to the UNESCO-listed valley.
- Discovering the towns of the Mzab: Ghardaïa, Mélika, Beni Isguen.
- Free time at the traditional market.
Night: Ghardaïa
DAY 9 — Ghardaïa → Ouargla
- Departure towards the Saharan east.
- Panoramic stops along the way.
- Visit to Ouargla: old town, palm groves, souks.
Night: Ouargla
DAY 10 — Ouargla → Biskra
- Gradual ascent to the Zibans region.
- Discovery of Biskra, “the queen of the Zibans.”
- Visit to Tolga / possible excursion to the gorges of El-Kantara.
Night: Biskra
DAY 11 — Biskra — Regional exploration
A calm day to rest or explore:
- Fort Cid,
- palm groves,
- canyon of Sidi Okba,
- possible thermal bath (Hammam Salihine).
Night: Biskra
DAY 12 — Biskra → Bou Saâda → Algiers
- Heading north via Bou Saâda (oasis of painters).
- Possible secondary track before joining the main road.
- Arrival inAlgiersat the end of the day.
Night: Algiers
DAY 13 — Algiers — Free Day / light discovery
- Visit to the Casbah, waterfront, Notre-Dame d’Afrique, gardens…
- Preparation of vehicles for boarding.
Night: Algiers
DAY 14 — Algiers — Last shopping / relaxation
- Column of vehicles to the port.
- Closing briefing and presentation of RAID participation certificates.
Night: On board / Algiers as per schedule
DAY 15 — End of the Raid — Boarding at the Port of Algiers
- Port formalities and official end of the raid.

🛠️ PRACTICAL INFORMATION & LOGISTICS — 4x4 RAID ASSAMAR TOURS
✔️ DURATION & ITINERARY
- Duration :15 days / 14 nights
- Departure :Port of Oran
- Arrival :Port of Algiers
- Regions crossed :Brézina – Taghit – Béni Abbès – Timimoun – El Menia – Ghardaïa – Ouargla – Biskra – Algiers
- Estimated total distance :between2,500 and 3,000 kmdepending on track/road variations.
🚙 PARTICIPATION & REQUIRED PROFILE
- Raid accessible todrivers with a 4x4in good condition (low range required).
- Difficulty level :intermediate, including sandy tracks, dune areas and road links.
- No desert experience required, but a basic knowledge of off-road driving is recommended.
🛻 VEHICLE & EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Each crew must have :
- well-maintained 4x4 (full service before departure)
- 2 spare wheels + tools
- Sand plates
- Compressor + pressure gauge
- 8m strap + shackles
- Jerrycans fuel (recommended range: 600–800 km)
- Water reserve: 10L/person minimum
- Personal first aid kit
- Portable lighting
- GPS + mount + power bank
Recommended equipment:
- Pre-filter for diesel, additional air filter
- Tent, mattress, sleeping bag (for camping nights)
- Desert shoes, warm clothing for cold nights
- Glasses / scarf / sunscreen
🧭 GUIDANCE & SAFETY
Your expedition is guided by:
- Certified expedition leader
- Local guide
- Mechanical support vehicle
- Satellite phone + distress beacon
- Daily briefing (weather, navigation, safety)
Safety:
- Locally validated routes
- Secure camping areas
- Assistance available 24/7 throughout the expedition
🏨 ACCOMMODATION
Depending on the stages:
- 3★ hotels / local inns (towns)
- Equipped camps in the desert (depending on weather and sandy sections)
- Option available“any hotel”(except specific isolated areas)
🍽️ CATERING
- Full board or half board depending on package.
- Lunches in the form of picnics during desert stages.
- Traditional dinners during the bivouacs (tagines, grilled meats, Saharan couscous…).
📄 DOCUMENTS & FORMALITIES
Each participant must have:
- Passport valid for more than 6 months
- Driving licence + vehicle registration document
- International insurance or insurance before boarding
- Exit permit if the vehicle is not in the driver's name
For foreigners:valid tourist visa.
⛽ FUEL & RANGE
- Stations available in the cities: Oran, Brézina, Taghit, Béni Abbès, Timimoun, El Menia, Ghardaïa, Ouargla, Biskra, Algiers.
- Desert areas: rangemandatorybetween 600 and 800 km.
- Fuel assistance possible (upon prior request).
🕒 PACE & ORGANISATION OF THE DAY
- Departure : between 7:30 and 8:30 depending on the stage
- 4 to 7 hours of driving per day depending on terrain
- Regular stops: photos, visits, technical assistance
- Settle at the camp or hotel before sunset
🌡️ CLIMATE & CONDITIONS
- Hot days: 20°C to 35°C
- Cold nights in the desert: 5°C to 12°C
- Wind can be strong in the late afternoon
- Bring warm clothing for evenings and early mornings
🎒 RECOMMENDED LIST (PERSONAL)
- Light bag + soft suitcase
- Headlamp
- Power bank
- Small personal pharmacy
- Swimsuit + microfibre towel
- Insulated water bottle
- Light clothing + windbreaker
- Desert shoes + sandals
⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTES
- The programme may be adjusted according to weather conditions, the state of the tracks, or for safety reasons.
- Assamar Tours guarantees professional supervision and validated itineraries to ensure comfort and safety.
📞 Ready for the adventure?
ASSAMAR TOURS accompanies you to experienceone of the most beautiful raids in the Sahara, safely, with an expert local team, unique landscapes, and authentic cultural immersion.
Registration
After contact, Assamar Tours will send you:
• a travel preparation sheet;
• a registration form to be returned with a 30% deposit.
Raid Procedure
The 4x4 Raid is a non-competitive tourist eventreserved for vehicles compliant with the Highway Code, insured, and in good condition.Participants follow the itinerary in the roadbook.
Each vehicle is equipped with a
geolocation devicefor tracking and assistance.Safety & Rules
The instructions presented during the briefings must be followed.
Les consignes présentées lors des briefings doivent être respectées.
Safety remains a priority throughout the journey.
Accommodation
Hotels, inns or campsites selected to ensure comfort and friendliness.
Assistance
A team of mechanics and two support vehicles provide mechanical assistance.
The Raid control centre is reachable at all times.
Changes
The organiser may adjust the itinerary, dates, programme or accommodation according to external conditions or logistical constraints.
Upon your arrival at the campsite, while the team unloads the 4x4s, each participant is invited to choose their spot. You can set up your tent or opt for a night under the stars — an experience we highly recommend.
Choosing a location
For safety reasons, it is essential not to stray too far from the camp. In the darkness of the desert, landmarks quickly disappear, and finding your location can become difficult.
Only take out your sleeping bag at bedtime to avoid it getting dusty or damp.
Water Management
Water is a precious resource in the Sahara and must be used responsibly.
The locals draw water from the gueltas in the region; it may sometimes have a slight taste ofguerba(besides the traditional), without compromising its potability.
As a precaution, we ask you tosystematically treat the water.(tablets such as Hydroclonazone or Micropur) to avoid any digestive discomfort.
Meals & Food
The Sahara is not a region with a varied gastronomic offer, and given the journey, it is difficult to transport large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables.
The meals will therefore be simple, adapted to the desert context, and prepared by our cook:
Lunch:composed salads, light meals.
Dinner:hot dishes based on rice, pasta, semolina, starchy foods,traditional taghella. traditionnelle.
And of course, the essentialsthree desert teas..
This simplicity is part of the authenticity of the Saharan journey: sobriety, sharing, and conviviality.
The tea ritual
Respect for local traditions is the first rule of courtesy for any traveller in the Sahara. Among the essential practices is the tea ceremony, a true symbol of hospitality and social connection. Widely introduced in the early 20th century, tea ("atei" in tamahaq or "chaï" in Arabic) now occupies a central place in Saharan daily life.
Concentrated, very sweet, and invigorating, it is prepared according to precise gestures, with traditional utensils: a kettle, two teapots, and small glasses. Three servings are offered to the visitor, each lighter than the previous one.
Note:
If you accept the first tea (the strongest), you commit to accepting the next two.
You can refuse the first and only accept the second or third, particularly for health reasons.
Ignoring these rules may be perceived as a lack of consideration.
Dress Code
In order to show your respect for local populations:
Choose clothing that is appropriate to the customs of the country.
Women should avoid revealing their legs or shoulders.
For everyone, it is advisable to avoid tight or overly revealing clothing, which is considered inappropriate in Saharan communities, known for their hospitality and dignity.
Alcohol
The consumption of alcohol is not strictly prohibited in Algeria. However, out of respect for the local team (guides, camel drivers, cooks), we invite you to:
Not use kitchen utensils to serve alcoholic beverages.
Consume discreetly and in moderation, avoiding any situation that may make team members, who are mostly Muslim, uncomfortable.
The Tuaregs tolerate the presence of alcohol within a group, but never excess.
Environmental Protection
Flora
Saharan flora is rare, fragile, and often limited to very small areas.
Foot traffic causes soil erosion, and a degraded environment may requiredecadesto regenerate. Preserve these spaces by avoiding crushing sensitive vegetation and dunes.
Fauna
Desert animals are particularly sensitive to stress.
Respect their tranquility: observe them discreetly, avoid unnecessary approaches and limit noise. Their survival can be compromised by repeated or unnecessary movements.
Waste management
The degradation times for waste are often very long:
Paper tissue: 3 months
Cigarette butt or orange peel: 3 years
Plastic bottle: 500 years
To minimise your impact:
Avoid over-packaged products.
For your natural needs, move away from paths andbury or burn(in desert areas only) your toilet paper.
Always leave places cleaner than you found them.
A shared commitment
Preserving the Sahara means ensuring future generations have the opportunity to discover these majestic landscapes in all their authenticity. Your responsible behaviour is essential to the safeguarding of this unique natural and cultural heritage.
ASSAMAR TOURISM & TRAVEL
1 – Conditions of participation
Our raids are open to anyone who meets the registration criteria and possesses the necessary technical and physical abilities, as well as a suitable and well-maintained vehicle.
The driver must be in possession of all mandatory documents for travel and must unreservedly accept the applicable general and specific conditions.
ASSAMAR TOURSreserves the right to refuse any participation that does not meet the requirements or the spirit of the raid.
2 – Registration Conditions
The registration form and the rules for the 4x4 raid are permanently accessible on our website.
The receipt of the form by the organisation constitutesfull acceptanceof the rules.
Registration is only validated upon receipt of:
the required deposit;
the mandatory documents: a copy of the vehicle registration, the technical inspection, and an insurance certificate.
3 – Commitment and Payment
Any participation requires:
the completion of the commitment form;
the payment of aminimum deposit of 30%; ;
the payment of the balanceno later than 20 days before departure..
Payment methods:
Cheque made out toASSAMAR TOURISM AND TRAVEL
Money order to the address:Cité 130 Housing LSP, Rue MEHARAB Ammar, 10000 Bouira – Algeria
Bank transfer (details provided upon request)
4 – Safety and Insurance
A dedicated medical team, mobile in 4x4, provides first aid. The responsible doctor is the only one authorised to make health decisions, including any potential repatriation.
A description of the search and safety procedures will be provided to you: you must be aware of and follow the instructions.
Mandatory insurances:
Health repatriation insurance (certificate required)
Individual accident insurance (recommended)
Mandatory vehicle insurance covering damages caused to a third party or another participant
ASSAMAR TOURISME & VOYAGE has civil liability insurance in accordance with current legislation.
5 – Road Book
Upon request, a road book can be provided each evening at a cost of€25.
Conditions:
return of the previous day's road book before receiving the next one;
a deposit of€150(not cashed), returned at the end of the raid.
The road book includes:
the description of the stage;
useful GPS points.
6 – Supervision and assistance
Assistance is provided by one or more equipped 4x4s (water, fuel, tools).
A logistics truck transports fuel, equipment, and luggage.
Our mechanics can advise you, but:
the maintenance and repairs of your vehicle remain entirely your responsibility.
7 – Organisation of the raid
Departure times vary according to the stages.
A daily briefing presents the route, potential dangers, and instructions.
Checkpoint controls ensure the safety and smoothness of the raid.
A medical 4x4 systematically closes the track.
In case of a permanent breakdown, we will organise your return as well as that of the vehicle,at your expense. No refund requests will be accepted.
By entrusting your vehicle to the organisation, you releaseASSAMAR TOURISM & TRAVELof any liability for potential damages.
Energy rations are provided for lunch.
8 – Administrative formalities
Mandatory documents:
Valid passport + 6 months
Driving licence
Health repatriation insurance
Vehicle registration document or notarised authorisation from the owner
Copies of documents may be requested for obtaining administrative authorisations (borders, military zones…). The organisation takes care of the formalities on the ground.
9 – Transport
Transport of participants and vehicles to the departure point is not included.
However, we can make reservations (ferry or plane) upon request.
10 – Accommodation
Particular care is taken in the choice of accommodations to ensure comfort, friendliness, and safety.
11 – Mandatory equipment
4x4 vehicle
Your vehicle must be in perfect condition and serviced.
Essential equipment:
Low gears + central differential lock
Minimum range of800 km(or 150 L of diesel)
Reinforced suspensions
Underbody and gearbox protection
5 mixed wheels (new or nearly new)
Pre-filter / fuel decanter
VHF radio min. 20 W + external antenna
RC insurance covering Algeria (mandatory at the border)
Recommended equipment
2nd spare wheel
Front and rear shock absorbers
Water/fuel jerrycans
Filters, oils, belts, crosspieces
Compressor, fuses, puncture kit
Shackles, towing straps (min. 2 per vehicle, 8 m)
Sand plates (2 pairs)
2 shovels per vehicle
Torches, luggage straps, gloves, etc.
Camping – Personal equipment
Complete camping gear
Cooking equipment
Food for nights in bivouac
Personal pharmacy
12 – Programme
The detailed programme is included in the raid's technical sheet.
ASSAMAR TOURISM & TRAVEL may modify the route or services if conditions require it (safety, weather, administrative constraints, group capacity…). These adjustments do not entitle to any refund.
13 – Behaviour and exclusions
Our raids are based on friendliness and respect.
You must:
respect the laws, customs, and local populations;
adopt a politically and religiously neutral attitude;
avoid photographing border posts and military installations;
respect safety rules:no excessive speed in villages, cautious driving, respect for others.
Any dangerous, aggressive behaviour or actions that undermine the spirit of the raid may lead to animmediate exclusion., without possible reimbursement.
14 – Cancellation
Number of participants
Minimum: 10
Maximum: flexible
Cancellation by the organisation
In case of force majeure or insufficient registrations, the raid may be cancelled.
The amounts paid will be refunded, without additional compensation.
Participants will be informed at least 15 days before departure.
Cancellation by the participant
Fees retained (registered letter required):
+30 days before departure:100 €
30 to 15 days:25 %of the total
15 to 8 days:50 %
8 to 2 days:75 %
2 days to departure:90 %
No-show:100 %
No refund will be granted in case of interruption of the raid or non-compliant administrative documents.
15 – Waiver of recourse
The participant waives any recourse against the organiser regarding:
transport of vehicles on truck
loan of courtesy vehicle
repairs carried out by the technical team
loss or damage of items in transported luggage (valuable items excluded)
16 – Jurisdiction
The relationship between participants and organiser is governed by theAlgerian law.
Any dispute is exclusively subject tocourts of Bouira.
FAQ — RAID 4x4 ASSAMAR TOURS
Here are some frequently asked questions about the stay.
Yes. The route is designed to be accessible to drivers with a 4x4 in good condition. Off-road experience is a plus, butnot mandatory: the guiding team provides training and assistance on-site.
A4x4 equipped with a low-range gearboxis essential (Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Land Rover, Jeep, etc.).
The vehicle must be serviced before departure: tyres, brakes, filters, suspensions.
Yes, upon request. Assamar Tours can provide a4x4 with a driver-guide, subject to availability (option to specify at the booking).
Yes.
The raid includes:
✔ Professional expedition leader
✔ Mechanical assistance vehicle
✔ Satellite phone + communication means
✔ Locally validated routes
✔ Daily monitoring of weather conditions and tracks
Depending on the stages:
- Hotels / innsin the cities (Oran, Timimoun, Ghardaïa, Ouargla, Biskra, Algiers…)
- Organised bivouacsin certain desert areas
- Option “any hotel” possible (except for isolated stages)
Yes, depending on the chosen option:
- Half board
- Full board(recommended)
Lunches are often prepared as picnics during desert stages.
Between2,500 and 3,000 km, depending on the track/road variants.
Intermediate level: a mix of track, sand, dunes, and road. : mélange de piste, sable, dunes et route.
Difficult sections are accompanied by the technical team.
Yes, in all major cities crossed.
For desert areas, a range of600 to 800 kmis mandatory (jerrycans recommended).
This raid is primarily intended foradults, but teenagers accustomed to travel can participate, under the responsibility of their parents.
- Days:20°C to 35°C
- Nights in the desert:5°C to 12°C
Warm clothing is recommended for the evenings.
- Algerians & residents:no visa.
- Foreigners:tourist visa required (Assamar can provide assistance).
- Personal first aid kit
- Headlamp
- Light clothing + windbreaker
- Desert shoes
- Microfibre towel
- Power bank
- Insulated water bottle
Detailed list in the 'Practical Information' section.
Yes. For reasons ofweather, safety or logistics,adjustments may be made, always in the interest of the group.
Contact Assamar Tours via:
📞 Phone / WhatsApp
🌐 Website
A deposit is generally required to confirm registration.
Why choose Assamar Tours for this 4x4 Raid?
Choosing Assamar Tours for your 4x4 Raid means opting for much more than just a trip: it’s experiencing aAssamar Toursmastered, secure adventure experience rich in discoveries,through one of the most beautiful Saharan routes in Algeria., à travers l’un des plus beaux itinéraires sahariens d’Algérie.
Our agency offers youprofessional expertise., a deep knowledge of the desert and an organisation designed to ensure that every participant fully enjoys the raid.
🚙 1. An exceptional, unique itinerary in Algeria
Assamar Tours offers one of the most comprehensive routes in the country:
Oran → Grand Erg Occidental → Touat & Gourara → Mzab → Eastern Sahara → Algiers
A truetour of the Algerian Sahara, combining dunes, historical oases, legendary tracks and cultural encounters.
🏜️ 2. Some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Sahara
Golden dunes of Taghit, white oasis of Béni Abbès, red cliffs of Timimoun, UNESCO-listed valley of Mzab, gorges and palm groves of Biskra…
Each day offers a new, authentic and photogenic scene, carefully selected for maximum impact.
🛡️ 3. Total security: professional supervision
Your peace of mind is our priority. The raid benefits from:
✔ Certified expedition leader
✔ Local guide expert in the terrain
✔ Mechanical assistance vehicle
✔ Satellite phone & distress beacon
✔ Routes validated with the authorities
✔ Navigation + safety briefings every day
With Assamar Tours, you travelwith confidence, even in the most isolated areas.
🔧 4. 24/7 assistance and technical support
Flat tyre, getting stuck in sand, minor breakdown, difficult crossing…
Our team intervenes immediately: you are never alone.
Initiations, advice and techniques for driving on sand are provided throughout the raid.
🏨 5. Comfort and flexibility of accommodation
Depending on the stages:
• 3★ hotels / authentic inns
• Organised and secure bivouacs
• Option“any hotel”possible
You choose the level of comfort that suits your desires.
🍽️ 6. Varied catering & traditional cuisine
Tagines, grilled dishes, Saharan couscous, picnics in the middle of the desert…
Each meal is a new immersion into the local culture, with careful food logistics throughout the journey.
🧭 7. Precise organisation
Every detail is considered:
• Fuel points
→
• 4x4 autonomy
• Timing of stages
• Crossing zones
• Points of interest to visit
• Alternatives in case of difficult weather
This ensures a smooth, controlled and enjoyable raid.
🌍 8. An authentic cultural immersion
Local encounters, visits to ksour, foggaras, palm groves, traditional markets…
Assamar Tours values human contact and the traditions of the Sahara, for a deeper experience than just off-roading.
👥 9. A raid accessible to all (intermediate level)
Beginners welcome!
The route alternates between:
• rolling tracks
• sand
• small dunes
• scenic roads
The objective:pleasure, discovery and progression, never difficulty for the sake of difficulty.
📝 10. A complete and simplified support
Assamar Tours takes care of everything:
• bookings
• permits and documents
• assistance with insurance / visas
• follow-up before, during and after the raid
• issuance of anofficial participation certificateat the end
You just have to enjoy.
🎯 In summary
WithAssamar Tours, you choose:
✔ A spectacular and perfectly organised raid
✔ Maximum security
✔ Professional technical support
✔ Exceptional Saharan landscapes
✔ Authentic cultural immersion
✔ Total peace of mind from start to finish
A memorable adventure, in the heart of the world's largest desert.
Explore our destinations with ease!
Download our tourist brochures in PDF and access refined programmes, clearly presented and ready to be shared. Your next adventure starts here.
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Kabylie - the beautiful escape at the gates of the Mediterranean.pdf
Algerian Sahara - a world of mystery and splendour.pdf
Discover the secrets of ancient cities.pdf
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Practical information;
Do you have any questions?
Please feel free to contact our team. We are at your disposal to assist you.
Contact form:Click here
Email: contact@assamartours.com / assamar.tours01@gmail.com
Fax: +213(0) 26 72 30 10
Mobile: +213(0)560 880 872 / +213(0)665 336 762 (WhatsApp)
We look forward to serving you.














