Located on the Mediterranean coast, Africa’s largest country has a peaceful natural beauty in its deserts and mountains as well as on the Mediterranean coast. Algeria is on the fringes of European, Middle Eastern, and African cultures with historic influences from the Turks, Berbers, Ottomans, and many others. A dialect of Arabic is the official, and most often spoken, language of Algeria, but most people speak Standard Arabic and French as well. There is significant French influence present in Algeria as it was a colony of France for over a century until the Algerian War of Independence in 1962.

Terrorist groups in Algeria often target foreigners, especially Americans. False roadblocks, kidnappings, and car bombings are common tactics used by terrorists in Algeria. Civil unrest and spontaneous violence do erupt in Algeria with more frequent occurrences since January 2011.

Algerian cuisine blends Arabic and French traditions to create a unique cuisine that makes liberal use of chickpeas, lamb, soups, and fresh vegetables. The primary grain consumed in Algeria is couscous, a tiny round shape of pasta that is the base of many savory and sweet dishes.

Hearty dishes like chickpea soup and lamb stew are standard fare. The Algerians use all parts of the animal; therefore, dishes like buseluf, cooked lambs head, and dowara, a stew of intestines and chickpeas, are cooked in homes throughout the country. Chakchouka, a dish of poached eggs in a tomato and pepper sauce, is a popular dish throughout North Africa and is served as a hearty breakfast or lunch. Breakfast in Algeria is more often taken in the French tradition of a pastry and coffee or tea.

Pastries also appear at dessert, though often with a more Turkish or Arabic flair than French. Baklava is common, as is Ktayef, baked vermicelli with almonds, honey, and sugar.

Located in the Tassili N’Ajjer Mountains, Tassili n’Ajjer National Park is one of the best places in Algeria for hiking or camel trekking. Many visitors opt for a multi-day trek and camping trip in the Tassili n’Ajjer. Guides care for the camels, cook meals, and share their knowledge of the area on subjects from varieties of scrub vegetation to rock wall carvings.

The Chiffa Gorges, located in the lush Tell Atlas Mountains, also provide excellent hiking opportunities. Stay in the nearby town of Chiffa and take day hikes in the gorge and nearby mountains. Perhaps you’ll see a peacock or the Barbary Macaque, a tailless monkey native to the region.

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