Timimoun

Timimoun (Arabic: ﺗﻴﻤﻴﻤﻮن) is a city in the Saharan region of Algeria.

With its stunning buildings, picturesque streets, and beautiful sunsets, Timimoun is the perfect destination for travellers looking to explore a truly unique destination deep in the Saharan desert.

Understand

A red-ochre building, one of many features of this beautiful city.

Get in

There are buses entering from Adrar (2.5 hours) in the south and Ghardaia (7 hours) and El Gholea (4 hours) in the north. Timimoun has an airport (TMX). Air Algerie has several flights per week from Algiers and one flight per week from Oran (Wednesday). The only place to buy flight tickets in Timimoun is the Air Algerie ticket office, quite in the center of the town.

By plane

There is one airport that serves the city.

If you decide to fly to Timimoun, it is recommended that you buy round-trip tickets; Timimoun is far away from all the major cities in Algeria. Plan and prepare your visit accordingly.

• 1 Timimoun Airport (TMX  ^IATA). A domestic airport serving the city. Has flights to two cities: Algiers and Oran. (updated Dec 2022)

By car

It is possible to drive to Timimoun (the city lies on Highway N51, one of Algeria's main highways), but the road network in Saharan Algeria is limited and poorly developed. The closest major city to Timimoun is Bechar, which is a six-hour drive away.

See

The town is known for the red ochre color of its buildings.

• 1 Ksar Draa. Historic desert fort, built around 1100 AD. (updated Aug 2021)

Do

• The Sebkha circuit. This trip has some of the best sights to offer in Algeria. It includes a trip to an old Ksar (castle) which has a network of caves underneath - still used by villagers to escape the extreme heat in the summer months. The route continues along the edge of the cliff with breathtaking views of the Sahara - arid land, flat-top hills, oases and of course the sand dunes. The trip may include a picnic lunch in one of the oasis villages, a trip to see the rose de sable and a jaunt on the sand dunes. You will need to book the tour at least a day in advance since (as of November 2013) each trip into the desert requires the touring party to be accompanied by the police for security reasons. The police are very friendly and non-interfering though, so it should not affect your experience. Cost is 9500DA with a vehicle, driver and guide. 

Sleep

• Hotel Djanane Malik (Located at the edge of the Palmeraie). The hotel is at a slight elevation overlooking the palm trees at the palmeraie and the dunes of the Grang Erg Occidental, offering fantastic views. Rooms on the upper floor have attached terraces. Wi-fi is included though the Internet service is not very reliable. 6000DA for a two-person room with private bath and air conditioning. 4500DA for a room with communal showers and no air-conditioners.. 
• 1 Auberge de Jeunesse (1.5km from the center). Offers dorms, basic but very cheap, and it might be a good place to meet local / domestic tourists. There is a cafeteria offering breakfast, coffee and such. Shared toilets and showers. 300DA for foreigners, 600DA for Algerians. 

Stay safe

The most significant danger in Timimoun is the hot, scorching, extreme weather; Timimoun's location in the Saharan Desert means that the city has a hot desert climate.

During the summers (June-Aug), temperatures can go as high as 45-50°C. Hydrate often and wear appropriate clothing to deal with the heat.

Go next

As one of the smallest cities in Algeria, you can easily cover the city in less than a day or two.

If you plan on staying in Algeria for a while, you can fly back to Algiers or Oran.