Discover Ghardaia Travel Agency — Local services in Bounoura

Ghardaïa is a one-of-a-kind locale a short flight from Algiers. It was dark when we landed at the airport, where we were greeted by our guides - who drove us to our guesthouse, Caravansérail Ghardaïa. Straightaway we were treated to a feast in the dining hall followed by a light, self guided, evening stroll through the grounds. The next morning after breakfast, our local guide, Kahled, picked us up and drove us through the hills for a fantastic view of the Mbaz Valley. Next up was Ghardaïa’s bustling main open air market. Walking down those narrow streets, poking your head into the small shops was like looking through a window back in time. Carpets, produce, souvenirs, spices - you name it, it was there. The vendors were fair and friendly. We then took a walk to the Old Mosque of Ghardaïa, while our guide explained how the architecture of the entire neighborhood was designed to minimize the harsh desert heat (I personally, was fascinated by this). Before we knew it, it was time for lunch. Being Friday, most restaurants closed down around midday, so our guide took us to a small bodega style grocery store where we picked up some yogurt, cheese, and drinks. Then he grabbed some baguettes and dates from his house before taking us to a private garden (at a friend’s summer home). There we picnicked and learned more about the history and agriculture of the region. Our guide was EXTREMELY knowledgeable. After lunch he took us to the Mausoleum of Sheik Ammi Brahim (built in the 1400’s) - the first mosque I’ve visited that was designed to be asymmetrical. Very cool structure. We then visited Beni Isguen, where we did a brief tour of the museum, followed by the old market square (Marché Lalla Achou) where kids were playing football. Next we wound our way uphill through the maze of thousand year old streets to the peak where we were treated to yet another great view of the Mzab Valley. As the day was fading into twilight, we got to visit the top of a watchtower where we could see all 5 towns that make up Ghardaïa, and the palm groves between. Dinner was again a feast, but was this time followed by a traditional oud and drum combo playing Berber music well into the night. A magical evening to cap off our incredible visit to this fantastic part of the world. There’s no place like it, and it takes a special team like the good people at Discover Ghardaïa to make it all possible. I would recommend them to anyone traveling...

I strongly discourage using Discover Ghardaia services. Despite the good reviews online, our experience was very disappointing. We booked a 5-day tour package covering Ghardaia, Algiers, Constantine, Djemila, Timgad, and Tipasa, including flights, hotels, transport, guides, and meals.

Problems started upon arrival. Our evening flight to Ghardaia was changed from direct (1h) to indirect via Constantine (4h). The agency claimed the airline rebooked it, but we found out the original flight was operating as scheduled. It seemed like they booked last minute and there were no seats left.

Upon arriving in Constantine, we discovered our hotel reservation was invalid. After long negotiations, our driver paid out of his own pocket. The agency blamed the hotel, but it seemed the booking wasn’t paid on time.

On our last day, our morning flight from Constantine to Algiers was non-existent in the airline's system, and the plane was full. Thanks to our driver, who paid for new tickets, we got on the waiting list and finally boarded. The agency did not answer our calls or check on us afterward.

Additionally, the package was not a cohesive package but a collection of separate attractions. All guides and drivers were subcontracted and had no idea about the next steps, so we had to ask who would pick us up each day. The subcontractors, although very nice and helpful, acted as freelancers dealing with "our" problems rather than representatives of the agency.

In summary, the country is worth visiting, and the people are friendly, but the service level from Discover Ghardaia was unprofessional and...

If you want to get the most of your experience with honest, genuine, professional people, definitely choose 'Discover Ghardaia'. As for Ghardaia you must see it.

I have visited Ghardaia two times, for my research. I have contacted Mr. Azzeddine who was incredibly helpful. He made sure I find everything I was aiming for for my research. Then, at arrival, absolutely every person was quite welcoming, and very very very helpful. I got the chance to talk with tourists guides from 'Discover Ghardaia" agency and they were genuine people with profound knowledge of the region and quite supportive for me to get the maximum benefit of my experience They were very flexible, accompanied me to meet other tourists, with whom I had interviews for my research. I thank all tourists guides, I have the pleasure to meet and talk with in their office in the ' Ancient Market".

we stayed in both Akham and Tazribt Residences, I Highly recommend both of them. they are not hotels so you will feel more like in a home; getting to meet with others after dinner, drinking tea all together while Mr. Farouk played music. Everything is authentic. The food, the place, the great people.

Ghardaia as a place is unique, for me personally it was such a rich experience in so many ways. I appreciate everything about Ghardaia and about Algeria as whole in a new way as na...