Timimoun
Algeria · 280 m
Description
Timimoun is called the red oasis for the ochre mud of its buildings, a Sudanese style town of pointed merlons and carved doorways on the edge of the Grand Erg Occidental. It looks out over a salt flat and a sea of palm gardens fed by foggara, the ancient underground channels that carry water for kilometres under the desert and are still maintained by hand. The surrounding Gourara holds dozens of small ksour and a strong tradition of ahellil, the sung poetry recognised by UNESCO. Dunes rise directly behind the town and the light at sunset turns everything the colour of brick.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 4 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: October – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Timimoun red mud architecture
- Grand Erg Occidental dunes
- Foggara irrigation channels
- Timimoun palm gardens & salt lake view
- Gourara ksour circuit
- Ahellil sung poetry
- Timimoun Sudanese style gateways
- Old ksar of Timimoun
- Timimoun desert stargazing
- Dune bivouac & camel rides
- Massine & Ouled Said ksour(Day trip)
- Sebkha salt flat(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- TMX