Hammam Bouhanifia, Mascara: five hot springs, four hotels, access and tips

Hammam Bouhanifia is a historic thermal resort in western Algeria: according to the operator and Mascara province, it has been run as a spa since 1930. It is also a large one, with several public hotels, five hot springs and medically supervised treatments. Here is what we could verify, and what you should confirm before you go.

Where is Hammam Bouhanifia?

Bouhanifia is a small town in Mascara province, south of the city of Mascara, 20 to 25 km from it depending on the source. The resort sits on the banks of the Oued El Hammam, at about 230 m above sea level. You may also see it spelled Bou Hanifia or Bouhnifia.

How to get there

• From Mascara: the resort is close to the city and linked to it by road, which makes Mascara the easiest base for a day trip.
• From Oran: drive to Mascara, then continue south to Bouhanifia.
• From Sidi Bel Abbès: national roads link the area.
• From Algiers: it is a long drive west: break it with a night in Oran, or stay at the resort.

We give no distance from Oran and no driving times, because we lack two sources that agree.

Five hot springs: temperature and uses

The resort uses five springs. According to the operator and the province, their temperature ranges from 40 to 75 °C; other measurements, including a scientific study published in 2022, give slightly lower maximums of around 65 to 70 °C. Either way, the hottest springs exceed 60 °C: never touch the water at the source and keep children close. In the baths, the water is cooled.

The water is described as rich in chlorides. The operator and the province list rheumatology, neurology, dermatology, gynaecology and digestive disorders among its indications. A bulletin of Algeria's renewable energy research centre (CDER) also mentions the after-effects of injuries, and the official tourism portal includes Bouhanifia among the springs known for rheumatic, skin, respiratory and digestive complaints.

These are the resort's indications and traditional uses, not promises of a cure. Decide on a course of treatment with your doctor, especially if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, are pregnant or take regular medication.

The resort: four hotels and a treatment centre

Hammam Bouhanifia is a public resort run by EGT Tlemcen, like Hammam Boughrara, Hammam Rabbi and Hammam Bouhadjar. According to the operator and the province, it has four hotels: the Beni Chougrane, the Grand Hôtel, the Hôtel des Bains and the Hôtel des Sources, plus a swimming pool and a thermal treatment centre with doctors' consulting rooms.

This information is undated: we could not check which hotels are open in 2026, or their condition. Call the resort before you go and ask which hotel will host you and what is in service.

Couples: as public establishments, these hotels may ask for proof of marriage (the family record book for Algerian nationals). See our article on whether couples need a family book.

Where to stay if not at the resort

Nreservi does not list the resort's hotels, nor any hotel in Mascara for now. Two western cities where you can book with us:

• Oran, the region's main city, with the widest choice. Hotels in Oran
• Sidi Bel Abbès, if your trip takes you there. Hotels in Sidi Bel Abbès

Prices

We publish no prices: we found no two dated 2026 sources that agree. Ask the resort or your hotel's reception for the cost of rooms, baths and treatments.

Best time to go

• Autumn to spring is the best season for a cure or a hot bath.
• Summer days are hot: plan your baths early in the morning or late in the day.
• Weekends and school holidays are busier; weekdays are quieter.

What to pack

• Non-slip sandals, a towel, a bathrobe, bathing clothes and a swimsuit for the pool.
• A change of clothes and a jacket for after the bath in winter.
• Drinking water.
• For a cure: a letter from your doctor, recent test results and your usual medication.
• Cash in dinars.

Booking your hotel

On Nreservi you can book a hotel in Oran or Sidi Bel Abbès online. Travellers from abroad pay by card; in Algeria you can pay in dinars without a bank card (CCP, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office). See also our article on Hammam Bouhadjar and our guide to Algeria's thermal resorts.

See hotels in Oran

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.