Taghit: what to see, where to stay and New Year's Eve in the oasis

Taghit is the oasis many Algerians picture when they think of the desert: an old earthen ksar, a palm grove and, right behind the houses, the great golden dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental. Families and groups of friends come for a few days, mostly between autumn and spring, and it is one of the most sought-after places in Algeria for New Year's Eve. Here is what to see, when to go, how to get there and where to stay.

Where is Taghit?

Taghit is a town in Béchar province, in the Saoura region of south-west Algeria, about 95 km south of the city of Béchar. The oasis stretches along the riverbed, between the rocky Baroun massif on one side and the dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental on the other. Small ksour dot the valley around the main village, such as Zaouia Fougania and Zaouia Tahtania.

What to see in Taghit

• The old ksar: this fortified earthen village, built several centuries ago, overlooks the palm grove. It has been partly restored and is best explored on foot, wandering through its lanes.
• The great dunes: they start at the edge of the village. Sunset from the top is the highlight of the day: start climbing a good hour before, and take water.
• The palm grove and its gardens: watered by the river, they make a shady walk, ideal in the late morning.
• The rock engravings: the Taghit area is dotted with them. They date back to the Neolithic and show that the Sahara was once greener and inhabited. Visit them with a guide and do not touch the rock.
• Desert outings: camel rides, 4x4 trips and nights in a bivouac are offered by local agencies and guides.

When to go

The best season runs from October to April. Days are sunny and mild, but nights are cold in December and January, especially on the dunes and at a bivouac: pack a warm jacket, a hat and good shoes. From May to September the heat becomes intense, and outings take place early in the morning or late in the day.

For a first visit, allow three to five days to see the ksar, the palm grove, the dunes and the engravings without rushing.

New Year's Eve in Taghit

Taghit is one of Algeria's favourite places to see in the New Year in the desert: in recent years, thousands of visitors have spent New Year's Eve there. This year, 31 December 2026 falls on a Thursday and Algerian schools are off from 17 December to 3 January, so demand will be high throughout the second half of December.

Three tips:

1. Book now. The oasis has few hotels, and the nights from 30 December to 2 January go first.
2. Read the conditions of the offer (minimum stay, meals included or not, cancellation) before you book.
3. Respect the site. After some New Year's Eves, the press showed dunes littered with rubbish, later cleaned up by volunteers. Take your bin bags with you and leave the dunes as you found them.

To compare with Timimoun, Djanet, Tunisia or Istanbul, read New Year's Eve 2027: where to celebrate from Algeria?

Where to stay in Taghit

Accommodation is limited: that is part of the charm, and the whole challenge in high season. On Nreservi you will find, among others:

• Hôtel Saoura: in the heart of the village, near the square, the ksar and the palm grove, with pools and a restaurant. The most practical base for doing everything on foot.
• Bladi Palace: in Zaouia Fougania, a few kilometres from the ksar, with an outdoor pool, a restaurant and parking.
• Dar La Taghitoiz: a guesthouse inside the old ksar, to sleep in the heart of the historic village.

Choose your dates on the hotels in Taghit page: available places to stay are shown with live prices.

How to get to Taghit

Taghit has no airport. The easiest way is to fly into Béchar airport, which has flights to Algiers, then drive the 95 km or so, about an hour and a half by taxi or with a transfer booked in advance. You can also drive from Oran and western Algeria. For trains, buses and taxis, read getting around Algeria.

If you have more time, continue to Béni Abbès, further south in the Saoura, or to Timimoun, the red oasis. To compare the oases, see the Algerian Sahara in winter: which oasis to choose?

Package trip or tailor-made stay?

If you would rather not organise anything, our Taghit trip guide covers transport and accommodation. Otherwise, book your hotel only and arrange outings on the spot with an approved local agency.

How to book and pay

On Nreservi you book online or with NIA, our assistant on WhatsApp. In Algeria you pay in Algerian dinars without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our agency in Telemly (Algiers Centre). Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you after payment. Your voucher arrives by email or WhatsApp. Algerian couples are usually asked for their family record book (livret de famille) at check-in: see hotels in Algeria and the family record book.

Frequently asked questions

Which province is Taghit in? Béchar province, in the Saoura region, about 95 km south of the city of Béchar.

Is there an airport in Taghit? No. You fly into Béchar, then reach Taghit by road in about an hour and a half.

When should I book for New Year's Eve in Taghit? As early as possible: from November, rooms for the nights of 30 December to 2 January go fast.

How many days should I spend in Taghit? Three to five days are enough to see the ksar, the palm grove, the dunes and the rock engravings.

Do I need a guide for desert outings? As a rule, 4x4 trips, bivouacs and visits to the engravings are arranged with an approved local agency or guide. Foreign travellers should also check their government's travel advice before leaving.

See hotels in Taghit

Sources: Wikipedia (Taghit); Le Routard, Algeria guide (Taghit); Algérie360 ("Taghit, l'appel du Grand Erg", 10/01/2016; "À la découverte de Taghit", 25/04/2024; "Des milliers de touristes ont réveillonné à Taghit"; the day after New Year's Eve 2023); Algérie Éco (Saharan tourism, 04/01/2025); Echorouk (clean-up of Taghit after New Year). Accessed 14/11/2026.

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