North Africa Algeria Tunisia 16 Days

Day 1 Amsterdam - Malaga

The engines have already been shipped last week.

We will have a short flight today of about 3 hours to Malaga, this is also where our motorcycles are parked at the hotel.

Malaga is a fun city to walk through and enjoy the many small tapas restaurants. With a Mediterranean climate, winter is also a good time here.

Day 2 Malaga - Almeria - Ghazaouet ( night boat )

The trip begins in the sunny south of Spain. Depending on motorcycle transportation, we'll stay overnight in or just outside Málaga - a vibrant city where Mediterranean flair, Moorish history and tapas meet.

In the morning we start the bikes and leave the city behind for a first ride full of curves, views and anticipation. We wind through the Parque Natural Montes de Málaga, where pine forests and deep valleys give a taste of the rugged work to come. The route leads us further along the southern flank of the impressive Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada. Here we drive on quiet roads, through white villages and past olive groves with the mighty mountain massif in the background.

In the afternoon, we descend toward the coast and reach the port city of Almería, where we take the night boat to Oran, Algeria. The crossing takes about eight hours - time enough to relax, swap stories and mentally prepare for the African continent that awaits us.

Tomorrow begins the real adventure: on a motorcycle through Algeria

Day 3 Arrival in Algeria: from Oran to Mostaganem

After a night at sea, the ferry arrives around 8:30 a.m. at the port of Oran, one of Algeria's most important cities. The North African adventure has begun - but first the inevitable paperwork. Border control and customs formalities can take a while, so we take our time and allow for a few hours of patience ashore.

As soon as the engines roll off the ferry and we leave the port area, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant chaos of Oran. This bustling coastal city is a mix of colonial grandeur, Arabian energy and modern bustle. We wind our way through the traffic and slowly but surely leave the hustle and bustle behind.

Outside the city, things get quieter. We follow rural roads through the gently rolling interior, past small villages and vast agricultural areas. The atmosphere is relaxed, children wave by the roadside, donkey carts share the road with our motorcycles.

In the afternoon we reach Mostaganem, an attractive city on the Mediterranean Sea. Here a comfortable stay in a luxury hotel awaits - with swimming pool and excellent cuisine. The perfect place to recover from the ferry crossing and the first real day on Algerian soil. Time to relax, recharge and reflect on the fact that we will be exploring the heart of North Africa on two wheels.

Day 4 From Mostaganem to Algiers: coastlines, contrasts and the capital city

After a rich breakfast buffet in our comfortable hotel, we start the motorcycles for a varied ride towards the heart of Algeria: Algiers, the capital.

We leave Mostaganem and plunge inland. Here we drive through a quiet and timeless Algeria, past deserted and simple villages, where life seems slow and unchanged. Donkeys, sheep herds and dusty roads define the street scene. This first stage is pure, raw and authentic.

Not much later, we reach the coastal road toward Algiers. What follows is a leisurely drive on quiet roads, with countless curves and occasional breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The air is clear, the sea deep blue, and the asphalt winds gracefully between cliffs, hills and small fishing villages. An ideal route for motorcyclists who love peace, rhythm and panoramic views.

But then, the last hour: the approach to Algiers, a metropolis of nearly 4 million people. Traffic gets busier, driving style more assertive, and navigation more intense. Still, we find our way surprisingly smoothly to our hotel, strategically located on the coast and a short distance from the city's main attractions.

Upon arrival, there will be time for relaxation, drinks overlooking the sea, and perhaps a first stroll through this intriguing city - where Ottoman palaces, French colonial architecture and modern chaos coexist effortlessly.

Day 5 Exploring Algiers: diving into the soul of Algeria

Today we leave the motorcycles behind and immerse ourselves in the fascinating history and culture of Algiers. Accompanied by a local guide, we explore the city's highlights - from the ancient Kasbah to modern monuments and sacred sites. A day full of contrasts, stories and unforgettable views.

The Kasbah of Algiers - World heritage and living past

We begin the day in the heart of the city: the Kasbah of Algiers, a maze of narrow streets, centuries-old houses and hidden courtyards. This historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is built against a hill overlooking the port and offers an authentic image of pre-colonial Algiers.

The Kasbah breathes history - from Ottoman palaces and mosques to the traces of the French colonial era. Our guide leads us past traditional houses with beautiful courtyards (patios), artisan workshops and secret passages once used by resistance fighters during the independence struggle. Here you can feel the soul of Algeria.

Djamaa el Djazaïr - Modern splendor by the sea

We then drive to the Djamaa el Djazaïr, also known as the Great Mosque of Algiers. This is not just any mosque - it is the third largest in the world, with the tallest minaret in the world (267 meters). The combination of modern architecture and Islamic tradition makes this one of the most impressive buildings in the country. Inside, we admire the craftsmanship of marble, carvings and stained glass, while the sea glistens in the background.

Monument des Martyrs - tribute to the resistance

We continue our way to the imposing Monument des Martyrs (Maqam Echahid), which towers high above the city. This concrete structure in the shape of three palms coming together commemorates the Algerian struggle for independence against France. The view of Algiers from here is phenomenal, and the story of the struggle for freedom makes a deep impression.

Place de l'Émir Abdelkader - the modern heart of the city

Then to the bustling Place de l'Émir Abdelkader, an important city square named after the national hero who led the resistance against French colonial forces in the 19th century. The statue of the Emir on horseback dominates the square, which is surrounded by stately buildings, heavy traffic and lively cafes - the beating heart of modern Algiers.

Notre-Dame d'Afrique - Christian echo on the coast

We end the day on the northwest edge of the city, at the impressive Notre-Dame d'Afrique. This 19th-century Catholic basilica, built on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, is the antithesis of the famous Notre-Dame de Paris. The facade reads, "Notre-Dame d'Afrique, priez pour nous et pour les musulmans" - a symbol of religious connection. The view from here over the sea and city is magical.

After a day full of impressions, we return to the hotel. Time to unwind, look at photos and reflect on all we have seen and felt today. Tomorrow we head inland again - on our way to the desert heart of Algeria.

Day 6 From Algiers to Bou Saâda: the gateway to the Sahara Desert

After a good breakfast at the hotel - fresh bread, sweet jam, strong coffee and fruit - we say goodbye to Algiers. In about an hour we drive out of the city, along busy boulevards and along the ring road, until the urban frenzy slowly disappears in the mirrors.

A beautiful mountain route full of curves, vistas and fresh mountain air opens up before us immediately. We rise slowly while looking back we catch another glimpse of the Mediterranean and the skyline of Algiers. The road winds on through a quiet and mountainous interior - an old pass road, partly worn but passable on a road bike. This is motorcycling as it is meant to be: concentrated, flowing and with more peace around you with every kilometer.

After an hour or two, the landscape changes. The mountains get lower, the horizon wider. The asphalt is tight and fast again, and it feels as if we are driving into a new world. The smell of pine gives way to dust and dryness. The transition to pre-Sahara is subtle but unmistakable. We stop along the way for a simple but delicious traditional lunch: brochettes, flatbreads, and fragrant stews.

In the afternoon, we reach Bou Saâda, literally "the city of happiness" - an ancient caravan city on the edge of the desert. Known for its date palms, colorful souks and as the home of French painter Étienne Dinet, this city oozes history and atmosphere. Our hotel for tonight is traditional in style but comfortable, with a pool to cool off in and a restaurant serving local specialties.

Bou Saâda feels like the real beginning of the desert adventure - tomorrow we move on toward the sands.

Day 7 From Bou Saâda to Ghardaïa: facing the sand

Today is the day - we really drive into the desert. Ghardaïa, our destination, lies deep in the south and marks the entrance to the M'Zab Valley: a unique world of oasis towns, mud architecture and ancient traditions. But before we get there, a long, impressive drive through the changing heart of Algeria awaits.

Leaving Bou Saâda, we deliberately choose not the fast main road, but a route that takes us deeper into the real Algeria: on secondary roads through forgotten villages like Messaâd and Guettara. At first, the asphalt is still smooth and the scenery calm - a drive through open country, dusty fields and simple settlements where time seems to stand still.

But as we drive farther south, everything changes. The asphalt becomes more variable - stretches of smooth alternate with rougher sections full of holes and ridges. Our concentration remains high, but the reward is great: the landscape opens up, the horizon widens, and the first patches of sand appear on either side of the road.

The wind can be brisk here. The sand blows across the road, creating a kind of natural fog - hazy, dry and constantly moving. We drive largely in silence, alone or in small groups, with the occasional lone truck plowing through a sea of dust like a ship. Here, in this emptiness, you really realize how vast and unrelenting the Sahara is.

For the last part of the day, we take a stretch of highway toward Ghardaïa. Tired but satisfied, we roll into the town, situated on the edge of a rocky valley full of palm trees, mud houses and Islamic heritage.

We spend the night in a traditional resort, built in local style, with quiet courtyards, shaded galleries and a refreshing swimming pool. A perfect place to relax after a long, dusty day - and to prepare for the unique culture of the M'Zab Valley that awaits us tomorrow.

Day 8 Ghardaia - Accommodation

Today the motorcycles remain parked. Instead, with a local guide, we will trek on foot and by car through Ghardaïa and the surrounding villages of the M'Zab Valley - a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique, traditional Berber architecture and culture.

Ancient villages and lively markets

Our guide leads us in the morning through the narrow streets of the old town, built against the hills with terraces, mud houses and small alleys designed centuries ago to keep out both the sun and enemies. We visit one of the five traditional Mozabite villages that make up this region - each with its own color, central mosque and lively village square.

Ghardaïa's market is an experience in itself. Not only fruits, vegetables and meat are traded here, but also carpets, silverware and handmade leather sandals. Especially famous is the carpet sale in the central square, where traders price and sell their wares under the eye of customers and competitors. It is lively, but never chaotic - everything follows strict rules, just like society here.

The tranquility of the siesta

After the morning rush, life in the valley comes to a complete standstill. In the hot afternoon hours, truly everything is closed. Stores, markets, mosques - even the shadows seem to rest for a while. This is when we too return to our resort, for a light lunch, a refreshing dip in the pool or simply a few hours of idleness. This is how it should be here.

Women in veil and color

During the tour, one notices how the women in Ghardaïa dress. Most Mozabite women wear a white haïk, a large cloth that covers them completely except for one eye. It is understated, dignified and symbolic of the religious community that lives here. In some villages, women also wear brightly colored skirts under their haïk - a subtle sign of personal identity. The men often wear white robes with a headscarf or small embroidered cap.

A second village, a different atmosphere

Toward the end of the day, we take a short drive to another village in the valley, such as Beni Isguen - known as the most conservative and closed village in the region. Here there are strict rules for access, behavior and photography. Our guide helps us respect the local customs while enjoying the uniqueness of this spiritual place.

We end the day in the quiet of our resort, with tea, dates and a gentle evening breeze. Tomorrow we move on again - deeper into the desert, toward new adventures.

Day 9 From Ghardaïa to Oued via Ouargla: deep into the Sahara and up again

After two nights in the peace and tradition of Ghardaïa, it is time to move on. Today is all about long roads, open plains and endless horizon lines. We leave the M'Zab Valley early in the morning, first driving on the highway to the south.

The surroundings become barer, drier and quieter. We traverse an almost otherworldly landscape: dusty plains, a village here and there, and the occasional group of camels in the distance. The sun slowly climbs up, casting long shadows across the asphalt.

After a few hours, we reach Ouargla, the deepest southern point of this trip. Ouargla is an ancient oasis town and an important hub in southern Algeria, surrounded by sand dunes and date palms. We will make a brief stop, perhaps for lunch or to stretch our legs, before we shift course north again.

From here, the road narrows - a two-lane road through the heart of the Sahara - but is easily passable. The wind plays with the sand again, and the sense of isolation is overwhelming. There is little traffic, and except for the occasional truck or villager on a moped, we are alone with the vastness of the landscape.

In the late afternoon we arrive in Oued (El Oued), a town known as the "city of a thousand domes" because of its peculiar architectural style with rounded roofs designed to keep out the heat. Here we spend the night in a comfortable hotel, where you can literally wash off the Sahara - with a shower, a refreshing Coke or a dip in the pool.

Day 10 From Oued to Douz (Tunisia): across the Sahara and a border full of patience

Today we conclude our Algerian adventure and cross the border into Tunisia - heading for Douz, the legendary desert town known as "the gateway to the Sahara."

We leave early, because we know this day could be long and challenging. Right after leaving El Oued, we face strong winds and windblown sand. The road is mostly good, but visibility is sometimes obstructed by sand blown across the asphalt. We have to be careful - the Sahara is showing its rough side today.

The ride up to the Tunisian border is impressive but exhausting. The desolation of the landscape is total: no villages, hardly any traffic, just us, our bikes, the wind and the plain.

At the border, the familiar game of patience and paperwork begins. Getting out of Algeria takes time, but the real work begins when the motorcycles are exported from Algeria. Whereas the entry was still fairly smooth, clearing the vehicles out proves to be a time-consuming and bureaucratic challenge, as if they don't know how to do it!

All in all, it takes us almost four hours before we can get back on the bike. But: we're in!

The reward comes almost immediately: an adventurous drive of over 100 kilometers along the border zone, through vast, open plains with relentless winds and a landscape that is at once empty and impressive. This is riding in character, with the Sahara as its backdrop.

At the end of the afternoon, Douz appears on the horizon, an oasis town located on the edge of the gigantic salt flats of Chott el-Jerid. Here we immediately feel that we are in another country: the atmosphere is different, but still pure desert. We arrive tired but satisfied at our hotel, where the dust of the day slowly disappears under a shower, a cold drink or a dip in the pool.

Tomorrow we explore Tunisia further - but tonight we enjoy the peace and quiet after one of the most intense stages of the trip

Day 11 Rest day in Douz: with baby carriage or 4×4 into the dunes

After the long drives through Algeria and yesterday's border crossing, today is a day without a motorcycle - but certainly not without adventure.

We will stay in Douz, the famous desert town on the edge of the Grand Erg Oriental, an immense dune region stretching deep into Algeria and Libya. Douz has been a gathering point of caravans and nomads for centuries, and today we experience the magic of the Sahara in a different way: by baby carriage or 4×4 all-terrain vehicle.

Sand, dunes and adrenaline

After a leisurely breakfast, we get into tough off-road vehicles and drive straight into the dunes. The scenery changes quickly: from flat salt flats to gently rolling sand hills, which get higher and higher and more spectacular. The ride is varied - sometimes we glide smoothly across the sand, other times we plunge steeply down or plow through loose desert sand. The adrenaline rises, but there is also room to stand still and enjoy the endless emptiness and silence.

We make a break along the way at a nomad tent or makeshift tea station, where we drink traditional mint tea and learn about life in the desert - a world where time hardly seems to exist.

Traditional lunch under the palms

At mid-day, we stop at a sheltered spot - sometimes at a small oasis, sometimes just somewhere among the dunes - for a traditional desert lunch. On a rug in the sand, shaded by makeshift tent cloths or under some palms, we enjoy local dishes such as freshly baked bread, tagine or couscous, olives, dates and, of course, sweet mint tea. Everything is prepared on the spot, simple but tasty - a truly nomadic experience.

Sun, sand and silence

In the afternoon, we return to the hotel. The rest of the day is free: relax by the pool, stroll around downtown Douz a bit, or perhaps take a ride on a dromedary - purely for the experience.

Now cool off in the pool with a beer!

Day 12 From Douz to Kairouan: salt flats, national parks and holy city

After a last night in Douz and a good breakfast, we start the engines again. We slowly leave the Sahara behind, but the day still begins spectacularly: we ride across the vast salt lake of Chott el-Jérid.

Chott el-Jérid - riding over a haunted lake

This former inland lake has now largely dried up and turns into an otherworldly landscape at sunrise. The road cuts dead straight through the white, shimmering plain. Salt crusts, mirage views and endless horizon lines make this stretch of the route a visual highlight. Here you feel small and insignificant, as if driving through a dream world.

From desert to savanna - the Bouhedma National Park

After crossing the salt lake, the landscape changes gradually. The Sahara gives way to dry savannah, low hills and more vegetation. We drive on smaller roads to the Parc National de Bouhedma, a protected nature reserve known for its acacia trees, archaeological remains and rare animal species such as addax antelopes and ostriches.

Although we traverse the park mostly from the road, we get a nice impression of this unique ecosystem - a surprising contrast after the emptiness of the desert.

Arrival in Kairouan - Tunisia's holiest city

In the late afternoon we arrive in Kairouan, a city with a totally different energy than Douz. One of the holiest cities in the Islamic world, Kairouan is known for its impressive medina, ancient city walls and the Grand Mosque - an architectural masterpiece.

We check into our hotel, close to the old city, and end the day with a good dinner. The dusty dunes are now far behind us - here begin the domes, minarets and mosaics of the cultural north.

Day 13 From Kairouan to Tunis: mountains, curves and blue shutters

After a leisurely morning in Kairouan, and perhaps a brief visit to the medina or a coffee in a courtyard, we begin the final leg of our motorcycle journey. Today's ride is relatively short, but certainly not boring.

We leave the city and head northeast toward the capital, Tunis. But instead of taking the highway, we take a more scenic route - through the Djebel Zaghouan National Park.

Djebel Zaghouan - mountains and sources

The park is named after the mountain range of the same name, with peaks reaching above 1,200 meters. Here we drive along winding roads, with beautiful views, past ancient Roman water pipes and the famous Zaghouan water house that once supplied water to Carthage. It is a surprisingly green area, with forests, gorges and steep cliffs - one last turn before we approach the city.

Arrival in Sidi Bou Said - the blue balcony of Tunis

We drive into Tunis on the north side and take up residence in the neighborhood of Sidi Bou Said - a picture-perfect artists' village perched above the Mediterranean Sea. Whitewashed houses, sky blue doors and shutters, cobblestone streets and a relaxed atmosphere make this a perfect place to end the trip.

After checking in, there will be time to stroll around, have an espresso overlooking the sea, or visit one of the many art galleries and artisan stores. In the evening we enjoy dinner with a view - a worthy conclusion to an impressive motorcycle journey from Málaga to the Sahara and back to the Mediterranean.

Day 14 From Africa to Europe: ferry from Tunis to Marseilles

After nearly two weeks of unforgettable scenery, culture, sand and adventure, today we say goodbye to North Africa. In the morning we drive to the port of Tunis, where we check in for the ferry to Marseilles - the bridge back to Europe.

A calm crossing of the Mediterranean Sea

The ferry leaves in the afternoon and takes about 24 hours to reach Marseilles. A relaxing end to an intense journey. On board we have a cabin to rest in and plenty of time to recover: enjoy the sea, share stories, look back at photos and let the adventure slowly sink in.

The horizon is vast, the sea calm, and the contrast with the Sahara of a few days ago could hardly be greater.

Day 15 Arrival ferry Marseille and last overnight in southern France

The next day we arrive in Marseille and set course for our last hotel in the area. It is a comfortable place where we end the trip together - with a good dinner, a last glass of wine or beer.

Day 16 Farewell and return home

After more than two weeks of adventure together - over mountains, through deserts, along seas and through cities - the moment of farewell now breaks.

We start the day with a final breakfast at our hotel in southern France. There is some laughter, reminiscing and exchange of contact information. Everyone chooses their own way back home today: some drive straight back to the Netherlands, others deliberately take a detour - via the Alps, the Ardèche or along the coast - to hang on to the feeling.

What began as a group of motorcyclists ended in a journey full of shared experiences, adventure and camaraderie. The dust of the Sahara is still in the clothing, but the memories are indelible.

Day 17 San Giovanni in Fiore - Parc Del Matese

We ride out of the foot of the boot and head to Parc Del Matese via the Del Pollino and Val D'Ágri National Parks, among others. The Monti del Matese is a mountain range on the border of the southern Italian regions of Campania and Molise.

An impressive mountain range, part of the Apennines, its highest peak is the 2050-meter-high Monte Miletto.

Day 18 Parc Del Matese - Monte Sibillini

This day will be another impressive motorcycle ride to Monti Sibillini located in the regions of Marche and Umbria. The inland area is beautiful for bikers who love mountains and curves, via the National Parks of Abruzzo and Sirente Velini we end up in Monti Sibillini, a rugged mountain range with no less than 50 peaks and 70,000 hectares where it can cool off considerably at night.

Day 19 Monte Sibillini - Florence

We drive further north and are already in the middle of Italy. We keep looking for the back roads that always take us through nice villages and also several vineyards, after all around Florence are the famous wines.

Florence, the capital of beautiful Tuscany, is known as Art City par excellence. Art lovers become enchanted at the sight of the ancient Palazzo Vecchio, Michelangelo's famous David and the surreal, beautiful cathedral the Duomo with its adjacent bell tower. Spend many sweet hours in the Galleria degli Uffizi and the Galleria dell' Accademia, two world-class art museums of interest. And, of course, set foot on the medieval bridge over the Arno River, Ponte Vecchio. Surrounded by extraordinary stories and legends, this strange Ponte is the symbol of Florence. With its many delicious restaurants, this day is complete.

Day 20 Florence - Edolo

We drive on and head towards the Dolomites. Through Lake Garda which we leave to the right we arrive at the foot of the most famous mountain of the dolomites, The Stelvio.

Day 21 Edolo - Tubingen

Today we have 2 options if the weather is good, which is to ride the Stelvio and go via Austria to Germany Tubingen over otherwise via Switzerland and Lake Constance.

Day 22 Tubingen - Home

The last ride today. We can continue via the inner road to the Netherlands or else take the highway in connection with time to be back home on time.