Taghit

Taghit, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Saoura," is picturesquely situated between a chain of massive, golden sand dunes and a dense palm grove. The old Ksar (fortified village), whose mud-brick houses cling to a rocky hill, provides a fascinating glimpse into Saharan architecture. The labyrinth of narrow alleyways within the Ksar has been partially restored in recent years and exudes a timeless tranquility. The dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental rise directly behind the town and are among the highest and most beautiful in Algeria. They offer excellent opportunities for sandboarding, quad biking, or simply watching the magical sunset over the desert. Additionally, the surrounding area features ancient rock carvings from a time when the Sahara was a green savanna. Taghit is accessible via well-maintained roads and lies just under 100 kilometers south of Béchar. A multi-day stay during the winter half of the year (November to March) is convenient, as the heat in the Saoura Valley is almost unbearable during the summer months.

Nearby cities

Béchar

Béchar is the capital of the Saoura region in southwestern Algeria near the Moroccan border.

Nasho

Located on Lake Nasho, the city benefits from a modern solar irrigation project to increase crop yields.

Rwinkwavu

A historic tin mining center that today boasts a model hospital thanks to international support.

Kirehe

A bustling town in the southeast, near the Rusumo border post, serving as a gateway for goods from Tanzania.

Rukira

A community dominated by traditional agriculture, where sorghum and beans define the image of the Eastern Province.

Akagera National Park

A fascinating ecosystem of savannah, lakes, and wetlands where Rwanda's 'Big Five' have found a home once again.

Kabarondo

This booming transit town connects travelers with the wildlife experiences in the Akagera National Park further east.

Ngoma

An important educational and commercial center near the Tanzanian border, surrounded by extensive banana plantations.

Kayonza

A major transport hub where the main roads to Tanzania and Uganda divide.

Rukara

The educational center of the Kayonza district has a teachers' college that trains teachers for all of Rwanda.

Rwamagana

The capital of the Eastern Province is characterized by a large industrial area and new solar power plants.

Kiziguro

Once the seat of historical local rulers, this place in the Gatsibo district is now known for its important district hospital.

Kobero

Kobero is a border-side town in northeastern Burundi.

Ngara

A hilly town in the far northwest that took in many Rwandan refugees in the 90s.

Murambi

An agricultural stronghold in the east, whose name, although carrying a sad history, now symbolizes recovery.

History & landmarks

Rusumo Bridge

A strategically important international bridge over the Akagera River on the border between Rwanda and Tanzania near the Rusumo Falls.

Nature

Lake Ihema

The largest lake in Akagera National Park, known for its rich wildlife.

Akagera Wetlands

An extensive swamp and wetland area along the Akagera River.

Akagera River

A significant tributary of the Nile that flows through the Akagera National Park.

Kagera River

An important tributary of Lake Victoria in northeastern Burundi.

Rurubu River

A significant river that flows through southeastern Rwanda.

Lake Mugesera

A shallow lake in the southeast, known for its wetlands.

More places

Ksar of Béni Abbès

A traditional oasis fortress town in the Saoura valley, located deep in the Sahara and with a rich caravan history.

Tanzania Border Area

Hilly border area in the southeast, part of the Akagera landscape.

Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial

A former monastery where thousands of refugees seeking shelter were killed during the genocide.

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Akagera Bird Sanctuary

A habitat for numerous bird species at the edge of Akagera Park.

Akagera Elephant Habitat

A protected area within Akagera National Park that provides a safe environment for elephants.

Akagera Zebra Savanna

A savanna area in the park often inhabited by zebras.

Akagera Giraffe Savanna

A savanna area known for its giraffe population.

Akagera Hippo Pool

A protected water area in Akagera National Park for hippos.