The Algerian desert is renowned for one of its most important and prominent tourist areas, Timimoun, located 220 km north of Adrar Province and nicknamed the Red Oasis. Timimoun resembles a creative painting or mosaic made of sand dunes, palaces, and palm oases.
Timimoun, situated in the southwest of Algeria, 1400 km from Algiers, is a refuge for those seeking warmth in winter. Tourists prefer to visit from October to May each year to enjoy the warm weather and the area’s picturesque nature, especially the sunset view as the sun disappears between the dunes—a rare and stunning sight.
What distinguishes Timimoun, besides its natural beauty, is its palaces and houses built of red bricks. The name Timimoun, meaning the “Red Oasis,” refers to the color of the houses, which are surrounded by fields and palm oases irrigated from wells. The palm oases inspire peace, comfort, and tranquility, in harmony with the calm atmosphere of the Red Oasis. The red houses catch the eye as soon as you arrive. Red brick is a fundamental element in construction and architecture here, and even the palaces are built from local red bricks, leading visitors to describe it as a “red oasis.”
In Timimoun, there are about 40 palaces where its residents live. The oasis, and thus the palace, are residential compounds surrounded by fields, orchards, and palm oases that enhance the palaces’ splendor. In the past, before the construction of the red palaces, the locals built residential communities known as “Kasbahs.” These ancient settlements were built on mountaintops with caves underneath for protection against invasions or wars. Four high watchtowers above the caves provided a view of the distant horizon. Some ancient Kasbahs built by Algerian ancestors date back to the 12th century.
Among the most significant Kasbahs is the “Izer” Kasbah, about 40 kilometers from Timimoun, which features a very large cave beneath it. The “Extreme” Kasbah remains an important tourist destination. Another notable Kasbah is “Aglad,” located 60 km north of Timimoun. The Timimoun Oasis is characterized by hot summers and warm winters, with an average annual temperature of around 25°C (77°F) and minimal rainfall throughout the year. The dense palm oases, desert vegetation, and palaces among sand dunes create a hospitable landscape unique to vast deserts.
As for historical monuments, “Zawiyat al-Dabbagh” is at the top of the list. It was a military barracks used during French colonialism in the year 1900. Originally built in the style of old palaces, it has become a spiritual center in recent years. The oasis also features monuments built by the French, such as Bab al-Sudan, the ancient entrance to the city, which served as a gateway for trade caravans entering Africa, and the Hotel Guerara, designed by the French architect Fernand Bouillon.
