New Sahara Desert Tourism Routes Opened
Extended Routes Offer New Experiences in the World's Largest Hot Desert
About the New Sahara Tourism Routes
Tourism authorities in Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia have jointly announced the opening of extended routes through the Sahara Desert, providing travelers with unprecedented access to remote oases, ancient trade routes, and cultural heritage sites. The new routes span 5,400 kilometers and include 12 new officially designated tourist areas.
The initiative, which launched in October 2024 after 3 years of planning and infrastructure development, aims to promote sustainable tourism while preserving the desert's delicate ecosystem and nomadic cultures. Travelers can now access previously restricted areas including ancient rock art sites, traditional Tuareg settlements, and the legendary Timbuktu oasis.
New Routes and Destinations
The extended tourism routes include:
- Trans-Saharan Cultural Route (3,200 km): Connecting Morocco's Atlas Mountains to Chad's Ennedi Plateau
- Historic Trade Route (1,800 km): Following ancient paths from Tunisia's Kairouan to Mali's Timbuktu
- Desert Wildlife Route (1,400 km): Featuring rare desert adapted species in protected areas
Travel Requirements and Permits
Travelers must obtain special desert tourism permits that are valid for multiple countries and require a minimum of 30 days advance booking. All journeys must be accompanied by certified local guides who are experts in desert survival and cultural protocol. Group sizes are limited to 12 travelers maximum to minimize environmental impact.
Required equipment includes emergency communication devices, GPS navigation systems, and sufficient supplies for 72 hours beyond the planned itinerary. Travelers must also complete a mandatory 8-hour desert survival and cultural awareness course before departure.
The routes are only accessible during specific seasons to avoid extreme temperatures: October through April for northern routes, and November through February for southern routes. During peak summer months, only camel-based expeditions of 3 days or less are permitted.
Safety and Cultural Tips
- Respect traditional nomadic territories and follow all cultural protocols
- Conserve water as it is extremely scarce in most areas
- Protect against sun exposure with appropriate clothing and sunscreen
- Carry medical supplies as emergency services are limited
- Follow all guide instructions especially during sandstorms
Sahara Travel Essentials
- Essential: Wide-brimmed hat, quality sunglasses, sun-protective clothing
- Recommended: Sand-proof bags, electrolyte supplements, portable water filter
- Respect: Local customs, photography restrictions, nomadic communities
- Preparation: Desert survival training, cultural awareness course, medical clearance
- Technology: Reliable GPS device, emergency satellite communicator