The Hodna · Gateway to the Sahara بوسعادة و الهضاب Bou Saâda & the High Plateaus
Bou Saâda and the high plateaus — the nearest oasis to the capital, where the Tell gives way to the Sahara.
Bou Saâda
Bou Saâda — “the place of happiness” — is the first true oasis south of the Tell, long the painters’ town where the light drew Étienne Dinet to settle and convert. Its palm groves, gorge and old ksar mark the edge of the desert.
Around it spread the high plateaus of the Hodna and the Saharan Atlas — pastoral country of the Ouled Naïl, of weekly markets, weaving and a horizon that opens at last onto the south.
What to see
What defines it
The painters’ oasis
Étienne Dinet and the Orientalists came for its light and never quite left.
The Ouled Naïl
Pastoral tribes of the plateaus, famed for their weaving, jewellery and dance.
Gateway south
The first palms, the first dunes — where travellers feel the Sahara begin.
The markets
Weekly souks of wool, dates and silver across the high plateaus of the Hodna.
At a glance
Travel Bou Saâda with us
Algeria Compass is a licensed Algerian tour operator. When you’re ready, we’ll craft a private, guided journey through this region with local Algerian guides.