ALGERIA is Africa’s 2nd largest country, and lies in the North, on the Mediterranean coast, with a 1,200km (750 mile) coastline.

The main towns lie in this fertile, coastal region, including the capital, the ancient port of Algiers, and the area houses 90% of Algeria’s population. There are many beach resorts to the East and West of Algiers, offering rocky coves and long beaches.

To the South of the coastal plain is the area of the ‘Hauts Plateaux’, with its forested mountains, while to the Northeast is Constantine, an ancient citadel, founded by the Carthaginians.

To the South of Constantine the El Kantara Gorges can be crossed, offering a good way to enter the South, and giving breathtaking views of the Sahara Desert (which occupies 85% of Algeria).

To the South of the desert are the Hoggar Mountains, and the picturesque town of Tamanrasset.

Hot summers and mild winters (but in the desert the temperature drops dramatically at night). Very low rainfall