Bordj Badji Mokhtar
Bordj Badji Mokhtar (Arabic: برج باجي مختار; Berber: ⴱⵓⵔⴵ ⴱⴰⴵⵉ ⵎⵓⵅⵜⴰⵔ) is a city in Saharan Algeria.
| WARNING: There is a high threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in areas close to the Algeria-Mali border (the distance recommended from the border varies by country: the Australian government advises 450 km (280 mi), while the Canadian government recommends a distance of 200 km (120 mi) from the border). Some governments recommend against travel to this region. | |
Government travel advisories
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| (Information last updated 30 Apr 2024) |
Understand
With a population of 17,000 residents, Bordj Badji Mokhtar is Algeria's second most sparsely populated city, serving as a vital link between Mali and Algeria.
The town has become known as a destination for smugglers, banditry, and traffickers.
Etymology
The city is named after Badji Mokhtar, an Algerian independence activist and revolutionary who was one of the central figures of the Algerian war for independence.
History
In 2019, Bordj Badji Mokhtar became the capital of the newly created Bordj Badji Mokhtar province.
Get in
- See also: Algeria#Get_in
You need a visa (if you're required to get one, that is) and a valid passport to travel to Algeria. More information on entering the country and Algerian immigration formalities can be found in the Algeria article.
Bordj Badji Mokhtar is situated in a very remote area; therefore, it is distant from many of the major cities in Algeria.
By car
It is possible to drive to Bordj Badji Mokhtar, but if you have absolutely no experience with driving in remote areas or on Algerian roads, this option is not recommended.
Reggane and Bordj Badji Mokhtar are about 633 km apart and both cities are served by Highway N6. The journey should take you eight hours.
By plane
Bordj Badji Mokhtar is served by one airport and offers flight services to cities in Saharan Algeria.
Entering the city by plane is strongly recommended; a flight to Bordj Badji Mokhtar from Tamanrasset takes about 80 minutes.
- 🌍 Bordj Badji Mokhtar Airport (BMW IATA), ☏ +213 49 98 93 45.
Stay safe
Weather
- See also: Hot weather
Bordj Badji Mokhtar has a hot desert climate and temperatures can rise as high as 50°C.
If you plan to walk around, be sure to hydrate often, wear appropriate clothing, and rest often.
Stay healthy
Go next
As one of the smallest cities in Algeria, there's virtually nothing of interest to tourists except the vast landscapes of the Sahara. You will most likely step out within a few hours after arriving.
Given the uncertain, volatile political situation in Mali, it is not recommended to drive into Mali.