In Guezzam
In Guezzam (Arabic: عين قزام; Berber: ⵉⵏ ⴳⴻⵣⴰⵎ) is a city in Saharan Algeria and Algeria's southernmost city. It is the principal and largest city in In Guezzam province and is situated right on the Algeria-Niger border.
| WARNING: There is a high threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in areas close to the Algeria-Niger border. Some governments recommend against travel to this city. | |
Government travel advisories
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| (Information last updated 10 Dec 2023) |
The town has become known as a destination for smugglers, banditry, and traffickers.
Understand
In Guezzam is an important border town that serves as a vital link between Algeria and the Sahel. Its strategic location makes it an essential point of transit for Sahelian migrants seeking better opportunities in Algeria and to reach Europe.
History
In 2019, In Guezzam became the capital of the newly created In Guezzam province.
Get in
In Guezzam is in a very remote area: it is distant from many of the major cities in Algeria.
By plane
Entering the city by plane might be the most convenient and safest option; a flight to In Guezzam from Tamanrasset takes about 75 minutes.
By car
Tamanrasset and In Guezzam are about 400 km apart and both cities are served by Highway N1. The journey should take you five hours. You should not drive to In Guezzam if you have little to no knowledge of Algerian roads, driving in harsh weather conditions, or both.
Get around
By car
In Guezzam is one of the smallest cities in Algeria. You can quickly get around the city by car.
On foot
In Guezzam is small enough to be explored on foot. Just pay close attention to your surroundings and the weather.
See
You can admire the vast, desert landscapes.
If you manage to get close to areas near the Algeria-Niger border, you may get a chance to see settlements along the border.
Stay safe
Many foreign governments, including the U.S. government, advise that areas near the Algeria-Niger border are unsafe.
It is not recommended to drive into Niger from Algeria. While it is possible, the security situation in Niger is unpredictable, and there is a risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other incidents.
In Guezzam is vulnerable to flooding. In 2018, the city was hit hard by floods caused by heavy rainfall. Refer to the various tips found in the Flash floods article in the event the city experiences flooding.
Go next
As one of the smallest and most remote cities in Algeria, you will most likely step out after a few hours of arriving.
You can head back to Tamanrasset; however, it is strongly recommended that you book your flight tickets in advance.