Things To Do
in Berhoum
Berhoum is a small town in the central-northern high plateau region of Algeria, surrounded by semi-arid steppe and agricultural land. The town serves as a local market hub for nearby villages and pastoral communities, with a slow-paced, traditional atmosphere. Streets and buildings reflect a mix of simple modern structures and older, locally built homes; daily life centers around cafés, bakeries and the weekly souk.
Visitors come for authentic rural Algerian culture, wide open skies, and access to nearby plateaus and low ridges for walking and photography.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Berhoum and check into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets to get your first glimpse of local architecture and culture. Enjoy a traditional Algerian breakfast at a nearby café.
Visit the Berhoum National Park, where you can hike through beautiful landscapes and observe local wildlife. Join a guided tour to learn more about the region's flora and fauna. Stop for lunch at a picnic area surrounded by nature.
Find a cozy restaurant in the town center where you can savor the flavors of Algerian cuisine. Engage with local residents to learn more about their customs and traditions. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk along the riverbank.
Visit the local museum to discover the rich history and heritage of Berhoum. Examine artifacts and art pieces that showcase the region’s past. Engage with museum staff to gain deeper insights about the exhibits.
Explore the vibrant markets where you can shop for handmade crafts and traditional goods. Don't miss trying local delicacies from street vendors. Enjoy lunch at a café where you can taste regional specialties.
Take part in a traditional music or dance performance, experiencing the local culture firsthand. Savor dinner at a popular eatery where locals gather. Reflect on your cultural experiences as you stroll back to your accommodation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🛌Basic guesthouse / small hotel (per night) | $20-40 |
| 🚕Short shared taxi or local transport | $0.50-3 |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly basics) | $10-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Algerian culture and hospitality
- Low light pollution — excellent for stargazing and landscape photography
- Affordable costs for food and accommodation
- Access to wide open plateaus and quiet hiking opportunities
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few English speakers
- Scarce public transport and ATMs — reliance on cash
- Basic healthcare facilities locally; serious care requires travel to larger towns
- Very quiet nightlife and limited entertainment options
- "السلام عليكم (Salam alaykum)" - Peace be upon you / Hello
- "شكرا (Shukran)" - Thank you
- "بسم الله (Bismillah)" - In the name of God (said before eating or starting)
- "كم السعر؟ (Kam as-si'r?)" - How much does it cost?
- "أين الحمام؟ (Ayna al-hammam?)" - Where is the toilet?
- "من فضلك (Min fadlak/fadlik)" - Please (male/female)
- "لا أفهم (La afham)" - I don't understand
- "نعم / لا (Na'am / La)" - Yes / No
- "Bonjour (French)" - Good day / Hello
- "Merci (French)" - Thank you
Places to Visit in Berhoum
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant stalls, colorful produce, and candid portraits of vendors provide rich documentary-style photo opportunities—best in the morning light.
Architectural details, daily rituals and people gathering make for culturally informative images; early morning and late afternoon offer good light.
Open vistas, dramatic skies, shepherds and flocks at sunrise/sunset—excellent for landscape and golden-hour photography.
Dry riverbeds and seasonal waterways create interesting textures and lines in the landscape, especially after rain.
Close-up street photography of daily life, doorways, pottery, and domestic scenes—ask permission before photographing people in private settings.
Food in Berhoum
Berhoum Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed semolina served with a stew of vegetables and meat (lamb or chicken); available at family-run restaurants and during market days.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked meat or vegetable stew with spices, often served with bread; common in eateries and homes.
A warming tomato-and-lamb-based soup with vegetables and sometimes vermicelli, popular especially in cooler months.
Simple grilled lamb or mutton skewers and cuts, found at local grills and during communal meals or celebrations.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The weekly market is the best place to find fresh vegetables, olives, cheeses, and spiced foods; try freshly-baked bread and seasonal produce. Vendors sell snacks and sometimes grilled items—ideal for sampling local flavors.
Bakeries sell khobz and pastries; street grills offer skewers and sandwiches—perfect for an inexpensive and quick meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Wear conservative clothing—cover shoulders and knees—to respect local norms, especially in rural and religious settings.
Greet people with a polite 'Salam' or 'Bonjour' and shake hands when offered; hosts are often very hospitable and may offer tea or food—accept a little as a sign of respect.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women; be sensitive at religious sites and private homes.
Public interactions can be more conservative: men and women may keep some social distance in rural areas—follow local cues.
Safety
Tipping in Berhoum
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in small-town restaurants; leave small change for waitstaff or 5–10% in nicer establishments. Tip drivers and guides modestly when service is good. For hotel porters or helpers, a small tip is customary.
Cash in Algerian dinars (DZD) is king in small towns — carry sufficient cash for markets, taxis and small shops. ATMs may be limited; credit cards are accepted in some larger restaurants or hotels but not consistently. Plan ahead and notify your bank of travel.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry, with daytime temperatures that can be high on the plains; bring sun protection, lightweight clothing, and plenty of water. Midday activity slows—plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Moderating temperatures and sporadic rains; pleasant for travel, agricultural activity ramps up, and the landscape becomes greener after initial rains.
Cool to cold nights with occasional frost and brisk daytime temperatures; layers, a warm jacket and waterproofs are advisable. Rural roads can be slick during heavy rain or frost.
One of the best times to visit: mild temperatures, wildflowers on the steppe, and active pastoral life—ideal for hiking and photography.
Berhoum at Night
Hiking in Berhoum
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle traverse across the high plateau offering open views, opportunities to observe grazing flocks and to photograph wide landscapes at sunrise or sunset.
A walk along a seasonal wadi (dry riverbed) that reveals interesting geological features, small patches of vegetation and birdlife after rains.
Short hikes into the lower foothills of the Tell Atlas range (where accessible) provide slightly more elevation, varied terrain and panoramas across the plains.
A cultural walk connecting nearby villages, visiting local farms and olive groves; good for meeting residents and sampling local produce.
Airports
How to reach Berhoum by plane.
Major international airport serving Algiers, approximately 200–300 km northwest depending on route; best option for international arrivals with onward road or bus connections to central plateau towns.
Regional airport serving Sétif and surrounding areas, closer than Algiers and useful for domestic connections; from here travelers can take road transport to reach nearby plateau towns.
Another regional/international airport located to the east — useful depending on flight availability, with road links to central Algeria.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the local population earns a living from agriculture, olive cultivation, and pastoralism — visible in daily life and markets.
Town residents working in trade, services and municipal jobs who run shops, cafés and small businesses serving the wider rural area.
Like much of Algeria, a substantial share of the population is young, with many families and community networks centered around schools and local activities.
Local language and cultural practices reflect a mix of Arab and Amazigh heritage alongside modern Algerian identity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide and locally; informal matches are common and local clubs or youth teams are active.
Horse riding and horsemanship have cultural significance in rural areas; you may encounter horses used for work or leisure.
Local festivals or family gatherings may include traditional games and contests tied to seasonal celebrations and village life.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Berhoum.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (vegetable tajines, couscous with vegetables, salads), but many dishes include meat or meat-based broths; clarify preferences and use French or Arabic phrase for 'no meat' (sans viande / bila lahm).
More challenging — ask about butter or animal-based broths in stews; stick to bread, legumes, vegetables, and salads and communicate restrictions clearly.
Most meat sold and served is halal in this majority-Muslim area; pork is uncommon or unavailable.
Carry allergy translation notes and be cautious with street food; cross-contamination is possible and restaurants may not have detailed ingredient lists.