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

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️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.

Central Market (Souk)

Vibrant stalls, colorful produce, and candid portraits of vendors provide rich documentary-style photo opportunities—best in the morning light.

Town square and mosque

Architectural details, daily rituals and people gathering make for culturally informative images; early morning and late afternoon offer good light.

Surrounding plateaus and ridgelines

Open vistas, dramatic skies, shepherds and flocks at sunrise/sunset—excellent for landscape and golden-hour photography.

Oued beds and seasonal streams

Dry riverbeds and seasonal waterways create interesting textures and lines in the landscape, especially after rain.

Village lanes and courtyards

Close-up street photography of daily life, doorways, pottery, and domestic scenes—ask permission before photographing people in private settings.

Culinary Guide

Food in Berhoum

Cuisine around Berhoum reflects classic central Algerian and Maghrebi tastes: staples like couscous, stews (tajines), grilled meats, soups such as chorba, and plenty of bread, olive oil and seasonal vegetables. Meals are hearty and often home-cooked, with North African spices, preserved lemon, olives and fresh herbs. Street food and bakeries provide quick, inexpensive options; cafés serve coffee, mint tea and pastries. Hospitality is important — visitors are often offered food or tea when visiting homes.

Berhoum Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Couscous

Steamed semolina served with a stew of vegetables and meat (lamb or chicken); available at family-run restaurants and during market days.

Must-Try!

Tajine (stew)

Slow-cooked meat or vegetable stew with spices, often served with bread; common in eateries and homes.

Chorba

A warming tomato-and-lamb-based soup with vegetables and sometimes vermicelli, popular especially in cooler months.

Grilled meats / Mechoui-style

Simple grilled lamb or mutton skewers and cuts, found at local grills and during communal meals or celebrations.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly Souk (local market)

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.

Town bakery and street grills

Bakeries sell khobz and pastries; street grills offer skewers and sandwiches—perfect for an inexpensive and quick meal.

Climate Guide

Weather

Berhoum lies in a semi-arid continental zone: hot, dry summers and cool to cold winters with most rainfall between October and April. Temperature swings between day and night can be significant, particularly in spring and autumn. Snow is possible in the coldest winters at higher elevations, while spring brings temporary greening and wildflowers after rains.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress modestly

Wear conservative clothing—cover shoulders and knees—to respect local norms, especially in rural and religious settings.

Greetings and hospitality

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.

Photography etiquette

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women; be sensitive at religious sites and private homes.

Gender norms

Public interactions can be more conservative: men and women may keep some social distance in rural areas—follow local cues.

Safety Guide

Safety

Berhoum is generally safe for visitors, with low levels of violent crime—typical precautions apply. Watch for petty theft, especially in busy markets; keep valuables secure and avoid displaying large amounts of cash. Road conditions can be poor in places and driving at night is less safe due to limited lighting and signage. Avoid political demonstrations and follow local news; carry ID and have emergency contact numbers handy.

Tipping in Berhoum

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Summer

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.

Autumn

Moderating temperatures and sporadic rains; pleasant for travel, agricultural activity ramps up, and the landscape becomes greener after initial rains.

Winter

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.

Spring

One of the best times to visit: mild temperatures, wildflowers on the steppe, and active pastoral life—ideal for hiking and photography.

Nightlife Guide

Berhoum at Night

Nightlife in Berhoum is quiet and community-centered: evenings are spent in cafés, teahouses or family gatherings rather than clubs. Expect low-key socializing, coffee and tea houses that stay open late, and occasional music at weddings or local celebrations. For bars, clubs and late-night entertainment you will need to travel to larger towns or cities.

Hiking in Berhoum

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hautes Plaines Ridge Trail

A gentle traverse across the high plateau offering open views, opportunities to observe grazing flocks and to photograph wide landscapes at sunrise or sunset.

Oued Valley Walk

A walk along a seasonal wadi (dry riverbed) that reveals interesting geological features, small patches of vegetation and birdlife after rains.

Atlas Foothills Day Hike

Short hikes into the lower foothills of the Tell Atlas range (where accessible) provide slightly more elevation, varied terrain and panoramas across the plains.

Village-to-Village Loop

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.

Houari Boumediene Airport (Algiers - ALG)

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.

Ain Arnat Airport (Sétif - QSF)

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.

Mohamed Boudiaf International Airport (Constantine - CZL)

Another regional/international airport located to the east — useful depending on flight availability, with road links to central Algeria.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable for daily errands, market visits and cafés. Side streets may lack sidewalks and distances to outlying villages or plateau trailheads require a vehicle; good walking shoes are recommended for uneven surfaces.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Rural farmers and shepherds

A significant portion of the local population earns a living from agriculture, olive cultivation, and pastoralism — visible in daily life and markets.

Urban residents and merchants

Town residents working in trade, services and municipal jobs who run shops, cafés and small businesses serving the wider rural area.

Youth population

Like much of Algeria, a substantial share of the population is young, with many families and community networks centered around schools and local activities.

Cultural mix (Arab and Amazigh/Berber influences)

Local language and cultural practices reflect a mix of Arab and Amazigh heritage alongside modern Algerian identity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport nationwide and locally; informal matches are common and local clubs or youth teams are active.

Equestrian activities

Horse riding and horsemanship have cultural significance in rural areas; you may encounter horses used for work or leisure.

Traditional rural games

Local festivals or family gatherings may include traditional games and contests tied to seasonal celebrations and village life.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic within Berhoum is light and mostly local, but roads connecting towns are often two-lane and can be narrow; allow extra time for travel and be cautious of livestock on or near roads. Public transportation consists mainly of regional buses and shared taxis (grand taxis) — schedules can be irregular. Intercity train and bus services run between larger towns and cities; arrange onward transport in advance where possible.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Berhoum.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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).

Vegan

More challenging — ask about butter or animal-based broths in stews; stick to bread, legumes, vegetables, and salads and communicate restrictions clearly.

Halal

Most meat sold and served is halal in this majority-Muslim area; pork is uncommon or unavailable.

Food allergies

Carry allergy translation notes and be cautious with street food; cross-contamination is possible and restaurants may not have detailed ingredient lists.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available through small clinics and pharmacies in town for routine care and medications. For more serious medical treatment, hospitals and specialist services are located in larger nearby towns or regional centers — plan transport and carry travel insurance. Bring necessary prescription medicines and a basic first-aid kit.

Discover Algeria

Read more in our Algeria 2025 Travel Guide.

Algeria Travel Guide