Things To Do
in Charef

Vibrant market scenes with colorful produce, textiles, and livestock—excellent for candid street photography and cultural portraits (ask permission first).

Architectural details, local gatherings, and daily rhythms make the mosque area a focal point for capturing community life and prayer times.

Wide-open landscapes with rolling steppe, grazing flocks, and dramatic skies—ideal for sunrise and sunset panoramas and minimalist landscape shots.

A dynamic display of pastoral life where traders and herders conduct business—watch for action, portraits, and animal close-ups, approached respectfully.

A staple dish of steamed semolina served with a slow-cooked lamb and vegetable stew; available at family restaurants and home kitchens, particularly on Fridays and special occasions.

Must-Try!

A spiced tomato and meat-based soup often eaten to break the fast at Ramadan and commonly served as a starter in local eateries and markets.

Thin semolina flatbreads stuffed with spiced tomato and onion mixture, commonly sold by street vendors and small bakeries—great for a quick savory snack.

Slow-roasted lamb prepared for festivals and large family gatherings; tastes of smoke and herbs and usually served in communal settings.

The weekly market is where locals sell fresh produce, spices, dairy, and livestock—ideal for tasting seasonal fruits, buying flatbreads, and observing traditional commerce.

Small bakeries and stalls around the town sell mhadjeb, brik-style pastries, and fresh bread; try these for quick, affordable bites.

Greet people with 'Salam Alaikum' (peace be upon you) and a handshake where appropriate; address elders first and show deference to older community members.

Dress conservatively—cover shoulders and knees for both men and women, and women may prefer to carry a scarf for mosque visits or conservative settings.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and inside private spaces; many locals are welcoming but cautious about cameras.

Remove shoes when entering private homes if invited, accept offers of tea or food when offered as a sign of hospitality, and use the right hand for passing items or eating.

Tipping is appreciated but modest in small towns—rounding up a bill or leaving a small tip (10% where service is notable) is common in restaurants; give a small amount to helpful guides or drivers. In cafes and bakeries tipping is not expected but small change is welcome.

Cash (Algerian dinar) is the most widely accepted form of payment in Charef; ATMs may be limited so carry sufficient cash for rural travel. Credit cards are accepted only in larger establishments or in nearby bigger towns—plan accordingly and inform your bank before travel.

Hot, dry, and sunny days with significant solar radiation; daytime temperatures can be high while nights may remain cooler on the plateau. Carry sun protection, light clothing, and ample water; avoid strenuous activities during mid-afternoon heat.

Comfortable temperatures and clearer skies make autumn an excellent time for outdoor activities and market visits; evenings begin to cool, especially after sunset.

Winters are chilly and can be cold at night; the high plateau sometimes sees frost and occasional snow. Bring warm layers and be prepared for colder evenings, especially when traveling to higher ground.

One of the best times to visit: mild temperatures and seasonal blooms across the steppe create pleasant hiking and photography conditions. Carry a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.

The nearest regional airport serving Djelfa Province with limited domestic flights and access to larger Algerian cities; from Djelfa you can reach Charef by road (a regional drive).

Algeria’s main international hub in Algiers; travelers commonly fly into Algiers and continue overland by bus, shared taxi or private car to reach central plateau towns like Charef—a journey of several hours depending on route and conditions.