Things To Do
in M’Chouneche

A weekly town market where locals buy produce, olives, bread and household items — a great place to taste fresh fruit, buy olives and see rural commerce.

Simple stalls and cafés serve tea, coffee, toasted flatbread, and occasional grilled meats — ideal for sampling snacks between sightseeing.

Polite greetings (salaam) and handshakes are customary; address elders with respect and accept invitations to tea as a sign of friendship.

Modest dress is recommended — cover shoulders and legs, especially for women, when in public or visiting homes and religious sites.

Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women and religious contexts.

Remove shoes when entering a home and accept food or drink offered as a courtesy; decline politely if you must, but try a small amount to show respect.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; small tips (10% or loose change) to café servers, guides and drivers are common if service was good.

Algerian dinar (DZD) is the currency; cash is king in small towns — ATMs and card acceptance are limited, so bring enough cash and use ATMs in Batna or larger towns.

Mild temperatures and wildflowers make spring one of the best times to visit; trails are generally accessible though higher ridges can still be cool at night.

Hot, dry days in lower elevations; mountain mornings and evenings are pleasant but midday can be very warm — bring sun protection and water.

Cooling temperatures and harvest season for olives; ideal for outdoor activities and cultural events tied to the agricultural cycle.

Chilly to cold conditions with possible snow in higher Aurès peaks; some mountain routes may be impassable and heating in guesthouses can be basic.

The highest peak in the Aurès range with challenging routes and rewarding views; suitable for experienced hikers and best attempted with a local guide.

Network of day‑hike routes along ridgelines, connecting small villages and offering panoramic overlooks — ideal for moderate hikes and photography.

Shorter, gentler walks through agricultural terraces and orchards to observe traditional farming and seasonal harvests.

Near the Roman ruins (Timgad), there are archaeological walking areas and countryside paths combining culture and easy hiking — accessible as a longer day trip.

Vegetarian options are feasible (couscous with vegetables, lentil stews, salads) but may need to be specified—ask for meatless preparations and confirm broths are vegetable‑based.

Vegan choices exist but are more limited; rely on bread, olives, salads, legumes and vegetable couscous; communicate clearly in Arabic or French to avoid hidden butter or meat stock.

Most meat served is halal by default in Algeria; no special certification is typically required.

Challenging due to common use of wheat in bread and couscous—bring snacks if you have strict gluten intolerance and explain restrictions to hosts.