When to Go
Because the climate in Djanet is so hot, the best time to go is in March or October. Desert expeditions through the Sahara can be scheduled at any time, but the "best" time is normally September through April. July through September are the rainy season and this is an excellent time also, but there can be delays because rain is often preceeded by wind, making travel difficult to impossible for a few hours.

Climate
Algeria is a hot country and Djanet and the Sahara are no exception. For the local weather in Djanet, check out.
The Sahara's climate consists of basically two sub-climates, a dry subtropical climate in the north and a dry tropical climate in the south. The dry tropical climate is generally characterized by mild, dry winters, a hot dry season just before the rainy season, and an annual temperature cycle. The dry subtropical climate, however, is characterized by annually high temperature ranges, cold winters, hot summers and two rainy seasons. There is a narrow strip in the western portion of the Sahara, along the coast, which generally has cool temperatures compared to the rest of the Sahara because of the influence of the cold Canary Current.
Dry, subtropical Climate - Generally, the dry subtropical climate found in the north is caused by constant high-pressure cells over the tropic of Cancer. The winters are considered cool for desert conditions, with an average temperature of 55° F (13° C). The summers are very hot, with the highest ever recorded temperature at 13° F (58° C). The average rainfall in the subtropical region is approximately 3 inches (76 mm) per year. Precipitation generally falls between December and March, with the maximum rain falling in August and almost no rain at all during May and June. The August storms have been known to cause flash floods which send water to parts of the desert that rarely receive precipitation.
Dry Tropical Climate - The climate of the southern tropical region of the Sahara is dictated by a stable continental air mass and an unstable marine air mass. The average temperature in this region is about 31.5° F (17.5° C), however in the higher elevations, the temperature has been recorded at 5° F (-15° C), which is quite typical. The average annual precipitation is around five inches and includes snow in the higher elevations. In the western part of the tropical region, the cold Canary Current reduces the amount of rainfall, lowers the average temperature, and increases the humidity and the probability of fog.

Getting There
The villages of Djanet are as much as 300 kilometers away from the proper border and there are no border towns out here, on neither side. The Libyan city of Ghat is about 100 km away from the border point. There are taxis serving the travelers on the Algerian side, and probably the same on Libyan side.
This border point is reported to be open, and considering where you are in the world, quite straightforward. This, however, is the place to have all papers stamped and ready. Do not count on easy processing of visas from the officials. When you are entering Algeria, be ready to pay the entrance tax, so bring plenty of money in major foreign currencies.

For good information about getting to Algeria, see.-

Budgeting
At present date, little can be said with certainty about exchange rates and regulations on changing money. Earlier a black market spread around the whole country offered up to three times better exchange rates than the banks, and everyone entering the country had to change 1000 Dinars (approx. US$18) at the border. There were rules on having to offer receipts when buying tickets, while many hotels preferred to be paid in foreign currencies.

What the situation is like today is unclear. Little suggests that the black market has disappeared, and probably are the advantages with using it even more evident (heavy inflation have not changed the official exchange rates much).

Algeria today offers more ease for those traveling with cash, and the value of having a credit card at hand must not be overrated. These things will change soon after a real armistice is reached between the fighting parts in the civil war.

Getting Around
You can rent a jeep and travel around Djanet that way. Just note that if you go off-roading in the desert, you need a good four wheel drive and a very good driver who knows the area.

Traveling from one oasis to the other in the Algerian Sahara can take a lot of time, as distances are large. Roads are not too bad but public transportation is not frequent. Bring plenty of water with you when moving from one oasis to the other: you'll need it.

Air flights to Illizi, In Amenas, Algiers, Ghardaia, and Ouargla. No buses or taxis will bring you anywhere but to the Libyan border, but these 300 km will be an expensive ride. You could go for hitchhiking if you find air flights impractical or expensive.

Dining
The main accommodations in Djanet are the camping grounds where you can stay in small huts. Eating is also done here. However, there is one place in town called the Hotel Zeribas (250d to camp per person, cars free, basic rooms around 500d) right in the town center next to the post office. It at least has hot water, plenty of shade and good security. They'll try and rope you in for a cous-cous meal in their restaurant, but it is nothing special and overpriced at 500d pp. There are restaurants just out the door.

There is another place called the Hotel Tenere which is miles south out of town. But unless it's Christmas time, it may seem deserted.

Food & Water:
Food served on many touristy desert expeditions generally consists of mutton in a sauce, served with rice or pasta, and canned vegetables - fresh food, fish, chicken and items requiring refrigeration are not on the menu; fresh fruit that is brought into Timbuktu seasonally is always included as available (e.g. citrus fruit, watermelons). Bread is baked daily in the desert sand, and dried dates provide a high-energy snack.

Note to Vegetarians: please be aware that food prepared will always include meat; in this environment and under expedition conditions, we cannot assure balanced nutrition for persons who adhere strictly to a vegetarian regimen; you would be well advised to bring along your own protein sources.

Water comes from deep desert wells (50 - 60 meters deep) and it is potable, but you should bring your own water purification tablets as an additional safeguard. Bottled mineral water can also be brought from Timbuktu for a trek by vehicle, but this is not practical on the camel caravans (unless additional camels are utilized). Well water is also available for bathing, when overnighting at an oasis.