Into the Heart of the Sahara: Our Primary Survey Mission in Tamanrasset, Algeria

In January 2025, The Orange Trust team took a bold new step. We travelled deep into the Algerian Sahara Desert for a primary survey mission—a vital first step in our expansion towards supporting remote nomadic communities in North Africa.

Our journey led us to Tamanrasset, a remote and breathtaking region nestled in the heart of southern Algeria. Though rich in cultural heritage and surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, the area faces deep-rooted challenges. Tamanrasset and its surrounding desert expanse lack basic healthcare infrastructure, consistent access to clean water, and educational outreach, especially for the nomadic populations living far from the town itself.

Joining this mission were two medics and two project leads from The Orange Trust. Our goal was simple: observe, listen, and understand. This was not about assumptions—it was about learning from the ground.

One of the most pivotal connections we made was with a local man named Ibrahim, who has since become our primary contact in the region. Fluent in the local dialects and deeply respected by the nomadic tribes, Ibrahim acted as our translator, cultural guide, and bridge to the communities we hope to serve.

He introduced us to several remote nomadic groups living deep in the desert, where no clinics exist, and where many have never received formal medical care. Ibrahim shared with us their daily realities: children growing up without access to vaccinations, elders enduring untreated conditions, and women giving birth with no skilled assistance.

What we witnessed was eye-opening—but it confirmed exactly why we’re here.This survey stands out as one of our most insightful and successful scouting missions to date. We saw the need firsthand. We established relationships. We listened.

And now, we’re ready to act.

This is just the beginning of The Orange Trust’s work in the Sahara. With our commitment to sustainable outreach in underserved regions, we aim to bring basic medical care, educational resources, and long-term support to the nomads of the Algerian desert.

We thank Ibrahim for his trust and dedication, and we look forward to returning with a full deployment team.

Together, we can reach the unreachable.