After Sudan, the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria is the second largest country in Africa. The country is not only wrought with violent outbreaks, tourist abductions but also natural disasters. In May 2003, at least 250 people were killed after Algeria's strongest earthquake for years struck the capital Algiers and nearby cities along the Mediterranean coast.

Algerian highlight:

• Oran: This is Algeria's second largest city and one of the country's busiest ports as well as being a major trading and industrial centre.

From Oran, the team will proceed to Almeria in Spain for the transfer stage into Morocco.