Hammam Guergour: The Hot Spring of the Bousellam Gorges

Water at 44 °C, among the most radioactive in the world, at the mouth of spectacular gorges

Hammam Guergour: The Hot Spring of the Bousellam Gorges

Distance

≈ 50 km northwest of Setif

Temperature

About 44 °C

Special feature

Natural radioactivity among the highest in the world

Time needed

Half a day

Between the High Plateaus and the Babors range, the Bousellam river carves deep gorges before opening onto a small spa village: Hammam Guergour. Its spring gushes out at 44 °C, and its natural radioactivity ranks first in Algeria and among the very highest in the world. Used since antiquity, as its Roman baths show, it draws spa-goers and families looking to unwind. Here is how to discover Hammam Guergour from Setif.

Hammam Guergour is an hour from Setif on mountain roads: by car, you can combine the spring, the Bousellam gorges and Bougaa in the same half-day.

Rent a car at Setif Airport

Hammam Guergour at a glance

Hammam Guergour is a municipality of Setif province, about 50 km northwest of the provincial capital and 5 km from Bougaa on national road 74. The village grew up where the gorges carved by the Bousellam river open out, with the two banks linked by a road bridge and a footbridge.

An exceptional spring

Hammam Guergour's water emerges at about 44 °C. What makes it special is its natural radioactivity, the highest in Algeria and ranked third in the world. This composition built its reputation for spa treatments, traditionally followed to ease joint pain in particular.

The spring was already known in antiquity: remains of Roman baths survive on site and are the subject of restoration projects.

Baths and treatments take place in the spa's establishments, following the recommended durations. Seek medical advice before a course of treatment, especially if pregnant, with a chronic illness or for young children.

What to do in Hammam Guergour

  • Enjoy the thermal baths in the spa's establishments.
  • Admire the Bousellam gorges from the bridges and the road leading there.
  • Discover the Roman bath remains, proof of the spring's long history.
  • Stop in Bougaa, 5 km away, a small town surrounded by green valleys.

How to get to Hammam Guergour

From Setif, allow about 52 km and an hour's drive northwest, on the RN75 then the RN74 via Bougaa. From Ain Arnat Airport, west of the city, the trip is slightly shorter (49 km). As the mountain roads are winding, a car is the most comfortable option: renting a car at Setif Airport lets you leave whenever suits you.

When to go

The spa can be visited all year round. Winter and spring are the most pleasant seasons for hot baths; in summer, the cool gorges make up for the heat of the High Plateaus. Weekends and school holidays are very busy, so choose a weekday.

Another spa: Hammam Sokhna

On the opposite side, about 47 km southeast of Setif, Hammam Sokhna is another well-known spa in the province, closer to the highway. A good alternative if you are staying east of the city or heading on to Djemila.

Combining Hammam Guergour with other visits

The north of the province offers fine mountain scenery: continue to Mount Babor and its Numidian fir forests, or take the Kherrata gorges road to Bejaia. In town, the Ain El Fouara fountain and the amusement park round off the day. More ideas in our list of things to do in Setif and the complete Setif guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hammam Guergour?

In Setif province, about 50 km northwest of the city of Setif and 5 km from Bougaa, where the Bousellam river gorges open out.

What is the water temperature at Hammam Guergour?

The spring emerges at about 44 °C.

Why is Hammam Guergour famous?

For its natural radioactivity, the highest in Algeria and ranked third in the world, which built its reputation for spa treatments.

Are the Hammam Guergour baths safe?

Bathing takes place in the spa's establishments following the recommended durations. Medical advice is recommended before a course of treatment, especially if pregnant or with a chronic illness.

Are there other spas near Setif?

Yes, Hammam Sokhna, about 47 km southeast of Setif, is another well-known spa in the province.

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