List of rivers of Algeria facts for kids

Algeria, a large country in North Africa, has many rivers that flow across its diverse landscapes. These rivers are super important for people, animals, and plants, providing water for drinking, farming, and even fun activities. Rivers in Algeria flow into different places: the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, or sometimes they just disappear into the vast Sahara Desert.

When we talk about where a river's water goes, we use the term drainage basin. Think of a drainage basin like a giant funnel. All the rain and melted snow that falls within that area will eventually flow into one main river, which then carries the water to a sea, ocean, or a lake. Smaller rivers that join a bigger river are called tributaries. They add their water to the main river, making it bigger and stronger.

Rivers Flowing to the Atlantic Ocean

Only one major river in Algeria flows all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. This ocean is huge and borders many continents, including Africa.

• Draa River

Rivers Flowing to the Mediterranean Sea

Most of Algeria's rivers flow into the Mediterranean Sea. This sea is very important for trade, travel, and fishing for countries in North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. The rivers that empty into the Mediterranean often flow through fertile coastal plains and valleys, supporting a lot of farming and cities.

• Tafna River
  • Isser River
• Hammam River (Habra River) (Macta River)
  • Sig River
  • Mebtouh River
• Chelif River
  • Mina River
  • Djediouia River
  • Ghiou River (Riou River)
  • Sly River
  • Tsighaout River
  • Fodda River
  • Rouina River (Zeddine River)
  • Ebda River
  • Massine River
  • Deurdeur River
  • Akoum River
  • Nahr Ouassel River
  • Touil River
• Mazafran River
• Harrach River
• Reghaïa River
• Boudouaou River
• Isser River
  • Malah River
• Meraldene River
• Sebaou River
• Soummam River
  • Amassine River
  • Bou Sellam River
  • Sahel River
• Kebîr River (Jijel)
  • Enndja River
  • Rummel River
• Guebli River
• Safsâf River
• Kebir River (Skikda)
• Seybouse River
  • Cherf River
• Kebîr River (El Taref)
• Medjerda River
  • Mellègue River
    • Ksob River (Chabro)
    • Meskiana River

Rivers in the Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert is one of the largest and hottest deserts in the world. Rivers here are very different from those flowing to the sea. Many of them are wadis, which are riverbeds that are usually dry but can fill with water after heavy rain. Instead of reaching an ocean, these rivers often flow into salt lakes or depressions in the desert, where the water eventually evaporates.

Sebkhet el Melah

Sebkhet el Melah is a large salt lake in the Sahara. Rivers in this area flow towards it, and their water evaporates, leaving behind salt.

• Oued Saoura
  • Oued Zousfana
  • Oued Guir
    • Oued Béchar
• Oued Messaoud
  • Oued Tilia

Chott Ech Chergui

A chott is another type of salt lake or a large, shallow depression that can fill with water. Chott Ech Chergui is one of the largest in Algeria.

• Oued el Korima

Chott el Hodna

Chott el Hodna is a large endorheic basin, meaning its rivers do not flow to the sea but instead drain into this internal lake.

• Oued Leham

Chott Melrhir

Chott Melrhir is a very large chott in northeastern Algeria, known for being one of the lowest points in the country.

• Oued Djedi
• Oued Zeribet
  • Oued el Arab
• Oued el Mitta
• Oued Ittel
• Oued el Kherouf

Sebkhet Safioune

Sebkhet Safioune is another salt flat or dry lake bed in the desert where rivers end.

• Oued Zegrir
• Oued Mya

Sebkha Mekerrhane

Sebkha Mekerrhane is a salt pan located in the Algerian Sahara.

• Oued Tsaret
• Asouf Mellene
• Oued Tasendjanet

Ahaggar Mountains

The Ahaggar Mountains are a high mountain range in the central Sahara. Even here, there are wadis that carry water after rare rains.

• Oued Igharghar
• Oued Tafassasset
• Oued Ti-n-Tarabine
• Oued Igharghar
• Oued Zazir
• Oued Ti-n-Amzi
• Oued Tamanrasset

Grand Erg Occidental

The Grand Erg Occidental is a huge area of sand dunes in the Sahara. Rivers here are mostly wadis that disappear into the sand.

• Oued Namous