Wolfman,

Pure conjecture on my part but this is the way of the world, not just Africa, Sahara, Algeria or in this case the Wilaya of Illizi but baksheesh is what makes the world go around.

So, a lot easier to police if the police - police, gendarmerie, military, & DRS - are already there collecting their taxes/compensation/bribes from the traffickers on the Libya - Mali run down the Algeria - Niger border. This is a potential cross-roads except on the other axis - Djanet - Djado, Niger there is no traffic as the Djado route has been closed for ages.

Also since travel for normal souls would be difficult either NE to Ghat & Acacus, Libya or SE Djado, Niger - a lot of nothing for days, or SW down the said border, it is in effect for tourists and their guides a cul-de-sac, and even easier to police.

Finally, it may be the case, that having at least one tourist option available in the Algerian Sahara at least deflects any criticism from would-be tourists, not only Westerners and foreigners but also internal Algerians, who you will find visiting, and indeed driving down to the region.

Again - big caveat - just my conjecture, others may disagree, Keenan probably would not. I have visited Djanet twice, Tam' twice, Algeria three times, the Sahara eight times, Africa about a dozen times, and have taken and continue to take an interest in the security of the Maghreb, Shara, and Sahel since April 2003, as I say, an important datum.

My suggestion for you is simple and twofold: if you wish to visit Algeria in particular give your self more time, it is worthwhile, beautiful, diverse, fascinating country and the same can be said for the peoples. Time wil help with the research and bureacracy. If you wish to self-drive the Sahara in particular give yourself the option of Mauritania as you will need less time for research and administration and far less chance of hiccups or hassle. I am sure there are many others on this site who will have travelled far more, and far more recently in RIM than DZ, certainly self-driving.

If you particularly want to see rock art then I am sorry, so far as I am aware, Tassili N'Ajjer - and it may be that at present you would only be allowed a day trip to Djabbaren as Chris Scott has suggested, and thus miss Sefar - is probably "the greatest art collection in the world of that vintage 2-10,000 years ago" . I think so!

Doubtless there are many on this site who wil be interested to read of your travels and perhaps also your planning and considerations in the meantime.

Good luck and God Bless.