Sahara & Nature · UNESCO World Heritage

Ichkeul National Park

إشكل

Bizerte

A lake where birds winter by the hundred thousand

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Lake Ichkeul and its marshes, below the 510 m Djebel Ichkeul, form a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of North Africa’s great wintering grounds for birds. Hundreds of thousands arrive each winter: geese, ducks, storks and greater flamingos. A small ecomuseum and several marked trails make the park easy to visit, about 25 km from Bizerte.

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History: It was recognised as a biosphere reserve in 1977 and as a World Heritage site soon after. It covers about 126 km².
Customs: Bring binoculars and walking shoes: the best views are from the mountain trails. Check that the ecomuseum is open before driving out.
Food: Plan a picnic, or eat in Bizerte afterwards.
Best time: December to February for the birds, March to May for walking in green countryside.

The park was on the List of World Heritage in Danger from 1996 to 2006, after dams on its feeder rivers changed the balance between fresh and salt water.