Venturing east along the coast from Annaba brings you to the breathtaking wilderness of El Kala National Park, a protected UNESCO biosphere reserve that showcase the spectacular biodiversity of North Africa. This massive park covers over seventy-six thousand hectares, featuring a unique mosaic of Mediterranean pine forests, dense oak woodlands, marine coastal dunes, and four large, quiet lakes. The park serves as a vital sanctuary for hundreds of bird species, rare plants, and wild animals.
What makes this day trip truly special is the serene, untouched beauty of the lakes, particularly Lake Tonga and Lake Oubeira. Walking along the wooden boardwalks and looking out over the quiet water lily pads, you can watch thousands of migrating pink flamingos, wild ducks, and rare birds hunt for food. It is a peaceful, wild landscape that feels worlds away from the urban center of Annaba, offering a perfect escape into nature.
One fun fact people love:
El Kala National Park is home to the last remaining population of the Barbary stag, a rare subspecies of red deer native only to the mountain forests of Algeria and Tunisia.
Where in Annaba is it?
Located in the El Tarf province, situated approximately seventy kilometers east of the Annaba city center, extending to the Tunisian border.
How to reach:
Accessible primarily by renting a car and driving along the scenic national highway N44 heading east towards Tunisia.
Best time to visit:
November to March to observe the spectacular flocks of migratory water birds and pink flamingos that winter on the lakes.
Best time of day:
Early morning around 8:00 AM when the wind is calm, the lakes are still, and the wild birds are most active near the shores.
Entry fee:
Completely free to enter the national park grounds, walk the forest trails, and view the public lakes.
Commute difficulty:
Moderate; a straight and scenic drive along well-paved highways, though exploring the inner forest paths requires walking on unpaved dirt trails.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- There is a small, family-friendly eco-museum located near the park entrance that provides helpful maps of the hiking trails and bird watching towers.
- The park is famous for its natural hot springs, and you can find several rustic, local hammams nearby where you can soak in the warm waters.
- Pack a good pair of binoculars, as the wild birds often nest far from the shore to protect themselves from predators.
