Tala Guilef meadows
Green grass under the peaks.
Sofiane Boudjelouah — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Aïcha Mitiche — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Réserve de Biosphère de Djurdjura — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bouslah Lotfi — CC BY-SA 4.0 · FRITAS Saîd — CC BY-SA 4.0 · FRITAS Saîd — CC BY-SA 4.0
Djurdjura National Park in Kabylie takes its name from the Djurdjura Range of the Tell Atlas and has some of the finest scenery in northern Algeria. It combines sharp rock peaks, dense forests, green meadows, caves and valleys, under snow in winter, yet lies close to the coastal cities. The name comes from a Kabyle word for great cold or elevation, and the Romans called it the Iron Mountain. Tikjda, at 1,478 metres on the southern side, is the park's administrative seat. The best-known peak is Lalla Khedidja at 2,308 metres. The endangered Barbary macaque lives in its forests, along with old cedar woods. At Tala Guilef, on the northern side, green meadows with grazing cows lie below cedar forest and grey peaks. Elsewhere there are small lakes, prominent rocks and mountain flowers in spring. The scene changes greatly with the seasons, from snow on the peaks to tall grass. Tikjda was once a ski station and makes a good base for walking. The Tala Guilef entrance is 26.6 km in a straight line south of Tizi Ouzou. The mountain road winds, so drive with care. Do not feed the monkeys or go near them. Weather changes quickly and snow closes some roads in winter, so bring warm clothes. For long trails take a local guide, and ask the park office about conditions before setting out.
Green grass under the peaks.
Old trees and cool shade.
An endangered species in the forests.
Djurdjura Range, Kabylie
Yes, to entrances such as Tala Guilef and Tikjda, on winding roads.
Spring, summer and early autumn for walking, and winter for snow.