Theniet El Had National Park

Theniet El Had was created in 1923, which makes it the oldest national park in Algeria, and it protects a stand of Atlas cedar on the northern slopes of the Ouarsenis between about twelve hundred and seventeen hundred metres. The centrepiece is the Rond Point des Cedres, an open area surrounded by very old and very large cedars, some of them several centuries old, reached by a forest road from the town. Holm oak, juniper and maple grow below the cedar belt. Snow falls in winter, wild boar and jackal live in the forest, and the park is a standard weekend destination from the towns of the plain, with picnic areas and forest tracks.

What you actually see

• The Rond Point des Cedres - the stand of old cedars at the park centre.
• Atlas cedar on the Ouarsenis - the forest the park was created for.
• Snow on the upper slopes - the winter conditions at 1,700 metres.
• Forest tracks and picnic grounds - the weekend use of the park.

When to go

April to June and September to November for walking; winter brings snow and road closures. A day. Weekends are busy with families from the plain.

Honest expectations

The cedar stands have suffered badly from drought and dieback, and many old trees are dead or failing. Fires have burned sections in recent summers. Facilities are basic and litter at picnic areas is heavy. Roads in are rough.

Nearby

Tissemsilt is south-west; Medea lies north-east.