Boukornine National Park

Djebel Boukornine rises to 576 metres directly behind Hammam Lif on the Gulf of Tunis, its two summits giving it the name, the two-horned. It was made a national park in 1987, protecting 1,939 hectares some fifteen kilometres from Tunis, with the Persian cyclamen among its flowers, the Etruscan shrew, the smallest known mammal, and mountain gazelle, as well as the Aïn Zargua spring and an ecomuseum. Trails climb from the entrance, and the view runs over the gulf to Tunis and Cap Bon.

The landscape

• The two summits - the twin peaks that give the mountain its name.
• The Persian cyclamen - one of the flowers of the park's slopes.
• The Etruscan shrew - the smallest known mammal, recorded in the park.
• The gulf view - Tunis, the bay and Cap Bon from the ridge.

When to go

October to May is the most comfortable; summer is hot and fire risk closes trails. Spring is best for flowers. Mornings are clearest for the view.

Practical notes

Trails are poorly marked and maintenance is limited. Fire closures in summer are common. It is close to Tunis.

Nearby

Hammam Lif is below, and Tunis is north.

Key facts