Boukornine National Park

Djebel Boukornine rises to about five hundred and seventy 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 the Barbary thuja and cypress woodland on its slopes along with a plant list that includes species rare or absent elsewhere in Tunisia. Trails climb from the entrance, and the view runs over the gulf to Tunis and Cap Bon.

What you actually see

• The two summits - the twin peaks that give the mountain its name.
• The cypress woodland - thuja and cypress forest on the upper slopes.
• The rare plants - species found here and in few other places in the country.
• 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.

Honest expectations

Trails are poorly marked and maintenance is limited. Fire closures in summer are common. It is close to Tunis and the lower slopes are affected by encroachment.

Nearby

Hammam Lif is below, and Tunis is north.