Djebel Chambi

Djebel Chambi reaches 1544 metres, 17 kilometres north-west of Kasserine, which makes it the highest point in Tunisia, and it was gazetted as a national park in 1980 for its pine forest, its Cuvier's gazelles, one of their last refuges, Barbary sheep and its plant life, with holm oak on some slopes. It is a peak of the Tébessa mountains, part of the Aurès at the eastern end of the Atlas, a few kilometres from the Algerian border, and a track for all-terrain vehicles climbs to about 1,300 metres. Access to the mountain and the park has been restricted by the authorities for extended periods and cannot be assumed.

Highlights

• The summit - the highest point in Tunisia at 1544 metres.
• The aleppo pine forest - the woodland covering the upper slopes.
• The gazelle - the Cuvier's gazelle population the park was created to protect.
• The Barbary sheep - found here alongside the gazelle.

When to go

April to October would be the season for walking, but access depends entirely on whether the park is open. Current status must be checked with the authorities. Winter brings snow to the summit.

Things to know

Access has been closed or restricted for long periods and permission is required. There is no visitor infrastructure.

Nearby

Kasserine is east, and Sbeitla is northeast.

Key facts