About This Park
Ichkeul National Park lies 75 km north of Tunis, in the Governorate of Bizerte. It covers 12,600 hectares and consists of a lake, marshes, and Jebel Ichkeul, a limestone massif rising to 511 meters.
Ichkeul National Park, UNESCO World Heritage & Birdwatching Paradise
The park is one of the few sites in the world registered on three international conventions. UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1979. It is the last large freshwater lake in North Africa and a crucial wintering ground for hundreds of thousands of migratory waterbirds. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (1977) and a RAMSAR wetland (1980).
The lake and marshes host over 230 animal species and more than 500 plant species. Every winter, up to 250,000 waterfowl, including pochards, coots, and ducks, gather here. The park is also an essential stopover for migratory birds traveling between Eurasia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Jebel Ichkeul offers a panoramic view of the lake and marshes. At its foot, hot thermal springs (42°C) are known for their therapeutic benefits. An ecomuseum on the Jebel’s northeastern tip features exhibitions on the park’s ecology. A reception center near the entrance includes a library and conference room.
The park attracts 30,000 to 60,000 visitors annually. It is popular for birdwatching, hiking, and picnics. Guided tours are available. Whether you are a nature lover or a birdwatching enthusiast, Ichkeul National Park is a must-visit destination.
Ichkeul National Park in Photos
Where to Find Ichkeul National Park
Discover in Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Ichkeul is the only site in Africa to hold three simultaneous international designations: UNESCO World Heritage (1979), UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (1977), and Ramsar Convention Wetland (1980). This triple recognition reflects its extraordinary importance as the last large freshwater lake in North Africa and a critical wintering ground for hundreds of thousands of migratory waterbirds.
In winter (November to February), up to 250,000 waterbirds gather at Ichkeul, including large flocks of greylag geese, pochards, wigeons, and coots. Year-round residents include water buffalo, otters, Eurasian jackals, mongoose, and warthogs. The lake and marshes are among the best birdwatching sites in the western Mediterranean.
Ichkeul is about 75 km north of Tunis, near the town of Mateur in the Bizerte governorate. A hire car is the most practical option; the park entrance and visitor centre (ecomuseum) are signposted from Mateur. Day trips from Tunis are feasible.
Ichkeul Lake is unique because it reverses salinity seasonally: freshwater flows in during winter rains, and the lake becomes brackish in summer as the sea connection opens. This dynamic salinity system supports an exceptionally rich aquatic food web on which millions of migratory birds depend.
Yes. Thermal springs on the slopes of Jebel Ichkeul reach temperatures of approximately 42°C. The springs flow year-round and are one of the site's natural curiosities, providing warm, mineral-rich water that feeds into the wetland system.
The park has an ecomuseum (visitor centre), hiking trails on Jebel Ichkeul mountain, birdwatching hides, and a picnic area. Entry fees apply. Guides can be arranged at the park for birdwatching excursions.
