About This Park
Jebel Zaghouan National Park lies north of Jebel Zaghouan, which peaks at 1,295 meters. It is located in the governorate of Zaghouan. The park sits 50 km from Tunis, 30 km from Hammamet, and 90 km from Sousse. It covers an area of 1,920 hectares. The park features a sub-humid Mediterranean climate with mild winters. This climate supports certain animal species and unique vegetation.
Jebel Zaghouan National Park, flora, fauna, and Roman heritage
The main tree species include holm oak, Aleppo pine, and carob. Other notable plants include Thuja de Berbérie, Atlas pistachio, bay leaf, Montpellier maple, and wild pear. The park is home to several mammal species. These include the red fox, golden jackal, Berber boar, hare, and gloved cat. Reptiles such as the Greek tortoise, Mauritanian taranto, hooded snake, horseshoe snake, and ocellated lizard also live here. Birdwatchers can spot the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and Egyptian vulture. The park is also known for its bats, especially the pipistrelle, the smallest of them.
The park also has historical significance. The Water Temple from Roman times stands here. This site captures mountain springs. The Zaghouan aqueduct then carried this water to Carthage in the 2nd century. Ultimately, Jebel Zaghouan National Park offers a unique blend of nature and history.
Jebel Zaghouan National Park in Photos
Where to Find Jebel Zaghouan National Park
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Frequently Asked Questions
Jebel Zaghouan National Park protects the mountain of Jebel Zaghouan, at 1,295 metres the highest peak in northern Tunisia, and its surrounding 1,920 hectares of forest and rock face. The park includes the Roman Water Temple at the mountain's base and the source of the Zaghouan Aqueduct.
Jebel Zaghouan's dramatic cliff faces provide nesting sites for golden eagles and peregrine falcons, making it one of the most important raptor breeding areas in northern Tunisia. The mountain is a priority site for Tunisian raptor conservation programmes.
Yes. The summit of Jebel Zaghouan (1,295 m) is accessible to fit hikers via trails from the base near the Water Temple. The climb takes two to three hours and rewards with panoramic views over the Tell Atlas, the Gulf of Tunis, and on clear days, Carthage and the capital.
The Roman Water Temple at the base of the mountain marks the ancient source of the 132 km Zaghouan Aqueduct that supplied Carthage. The mountain's springs are thus linked directly to one of the greatest engineering achievements of the Roman empire in North Africa.
Zaghouan town is about 60 km southwest of Tunis, reachable by hire car or occasionally by louage from Tunis. The park and Water Temple are on the edge of Zaghouan town, clearly signposted.
Yes. Zaghouan is an excellent half-day or full-day excursion from Tunis, combining the Water Temple visit, a walk in the mountain park, and optional hiking. The mountain scenery contrasts pleasantly with the urban landscape of the capital.
