Ichkeul National Park
الحديقة الوطنية بإشكل
A UNESCO World Heritage wetland where hundreds of thousands of migratory birds overwinter around the lake, with an eco-museum and birdwatching spots.
Ichkeul National Park lies about 20 km south of Bizerte and consists of Lake Ichkeul, the surrounding marshes and the isolated Ichkeul Mountain. It was added to the World Heritage List in 1980. The lake’s water shifts between fresh and salt depending on the season, making it an important wintering ground for waterbirds in the western Mediterranean. In winter you can see large numbers of greylag geese, Eurasian wigeon, common coots and flamingos, and there are also free-roaming water buffalo on the mountain. Visits usually begin by driving into the park, stopping first at the eco-museum on the northeast side of Ichkeul Mountain to learn about the wetland. From there, follow the road along the mountain foot to birdwatching spots on the lakeshore, and take a hiking trail for views over the lake. There is no public transport inside the park, so visit by car or by hired minibus from Tunis or Bizerte, about 1–1.5 hours one way. Bring binoculars. In summer the lake level drops and fewer birds are present.
Opening hours
All day (ecomuseum about 08:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Bizerte Old Port
- Utica
- Ghar el-Melh
- Bardo National Museum
- Belvédère Park
- Sidi Mahrez Mosque
- Medina of Tunis
- Al-Zaytuna Mosque