Ichkeul National Park
Location: Bizerte, Northern Tunisia
Year of Inscription: 1980
Criteria: (x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Ichkeul National Park is located in the Bizerte Governorate of Tunisia and is home to a unique wetland ecosystem that is of great ecological importance. The park contains a variety of habitats, including lakes, marshes, and forests, and is an important stopover site for migratory birds.
Prominent Features: The park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including several threatened and endangered species, such as the Mediterranean monk seal, the marbled duck, and the white-headed duck. The park also contains several important wetland habitats, including Lake Ichkeul and several smaller lakes, which support a variety of aquatic species.
History: Ichkeul has been inhabited since ancient times, and the remains of a Roman aqueduct can still be seen in the park today. In the early 20th century, the park was used as a hunting reserve by the French colonial administration. In the 1960s, efforts were made to conserve the park and protect its unique ecosystem.
Fun Fact: Lake Ichkeul was once home to the largest population of northern bald ibis in the world, but the species is now considered critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors to Ichkeul National Park can take guided tours of the wetland ecosystem to learn about the various plant and animal species that call the park home. There are also opportunities for hiking and birdwatching, and visitors can take a boat ride on Lake Ichkeul to explore the park's aquatic habitats.
Entry Fees: There is an entry fee of 5 Tunisian dinars (approximately 1.5 USD) for adults and 2.5 Tunisian dinars (approximately 0.75 USD) for children.
How to Reach It: Ichkeul National Park is located approximately 25 kilometers from the city of Bizerte and can be reached by car or taxi. There is no public transportation available to the park.
There are several options for public transport to Bizerte from Tunis. Here are some of the most common:
Train: There are regular trains that run from Tunis to Bizerte. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and the fare is very affordable. Trains depart from Tunis Marine Station and arrive at Bizerte Station.
Bus: There are several bus companies that operate between Tunis and Bizerte, including SNTRI and Louages. Buses depart from the Tunis bus station (Bab Saadoun) and arrive at the Bizerte bus station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Shared taxi: Shared taxis (called louages) are a popular and relatively inexpensive way to travel in Tunisia. There are several louage stations in Tunis, including Bab Saadoun and Place Barcelone. Louages to Bizerte depart regularly throughout the day.
Where to Stay: Visitors to Ichkeul National Park can stay in the nearby city of Bizerte, which offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels and guesthouses.
Next Stop: Medina of Tunis
Year of Inscription: 1980
Criteria: (x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Ichkeul National Park is located in the Bizerte Governorate of Tunisia and is home to a unique wetland ecosystem that is of great ecological importance. The park contains a variety of habitats, including lakes, marshes, and forests, and is an important stopover site for migratory birds.
Prominent Features: The park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including several threatened and endangered species, such as the Mediterranean monk seal, the marbled duck, and the white-headed duck. The park also contains several important wetland habitats, including Lake Ichkeul and several smaller lakes, which support a variety of aquatic species.
History: Ichkeul has been inhabited since ancient times, and the remains of a Roman aqueduct can still be seen in the park today. In the early 20th century, the park was used as a hunting reserve by the French colonial administration. In the 1960s, efforts were made to conserve the park and protect its unique ecosystem.
Fun Fact: Lake Ichkeul was once home to the largest population of northern bald ibis in the world, but the species is now considered critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors to Ichkeul National Park can take guided tours of the wetland ecosystem to learn about the various plant and animal species that call the park home. There are also opportunities for hiking and birdwatching, and visitors can take a boat ride on Lake Ichkeul to explore the park's aquatic habitats.
Entry Fees: There is an entry fee of 5 Tunisian dinars (approximately 1.5 USD) for adults and 2.5 Tunisian dinars (approximately 0.75 USD) for children.
How to Reach It: Ichkeul National Park is located approximately 25 kilometers from the city of Bizerte and can be reached by car or taxi. There is no public transportation available to the park.
There are several options for public transport to Bizerte from Tunis. Here are some of the most common:
Train: There are regular trains that run from Tunis to Bizerte. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and the fare is very affordable. Trains depart from Tunis Marine Station and arrive at Bizerte Station.
Bus: There are several bus companies that operate between Tunis and Bizerte, including SNTRI and Louages. Buses depart from the Tunis bus station (Bab Saadoun) and arrive at the Bizerte bus station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Shared taxi: Shared taxis (called louages) are a popular and relatively inexpensive way to travel in Tunisia. There are several louage stations in Tunis, including Bab Saadoun and Place Barcelone. Louages to Bizerte depart regularly throughout the day.
Where to Stay: Visitors to Ichkeul National Park can stay in the nearby city of Bizerte, which offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels and guesthouses.
Next Stop: Medina of Tunis