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Written by Gillian
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Did you know that Tunisia had a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed National Park? The wildlife habitat around Lake Ichkeul is so unique that it is not only a National Park but it is the only nature site in North Africa to be listed by UNESCO too. Surely that makes you curious to visit it and see why!
Most of the Ichkeul National Park, near Tunisia’s Mediterranean north coast, consists of a shallow lake and wetlands which are perfect for migratory birds to stop, feed and rest awhile. Flamingoes, widgeons, ducks, greylag geese and storks make this a bird-watcher’s paradise, with flocks of up to 200,000 birds at any one time. Many of the birds nest along the shores of the lake too.
Ichkeul Lake also creates an ideal location for water buffalo to thrive, and wild boar and jackals also inhabit the cork forests of this National Park. Some of the less friendly inhabitants include the horned viper, cobra and locusts. After the rains, the Ichkeul Mountain slopes burst into life with many colourful flowers blooming in the ideal warm, damp conditions.
Ichkeul National Park is perfect for a day’s visit and is ideal for walkers as well as bird-watchers, although you will need a car or taxi to get there. If you want to stay longer, the Ichkeul Hotel offers local-style accommodation and there are other hotels in Bizerte, which is about 25km north of the National Park. |
