Theniet El Had National Park

Theniet El Had National Park covers forested slopes in the Ouarsenis Mountains, ranging from 862 to 1,787 meters in elevation across 3,425 hectares. The terrain includes cedar forests, oak groves, and mountain valleys with springs and water sources.

The Algerian government created the park in July 1983 to protect mountain forests from logging and overgrazing. The designation came as part of a national program to safeguard natural habitats.

The name Theniet El Had comes from Arabic and means "mountain saddle", referring to the shape of the passes between peaks. Visitors notice stone shelters and water sources still used by shepherds who move their flocks through the park each season.

The entrance sits two kilometers from Theniet El Had town, and marked trails lead to viewpoints in the higher elevations. Bring sturdy footwear and water, as paths can be steep and shade is scarce in some sections.

Among the 442 plant species are endemic oak varieties found only in this part of the Ouarsenis range. The forests also support one of the last populations of Atlas cedar in northern Algeria.

Inception: July 23, 1983

Elevation above the sea: 1,787 m

Website: http://parcnationalthenietelhad.dz

GPS coordinates: 35.85369,1.96831

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:27