Ouarsenis

The Ouarsenis is a mountain range within the Tellian Atlas in northwestern Algeria with multiple peaks and ridges. Forests and valleys create a layered landscape across the range, with the highest points approaching 2,000 meters elevation.

Large predators such as lions and panthers roamed these mountains during the 1800s, recorded in accounts from local tribes. Their disappearance came as human activity expanded and hunting practices intensified over time.

Local communities farm the slopes using traditional methods, growing grains and olives in small parcels. Villages blend into the landscape, and agricultural rhythms still shape daily life across the mountain.

The range is accessible from the valley and from the town of Tissemsilt, with numerous trails suited for different fitness levels. Spring and autumn offer the best conditions for walking, as summer brings heat and winter weather can change quickly.

The mountains support natural Atlas cedar forests that shelter wolves, foxes, and caracals within a protected ecosystem. These forest stands remain rare in the region and provide critical refuge for species found nowhere else nearby.

Elevation above the sea: 1,985 m

GPS coordinates: 35.86667,1.61667

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:41