Chréa National Park | National Parks Association

Chréa Overview

Chréa National Park is located in northern Algeria, within the Blida Province, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) southwest of the capital, Algiers. Established in 1983, the park covers an area of approximately 102 square miles (265 square kilometers) and is part of the Tell Atlas Mountains. Known for its mountainous landscapes and rich biodiversity, Chréa is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The landscape of Chréa National Park is dominated by the rugged terrain of the Blidean Atlas, a subrange of the Tell Atlas Mountains. The park features steep slopes, deep valleys, and high peaks, some of which rise to over 6,500 feet (2,000 meters). During winter, Chréa is one of the few places in Algeria where snowfall is common, attracting visitors to its small ski resort. The park also boasts scenic views of the Mediterranean coastline from higher elevations, making it a diverse natural area for exploration.

The vegetation in Chréa National Park is a mix of Mediterranean and alpine flora. The park is famous for its dense forests, particularly its groves of Atlas cedar trees, which are a key feature of the landscape. Other dominant tree species include oak, pine, and juniper, alongside a rich variety of shrubs and flowering plants. The varied vegetation supports numerous ecosystems, from dry Mediterranean woodlands to more temperate forest zones at higher altitudes.

The wildlife in Chréa National Park is diverse, with several species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Notable species include the Barbary macaque, one of the last remaining populations of wild monkeys in North Africa, and wild boar. Birdlife is abundant, with species like eagles, hawks, and owls commonly sighted. Chréa’s rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and proximity to Algiers make it an important conservation area and a popular natural retreat

Park Map

Chréa National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Popular Species

Chréa National Park is home to a diverse range of species that thrive in its mountainous and forested landscapes, making it a hotspot for wildlife.

Barbary macaques are the most iconic residents of the park, known for their social behavior and being one of the last wild populations of this endangered species in North Africa.

Wild boars are commonly seen foraging in the park’s forests, using their strong snouts to root through the underbrush for roots, tubers, and small animals.

Barbary deer are elusive and graceful herbivores, native to North Africa, and are often spotted grazing in the park’s forest clearings and dense underbrush.

Red foxes are adaptable predators that hunt small mammals and birds, commonly seen in open areas and forest edges, especially during dawn and dusk.

Golden jackals are opportunistic predators and scavengers that inhabit the park’s woodlands, feeding on small animals, birds, and carrion.

Wildcats are solitary, nocturnal hunters that prey on small mammals, reptiles, and birds, making them an important predator in the park’s ecosystem.

European badgers are nocturnal foragers that dig burrows in the park’s forests, feeding on insects, fruits, and small mammals, often leaving distinctive tracks.

Hedgehogs are small, nocturnal mammals that roam the park’s forest floors, feeding on insects, worms, and small invertebrates.

Algerian hedgehogs are native to North Africa and are known for their spiny coats, often seen foraging at night for insects and small animals.

Genets are small, agile carnivores that hunt birds, reptiles, and small mammals, often seen moving swiftly through the park’s trees at night.

Bird Species

Chréa National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a variety of bird species that thrive in its forests, cliffs, and mountainous terrain.

Golden eagles are majestic birds of prey often seen soaring over the park’s mountain ranges, hunting for small mammals and birds with their keen eyesight.

Bonelli’s eagles are large raptors found in the park’s cliffs and forested areas, known for their powerful flight and ability to hunt birds and small mammals.

Peregrine falcons are fast-flying predators that nest in the park’s cliffs, known for their incredible speed and precision in hunting small birds.

Long-legged buzzards are frequently seen soaring over the park’s open areas, using their keen eyesight to hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Algerian nuthatches are small, rare birds endemic to the region, often seen climbing tree trunks in search of insects in the park’s dense forests.

Black wheatears are common in the park’s rocky areas, feeding on insects and small invertebrates, often seen perched on boulders or low shrubs.

Eurasian sparrowhawks are small raptors that hunt smaller birds, often seen darting through the park’s forests and wooded areas with remarkable agility.

Eurasian jays are colorful, intelligent birds that thrive in the park’s woodlands, known for their ability to store food and mimic the calls of other birds.

Great spotted woodpeckers are frequent visitors to the park’s forests, using their strong beaks to peck at tree trunks in search of insects and to create nesting holes.

Choughs are medium-sized birds often seen soaring over the park’s mountains, feeding on insects, seeds, and small invertebrates in open grasslands.

Chréa National Park Pictures

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Engaging Chrea National Park

Hiking

Chrea National Park is renowned for its stunning cedar forests, making it a prime location for hiking enthusiasts. Visitors can explore well-marked trails that wind through dense woodlands of ancient Atlas cedars, some of which are hundreds of years old.

The hikes vary in difficulty, offering opportunities for both casual walkers and seasoned adventurers. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the fresh mountain air, scenic vistas, and the chance to spot local wildlife, including monkeys and various bird species. The forest’s serene atmosphere provides a perfect escape into nature.

Skiing

During the winter months, Chrea National Park becomes a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. The Chrea ski resort offers slopes suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

Visitors can enjoy a day on the slopes, followed by cozy relaxation in nearby mountain lodges. The park’s high altitudes ensure a reliable snow cover during the season, creating a picturesque winter sports destination.

Wildlife Viewing

Chrea National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including the endangered Barbary macaque, wild boars, jackals, and numerous bird species. Visitors interested in wildlife observation can take guided tours to spot these animals in their natural habitats.

The park’s varying terrain, from forests to rocky outcrops, provides a range of environments to observe wildlife. Photographers will appreciate the opportunity to capture the park’s diverse species, as well as its dramatic landscapes, from the towering cedar trees to panoramic mountain views.

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Sources

Algeria, Chrea National Park, https://www.algeria.com/attractions/national-parks/chrea-national-park/, retrieved August 2024.
Africa Tour Operators, Chrea National Park, https://www.africatouroperators.org/algeria/chrea-national-park/, retrieved August 2024.
Archiqoo, Chrea National Park, https://archiqoo.com/categories/nature_reserves_sub_lists.php?subsite=chrea_national_park, retrieved August 2024.
Wikipedia, Chrea National Park, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chr%C3%A9a_National_Park, retrieved August 2024.