El Kala National Park

El Kala National Park is a protected area on Algeria’s northeastern Mediterranean coast in Annaba Province, encompassing coastal lagoons, salt lakes, dunes and woodland. It was established as a national park in 1983 to protect a mosaic of wetland and terrestrial habitats that support rich biodiversity.

The park’s main attractions are its wetlands and coastal lagoons which host large numbers of migratory and resident waterbirds, along with Mediterranean forest and dune systems. Visitors and researchers focus on birdwatching, salt-lake habitats and shoreline ecosystems rather than built attractions.

The national park was set aside to conserve important wetland complexes and the species they support, and it remains one of Algeria’s key coastal nature reserves. Management has emphasized habitat protection and monitoring of bird populations.

El Kala sits on Algeria’s far northeast Mediterranean coast, close to the town of El Kala and near the border with Tunisia; the landscape combines low coastal plains, lagoon systems and nearby upland forested areas.

• Biodiversity highlight: Contains coastal lagoons, salt lakes, dunes and Mediterranean forest and is an important area for migratory and resident wetland birds.
• Protection status: Protected as a national park since 1983, the area combines wetlands and forested hills along Algeria’s northeast Mediterranean coast.

• El Kala National Park is strongest for birdwatching during spring and autumn migration-plan visits in those seasons and use local hides or guided boat trips to reach key lagoon areas.
• Access the park from the town of El Kala and arrange guided excursions for the lagoons and island areas; many important habitats are managed and some zones are best visited with a local guide to avoid disturbing wildlife.