Day in Ishkel National Park
Description:
Lake Ischel, together with its surrounding wetlands, is an important stopover for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds such as ducks, geese, storks and pink flamingos that feed and nest here. Ishkel is the last surviving link in a chain of lakes that once stretched across northern Africa. That is why it is the only natural site in Tunisia included in the UNESCO List.
Ishkel National Park includes the lake and mountain of the same name with a height of 500 meters, its total area is 12,600 hectares. In addition to numerous birds, 180 species live here completely uncharacteristic for these places water buffalo, the descendants of a pair of these animals, once donated to the bey of Tunisia. Among other inhabitants are otters, foxes, jackals, wild boars, wild African cats, genettas and many others. Among plants, there are two endemic species – they are not found anywhere else on the planet.
Excursion to Iskel National Park begins at the park gate, where you can see several ancient hammams built on hot sulphate springs. The steep steps lead to one of the observation decks - there is an ecomuseum, telling about the uniqueness of the lake and its inhabitants, and you can view the expanses of the national park in binoculars.
There are two routes for tourists to choose.
The first route with a length of 6 km leads along the northern slope of the mountain, the trail is almost parallel to the level of the lake, without sharp ascents and descents, wide and convenient for walking company. Along the route, there are a large number of benches with tables hidden in the shade of trees, where you can relax or have a picnic. From the covered arbor on the protruding cape of the mountain, a breathtaking view of the lake opens, the best photos are obtained here. The route ends on the shore of the lake, where a thermal spring beats and a small bath is equipped. Here the trail ends, and you need to go back the same way - the whole road takes about 6 km.
The second 3 km long route runs along the eastern slope of the mountain and ends at the entrance to the park. The trail is also wide and comfortable, the abundance of benches will allow you to relax at any time. On this route there are also many picturesque views towards Lake Bizertinsky and the plain.
Thus, a visit to the Ishkel National Park is designed for any physical training: you can simply walk along any of the trails without going far, walk the trail 3 km and return to the entrance to the park, the trail 6 km to the source and back or do both routes - only 9 km.
The territory of the park is protected, all visitors at the entrance are rewritten, it is comfortable and safe.