Plizio Visual Lab
Chréa National Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Animal habitat
Weather…
Water temperature…
Chréa National Park is located in Blida Province within the Blidean Atlas Mountains, part of the Tell Atlas in northern Algeria. The park spans an area of approximately 26,000 hectares and is primarily known for its extensive stands of Atlas Cedar. These majestic trees grow at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,600 meters and form one of the most important sanctuaries for the endangered Barbary macaque. Chréa was declared a national park in 1983 and was recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2002. The region is also known as a ski resort, one of the few in Africa, making it a popular destination for local tourism. Geomorphologically, the park is characterized by steep slopes and deep ravines that house a rich flora with over 1,200 plant species. The proximity to the capital, Algiers, makes the park a vital green lung for the urban metropolitan area. Scientifically, the park is of great significance for researching climate change and its impact on North African high-altitude forests.
- Location: Algeria
- Top sights: Tombeau de Sidi Ahmed El Kebir · Koudiat Sidi Abdelkader · Mini Zoo
- Nearby: Chréa (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 19 | 24 | 27 | 27 | 23 | 20 | 14 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 89 | 69 | 69 | 64 | 46 | 14 | 5 | 13 | 39 | 58 | 92 | 83 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The best seasons to visit Chréa National Park are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are mild. During these times, Barbary macaques are most active and the landscape is at its finest.
Best time of day
Early morning, shortly after sunrise, Barbary macaques are most active and easiest to spot. The cooler temperatures in the morning also make for a more pleasant hike through the Atlas Mountains.
Etiquette
Never feed the monkeys, as it disrupts their natural behavior and can cause aggression. Keep a minimum distance of 10 meters and avoid direct eye contact to prevent conflicts.
What to bring
Sturdy footwear is essential for hiking the park's hilly terrain. Binoculars help observe the monkeys from a safe distance, and a camera with zoom is recommended for souvenir photos.
Getting there
Chréa National Park is about 50 kilometers south of Algiers and accessible by car via the road to Blida. A cable car runs from Blida up into the park, offering spectacular panoramic views.
What to expect
Barbary macaques are shy but often found near picnic areas. Stay calm and wait patiently for them to appear - chances are good you will spot a troop.
Geography
Facts
- The national park was officially established in 1983.
- UNESCO designated Chréa as a Biosphere Reserve in 2002.
- The park hosts one of the few ski resorts on the African continent.
- The Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is the park's most iconic tree species.
- The total protected area covers approximately 26,000 hectares.
- Chréa is located roughly 50 kilometers south of the capital, Algiers.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Chréa National Park (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you ski in Chréa?
Yes, Chréa is one of the few places in Africa with a ski resort, provided there is enough snow.
What species of monkey lives here?
The national park is home to the endangered Barbary macaques (magots).
How far is Chréa from Algiers?
It is located about 50 km south of Algiers and is a popular excursion destination for city dwellers.
Are there cedar forests there?
Yes, the park is known for its ancient Atlas cedar stands.
Is there a cable car?
Yes, one of the longest cable cars in the world connects Blida with the mountain resort of Chréa.
Chréa National Park: where is it located?
Chréa National Park is located in Algeria.
Chréa National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tombeau de Sidi Ahmed El Kebir, Koudiat Sidi Abdelkader, Mini Zoo.
Chréa National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Sep, Oct.
Chréa National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Chréa National Park is located in Blida Province within the Blidean Atlas Mountains, part of the Tell Atlas in northern Algeria.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Algeria →
Nearby cities
Blida
Blida is a city southwest of Algiers, known as the 'City of Roses'.
Zeralda
A significant coastal suburb west of Algiers, recognized for its high-end tourist complexes, sandy beaches, and fragrant pine forests.
Chréa
The mountain resort of Chréa, near Algiers, offers small ski slopes in winter and pleasant coolness in its vast cedar forests during summer.
Hammam Melouane
Hammam Melouane is a popular thermal resort in the Blida province, picturesquely situated on a river in the foothills of the Tell Atlas.
Sidi Fredj
Sidi Fredj is a popular coastal resort and marina located on a peninsula, just about 30 kilometers west of Algiers.
Médéa
Médéa is a city surrounded by mountains south of Algiers, known for its viticulture.
Khemisti
Khemisti is a coastal town in Algeria, known for its charming harbor and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Bou Ismail
A charming coastal town in the Tipaza Province, historically known as Castiglione, serving as a popular seaside retreat with a vibrant ma…
Haouch Ain Maiza
Haouch Ain Maiza is a serene coastal spot in the Tipaza region.
Tipaza
Tipaza is a coastal city known for its spectacular Roman ruins by the sea.
Hammam Righa
Hammam Righa is a historic spa town in the Zaccar Mountains, highly valued by the Romans since antiquity for its hot, healing thermal spr…
Staoueli
Staoueli is a beautiful coastal town in Algeria known for its premium resorts and golden sandy beaches along the Mediterranean coast.
Algiers
Algiers is the capital and largest city of Algeria, located on the Mediterranean coast.
El Beldj
El Beldj is a picturesque coastal village in Algeria, appreciated for its clear waters and peaceful beaches.
Burj Al Kifan
Burj Al Kifan is a bustling coastal suburb of Algiers, famous for its lively promenades, water parks, and excellent street food.
History & landmarks
Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania
This impressive dome-shaped tomb in Tipaza was built by the Numidian and Mauretanian kings.
Algiers Opera House
The Algiers Opera House is a modern architectural jewel built as a gift from China to Algeria.
Nelson Mandela Stadium
The Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki, Algiers, is a state-of-the-art sports arena.
Martyrs' Memorial
The Martyrs' Memorial is an iconic concrete monument in Algiers commemorating the Algerian War of Independence.
Grand Post Office of Algiers
The Grand Post Office of Algiers is an impressive Neo-Moorish building constructed in 1910.
Lighthouse of Cap Caxine
This historic lighthouse west of Algiers is a prominent navigation mark.
Great Mosque of Algiers
The Great Mosque of Algiers features the tallest minaret in the world.
Notre-Dame d'Afrique
This Catholic basilica in Algiers, built in the 19th century, is known for its Neo-Byzantine architecture.
More places
Mitidja Plain
The most fertile agricultural area in Algeria, known for citrus fruits.
Hamma Botanical Garden
A green park in Algiers, ideal for families and children.
Tipasa Ruins
An ancient Punic trading post conquered by Rome, situated directly on the Mediterranean coast.
Lake Turkana Wind Power
The largest wind power project in Africa, injecting clean energy into Kenya's national grid.
Tipaza Coastal Agriculture
Fertile land right by the sea.
Palace of the Dey
The former seat of the Ottoman rulers of Algiers, which played an important role in the country's diplomatic history.
Aquafortland
A popular water park for kids in Algiers.
Turkana Oil Fields (Ngamia)
Kenya's first commercial oil discoveries, with the potential to transform the country's economy.