×

Algeria🇩🇿 | national parksTheniet El Had National ParkCedar of the Kings, Rond-Point des Cèdres, Mount Meddad, snowy forest | things to do and best time to go

Explore Tlemcen National ParkExplore Mergueb Nature Reserve

Backpacking in Theniet El Had
👍 Recommendednational park ranked #8
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

The Cedar of the Kings sits among the Atlas cedars in the Cedar Forest, a grove where trunks rise straight and the ground is soft with needles and smells of resin. Theniet El Had National Park lies in the Ouarsenis range in the north of Algeria, in Tissemsilt province, southwest of Algiers. Expect cool, quiet forest, long shaded walks, barbary macaques and boar, and almost no other hikers. Public transport reaches the town only, so trailheads need a taxi or a walk, and marked paths are few, so a local guide from the park office saves wrong turns. Snow can close upper tracks in winter, and summer sun hits the clearings hard. It suits self-reliant walkers and photographers who like silence. It won’t suit anyone who needs signposts, cafés and polished infrastructure.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Algeria Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #8 national park in AlgeriaThe unique appeal for travelers

Theniet El Had National Park gives you something rare in Algeria: a high-altitude forest you can walk without a tour bus in sight. The reasons come down to two things. First, the Atlas cedar forest at roughly 1,100 to 1,787 meters gives cool air and deep shade while the lowlands bake, and the old trees are huge, some of them centuries old. Second, Rond-Point des Cèdres and the surrounding tracks start close to the park’s own lodge area, so you can set out on foot without arranging a vehicle. The park is small enough to cover independently, and a local guide is easy to arrange if you want help finding paths and spotting wildlife such as macaques and birds of prey. Few foreign visitors come, so you will be a curiosity, and conversations with rangers and townspeople are a big part of the appeal.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while exploring Theniet El Had

  1. Cedar of the Kings (Cèdre du Roi): the best-known tree in the park, a giant Atlas cedar with a trunk that takes several people to circle.
  2. Rond-Point des Cèdres: a clearing where tracks meet beneath old cedars, good for picnics and a first orientation.
  3. Mount Meddad (Ras el Braret): the high point of the park at about 1,787 meters, with views over the Ouarsenis ridges.
  4. Barbary macaque troops: these monkeys live in the cedar forest and often appear near tracks in the quieter hours.
  5. Mixed forest of oak and cedar: holm oak, cork oak and cedar grow side by side on the slopes, giving changing textures and colors underfoot.
  6. Bird watching: raptors circle the ridges, and the forest holds woodpeckers and other small birds that are easier to hear than see.
  7. Winter snow on the cedars: when snow falls, the park
… read more 👉
  1. Cedar of the Kings (Cèdre du Roi): the best-known tree in the park, a giant Atlas cedar with a trunk that takes several people to circle.
  2. Rond-Point des Cèdres: a clearing where tracks meet beneath old cedars, good for picnics and a first orientation.
  3. Mount Meddad (Ras el Braret): the high point of the park at about 1,787 meters, with views over the Ouarsenis ridges.
  4. Barbary macaque troops: these monkeys live in the cedar forest and often appear near tracks in the quieter hours.
  5. Mixed forest of oak and cedar: holm oak, cork oak and cedar grow side by side on the slopes, giving changing textures and colors underfoot.
  6. Bird watching: raptors circle the ridges, and the forest holds woodpeckers and other small birds that are easier to hear than see.
  7. Winter snow on the cedars: when snow falls, the park turns white and silent, and local families come up to play.
For a first visit, head straight for the Cedar of the Kings, since it is the sight the park is known for and it gives you a feel for the forest.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Spring (April to June): Days run 15 to 26°C (59 to 79°F), the cedar forest is green, and wildflowers carpet the clearings. Daylight is long, hiking is comfortable, and Algerian school groups fill weekends.
  • Summer (July to August): Highs reach 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F) at around 1,150 to 1,787 meters, but shade under the cedars keeps trails bearable. Local families arrive and lodging gets pricier and scarcer.
  • Autumn (September to November): Temperatures sit at 12 to 25°C (54 to 77°F), crowds thin, and light is soft for photography. Rain returns toward November.
  • Winter (December to March): Cold at 0 to 8°C (32 to 46°F), with snow that can close roads and make trails slick. Daylight is short, rooms are cheap, and the snowy cedars draw day visitors from nearby towns.
Late September gives you the quietest trails with reliable weather.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: good for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
when-to-go

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutAlgeria Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Algeria
The digital guide (314 pages) contains:
✅ 79 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 7, 14 & 21-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

The best bed for most backpackers is in the town of Theniet El Had itself, just outside the park gate, where a handful of small, simple hotels and guesthouses cost roughly US$15 to 40 a night. Inside the park, there is a forest lodge-style hotel and a basic rest house near the cedar groves, convenient for early starts but limited in rooms and often full on summer weekends and holidays. Booking by phone ahead is the usual method, since online listings are sparse. Informal camping is possible in the forest with the park administration’s approval, though facilities are minimal, so carry water and … read more 👉
The best bed for most backpackers is in the town of Theniet El Had itself, just outside the park gate, where a handful of small, simple hotels and guesthouses cost roughly US$15 to 40 a night. Inside the park, there is a forest lodge-style hotel and a basic rest house near the cedar groves, convenient for early starts but limited in rooms and often full on summer weekends and holidays. Booking by phone ahead is the usual method, since online listings are sparse. Informal camping is possible in the forest with the park administration’s approval, though facilities are minimal, so carry water and a warm sleeping bag. For more choice, base yourself in Tissemsilt, the provincial capital about 30 kilometers away, which has more hotels, restaurants, and cash machines. Tiaret and Médéa are larger alternatives reached by shared taxi or bus. Arrive with cash in hand, as card payment is rarely accepted.
Best hostels in Algeria


Best quality hotels in Algeria

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)How expensive it really is

A day in Theniet El Had National Park runs about US$0 to 2, with a total daily budget of US$55 for most backpackers. The table shows typical costs, paid in cash in Algerian dinars.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$0 to 2A small or nominal charge at the gate, sometimes waived for walkers.
Accommodation (high season)US$20 to 35Simple rooms in town or the park rest house; cheaper in winter at US$12 to 25.
Local transportUS$3 to 8Shared taxis or minibuses from Tissemsilt or Tiaret; a private taxi for the day costs more.
Food and suppliesUS$8 to 15Grilled meat, sandwiches, and bread in town; stock up on water and snacks before heading up.
Guide (optional)US$0 to 10Rarely needed on the marked forest paths.
Total Daily BudgetUS$55Comfortable for a day with a bed, meals, and shared transport.


source: algeria.com
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsTrail guide for Theniet El Had national park

Theniet El Had National Park is best explored on foot along forest tracks that start near the park center and the Rond-Point des Cèdres. Signage is limited, so treat the following as the walks people actually do rather than formal, measured trails.
  • Cedar of the Kings walk: an easy stroll of about 30 to 60 minutes round trip on a wide forest track, passing the biggest trees.
  • Rond-Point loop: an easy to moderate walk of 1 to 2 hours on soft needle-covered paths, through cedar and oak with a good chance of macaques.
  • Mount Meddad climb: a moderate half-day hike on steeper, rocky ground to the highest
… read more 👉
Theniet El Had National Park is best explored on foot along forest tracks that start near the park center and the Rond-Point des Cèdres. Signage is limited, so treat the following as the walks people actually do rather than formal, measured trails.
  • Cedar of the Kings walk: an easy stroll of about 30 to 60 minutes round trip on a wide forest track, passing the biggest trees.
  • Rond-Point loop: an easy to moderate walk of 1 to 2 hours on soft needle-covered paths, through cedar and oak with a good chance of macaques.
  • Mount Meddad climb: a moderate half-day hike on steeper, rocky ground to the highest point, with open views at the top.
  • Terrain and wildlife: expect uneven earth, roots, loose stones and mud after rain; look for macaques, wild boar tracks and raptors overhead.
The park is reached by road from the town of Theniet El Had, where shared taxis and local buses arrive from regional cities; the final stretch up to the forest usually needs a taxi or a hike. Crowds are small on weekdays but pick up on spring weekends and during snowfall, when local families visit. A small entrance fee is charged, typically under US$2. Bring water, layers and sturdy shoes, and consider asking at the park office for a guide.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Theniet El Had

Theniet El Had National Park is a calm, well-managed cedar forest, and most problems come from weather and underpreparation rather than danger. Winter brings snow and ice on forest roads and trails, so bring waterproof boots and warm layers, and check road conditions before driving up. Summer is hot in open sections, so start early and carry at least two liters of water because springs are unreliable. Trails are short and gentle, but junctions are poorly signed, so download an offline map and tell your lodging where you are heading. Barbary macaques live in the cedars; keep your distance and never feed them, since fed monkeys grow bold and grab food. Wild boar and jackals avoid people. Carry a copy of your passport and be ready for occasional checkpoints on approach roads.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Theniet El Had

One full day covers the main cedar trails of Theniet El Had National Park, while two days let you add a longer walk and a slow evening in the forest. The park’s cedar groves sit at roughly 1,100 to 1,787 meters, and most loops take 2 to 4 hours. Stay overnight in Theniet El Had town or the park rest house to avoid rushing the drive back.
Yes, though Theniet El Had National Park is easier with wheels. Shared taxis and buses run from Tissemsilt (about 30 kilometers) and from Tiaret or Algiers to Theniet El Had town, and a local taxi covers the last stretch up to the forest for about US$3 to 8. Once inside, the main groves are walkable, but plan on a half day each way from Algiers.
Theniet El Had National Park charges only a small or nominal gate fee, around US$0 to 2, and it can vary with the season. No special hiking permit is usually required for the marked trails, though camping or staying overnight in the forest should be cleared with the park administration. Carry your passport for checkpoints, and bring cash in dinars.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Algerian national parks near Theniet El Had

Explore more nearby:


💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Algeria including Theniet El Had and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all national parks

Or checkout all Algeria has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Algeria
Country photo of Algeria
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Theniet El Had National Park pairs well with a loop through the Ouarsenis highlands and the Roman ruins at Tipaza or Cherchell, or with a stop in Tissemsilt on the way south toward the High Plateaus. I would come in late spring or early autumn, bring your own lunch, and leave early before the forest warms.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Algeria. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story