Introduction to Foret Classee du Ziama
Foret Classee du Ziama, locally known as the “Jewel of the Sahara”, is the largest continuous sand forest in the world. This protected area and biosphere reserve, located in Algeria, covers over 300,000 hectares of land and is home to a wide variety of endemic plants and animals. It is a unique site for visitors, offering a chance to explore a landscape of sand dunes, acacias, and tamarisk trees.
The History of Foret Classee du Ziama
Foret Classee du Ziama was first established in 1983 and designated a biosphere reserve in 1994. The area is managed by the Algerian government and is part of the wider Sahara National Park. It is home to a wide variety of endemic and threatened species, including the Saharan cheetah, fennec fox, African wild dog, and Barbary sheep.
What to See in Foret Classee du Ziama
Foret Classee du Ziama is a unique place to explore. Its landscape of sand dunes, acacias, and tamarisk trees provides a breathtaking view, and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as sand boarding, dune buggy rides, and camel rides.
The area is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including a variety of endemic plants and animals. Visitors can enjoy watching the diverse wildlife, including the Saharan cheetah, fennec fox, African wild dog, and Barbary sheep.
In addition, Foret Classee du Ziama is also home to a number of archaeological sites, including the remains of a Roman fort and a Roman temple.
How to Get to Foret Classee du Ziama
Foret Classee du Ziama is located in the region of Ouargla in Algeria. The nearest city is Ouargla, which is approximately 90 km away. From Ouargla, visitors can take a taxi or bus to the park. The journey takes around two hours.
The Best Time to Visit Foret Classee du Ziama
Foret Classee du Ziama is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the winter months, from October to April. During this time, the temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for exploring the area.
Conclusion
Foret Classee du Ziama is a unique and beautiful protected area and biosphere reserve in the Saharan Desert of Algeria. Visitors can explore the unique landscape of sand dunes, acacias, and tamarisk trees, as well as enjoy a variety of activities and observe the diverse wildlife, including the Saharan cheetah, fennec fox, African wild dog, and Barbary sheep. The best time to visit Foret Classee du Ziama is during the winter months, from October to April.