Discovering the Kabylia, the country of the mountains

A territory often forgotten by great travellers, Kabylie is yet a land full of wonders. Discover today the one that is surnamed “the country of mountains”.

Who has never heard of the beauty and grandeur of Algeria? However, one of its regions, the Kabylia, is still too unknown to large travellers... With a history dating back to several millennia and often filled with conflict, it is nevertheless one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

Land of remnants, country of mountains, Kabylia is as surprising as tasty. This is why Wanderlix presents you today some of the most beautiful corners of the “land of free men”.

Between national parks, memories of the Roman Empire and breathtaking landscapes, discover a land that will never leave you again, once you have trodden its ground: the Kabylia!

Djemila, a historic land

It is in Djemila that our trip to Kabylia begins. And how do we do otherwise, to replace the historical context of this region, than to begin with a stay in the heart of that whose name means “the beautiful”, in Arabic?

Indeed Djemila, located 50km north of Sétif, is one of the flowers of Roman architecture in Africa. Founded in the first century of our era, the one who was then named Cuicul reminds us of the power of the Roman Empire. Remember, or simply teach us, that Kabylia is a region full of history.

But the latter was not always reduced to a precise delimitation... In the past, its borders were not as defined as they are today. Actually, the Kabylia designated all the territories where the kabyle populations were located the people of free men. So we were talking about Kabylies Tunis , Morocco , Saoura and Ouarsenis.

It is only during the nineteenth century that the location of the region is more precisely defined. The heart of the Tellian mountains, Alger and Constantine, then becomes his cradle.

Djemila, for her part, is impressive. It is difficult to imagine that we are in Algeria and not on the Italian coast when we walk in the heart of these Roman vestiges, almost two thousand years old. Here, forum, capitol, temples and sanctuaries surpass us, while the state of conservation of these monuments exceeds us.

Perhaps this is the sweetness of the Kabyle mountains, located all around the site, which preserves as by enchantment the magic of these places? It is then lost to imagine the Arc de Caracalla, which remains voluntarily immobile, fixed on its two feet, to never have to stop admiring the beauty of the landscape...

The wind from the aisles and frosting the walls of the baptistery murmurs the memories of a Christian era. Discovered in 1909 and classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this archaeological site is a real wonder that you are advised to visit at any cost. You can also visit the museum at the entrance of the park, which will tell you the details of the antique pieces found by the archaeologists...

Bejaiah, eternal earth

Béjaïa is at the same time a commune, located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea about 250km from Algiers, but also one wilaya of Kabylie, large of 52 communes. Here, it is well on the pretty "capital of the Kabylie bass" that we linger.

Béjaïa, whose name means "candle", is both a surprise and a wonder. A true heavenly city, everyone can find out what he is looking for on a journey. Faune, flora, beaches, cliffs and ancient vestiges give its landscapes an incredible diversity.

For us, the most impressive remains the one called the “people of the monkeys”. Located near Gouraya National Park, the latter reminds us of the singular Monkey Forest Ubud, Bali. Captivating, enchanting, you will have to plan half a day and solid shoes to appreciate this hike not like others.

Another great must in Béjaïa is his "Cap Carbon". The "Cap Carbon" has been built since 1907 by one of the highest lighthouses in the Mediterranean, and represents at best the beauty and strength of the Kabyle mountains. With its famous hiking trail of 5 km, it is accessible to all and offers the possibility to the little ones and adults to discover one of the most exceptional views of the Mediterranean.

After this superb walk, make a detour to the Black Lake of Akfadou, located a few kilometers from Béjaïa. Also enjoy the beautiful landscapes offered by its immense forest, before returning for a relaxing moment in the city centre of Béjaïa.

For the one called “candle” (she was one of the first suppliers of beeswax candles) offers a wonderful city center. Take a walk in her little streets, or stop taking a coffee at the Place on November 1st... In short, enjoy the sweetness of Béjaïa and that of its inhabitants.

National parks

We finally arrived at the highlight of our visit to the Kasbyle lands... National parks! True masterpieces of divine works, these sparks of greenery nestled in the heart of the mountains are a Benedictine. They are the true richness of kabyle landscapes, and leave no one of marble.

To begin this journey, we take you to the National Park of Djurdjura.

Djurdjura National Park

If it derives its name from the mountainous Djurdjura massif, which houses the limits, this national park could not be simply defined by a mountain. Indeed, stretching from Tizi-Ouzou to Bouira, the wealth of Djurdjura is infinitely great.

If you are looking for a hiking and exploration trail, you are in the right place. Here grows more than 1,100 floristic species, almost two thirds of the total flora of the country... All this is the result of a particularly green nature, irrigated by the many water sources and streams coming from the mountains. In fact, you can find many lakes in the heart of Djurdjura, but the water can be particularly fresh.

But Djurdjura also houses an impressive fauna: more than 35 mammal species have found refuge there. Among them, the famous macaque de Barbarie, but also the striped hyenas, the scals, the hooked pigs-epic... In short, a real animal kingdom.

Over the horizons, you can also admire the majestic nature of the royal eagle, as well as the special flight of several species of faucons.

You will have understood this, Djurdjura’s visit is a decisive step, essential to your trip to the heart of the Kasbyl lands. Fascinating, you will miss it in the second or you will have left it... But be careful, to contemplate it, we strongly advise you to go through a travel agency, which will take care of the organization of this visit.

Gouraya National Park

While some nickname it "Corsica de Kabylie", probably in view of its cliffs that flow directly into the Mediterranean, we find at Gouraya National Park other resemblances, more "exotic"... with Southeast Asia.

Already, from the sea, its cliffs seem to have been deposited there by a superior force, reminding us of the rocks of the Halong Bay . Inaccessible, savagely cut and overlooking a vast expanse of water, resemblance is striking. Do not access it during your stay in Kabylie would be an offence to the beauty of this site, classified as Unesco World Heritage since 2004.

Gouraya is located in the north-east of Algeria, in the heart of the Béjaïa wilaya, on the edges of the Mediterranean. And if every year, more than a million tourists crowd their soil, it is because it houses many riches within it.

And one of his surprises, as in the heart of Halong Bay, are its sublime beaches of fine sand. Throughout your Gouraya National Park, you will find a succession of beaches and coves, all more appealing than others. Take a break and refresh yourself in its crystal clear waters.

Once you breathe again, you can continue your path and discover the mausoleum of Yemma Yemma, the cornice of the great lighthouse, the fort of Gouraya, the Riac tower... And many more wonders. We make the choice not to reveal everything to you, because each discovery will grow in you the satisfaction of the explorer in front of his treasure.

But with an area of 32 km2, a day will not be enough to discover the wonderful memories that will offer you Gouraya... Enjoy it to spend several days there and enjoy the sweetness of its city in the evening.

The coastal road

To finish our stay, it is on the road that we take you, that of the coast. After all, what better than driving, from the seaside to the land, the open windows, to take the time to re-scramble the memories of his trip? And then RN 24 settled from Algiers to Béjaïa. As Gouraya is in the heart of this last wilaya, you can take this road in the other direction.

Thus, you will cross the 222 km of this road leading to Algiers, to continue your journey on Algerian lands. And once again, this road will save you surprises. After about 50 kilometers, you will arrive at the edge of the Tizi-Ouzou wilaya. You can stop there to visit the time of one afternoon his chief place, bearing the same name. Thus, you will enjoy its cultural heritage and will be able to learn more about its history, filled with emotion, discussing with its inhabitants about a good tea or coffee...

Then take the road for about 60 kilometers, until you reach the Boumerdès wilaya. Here, the "coast road" has its name. Located by the sea, the one that was once named "Black Rock" gives a sweetness whose only coastal cities have the secret. Although it is located on the edge of the Mediterranean, it reminds us of some Breton cities...

But beyond its sunny beaches, Boumerdès also enjoys many natural water sources, such as that of Haifa , which promise you particularly pleasant moments... A beautiful way to conclude your stay in Kabylia.

So, to continue your journey and discover the Algerian magnificence, which is far from stopping at the kabyles “borders”, you will resume the RN 24 until the Algiers wilaya. Another trip will then start for you... A journey that will offer you new sensations along with new landscapes.

Discover Algeria, a host country covered by almost 90% of the desert and whose grandeur makes it one of the most beautiful countries in Africa, one of the most beautiful countries in the world.