The Main Tourist Attractions in Djelfa, Algeria

 Djelfa Province in Algeria is considered one of the largest and most important regions of the country thanks to its historical, archaeological, and cultural significance, its diverse landscapes and geological formations, its vast area stretching across the nation, and many other factors that attract tourists for Djelfa tourism.

The city of Djelfa is located on the slopes of the Saharan Atlas Mountains, about 294 km from Algiers. It is distinguished by its mountainous nature, dense pastoral forests, archaeological sites, and caves. It is one of the most beautiful tourist cities in Algeria, attracting nature lovers and explorers.

Top tourist attractions in DjelfaIn this article, we highlight some of the most important tourist and archaeological sites in Djelfa recommended for visitors.

Zaccar Mountains

One of the most famous tourist landmarks in Djelfa, Algeria, the Zaccar Mountains are a chain of rocky mountains interspersed with small patches of greenery located southeast of Djelfa Province.

The Zaccar area is renowned for hosting an ancient archaeological site known as Monastery of the Dakawrines, discovered in 1907. It is a cave within the mountain that contains artistic engravings depicting the image of a woman, a rhinoceros, and a hunting scene.

Ain El Ibel

An ancient archaeological site discovered in 1965, though its origins date back much earlier. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Djelfa, drawing thousands of visitors every year.

The site is located near the Zaccar Mountains in the southeast of Djelfa Province, Algeria. Ain El Ibel, also known as The Camel’s Spring, is renowned for its five engraved rock panels, the most famous of which are The Shy Lovers and The Buffalo Couple.

Kheneg El Hilel

One of the most important archaeological landmarks of Djelfa, discovered in 1966. It is located in the southwest of Djelfa Province, Algeria.

The site is distinguished by a massive rock engraving depicting several animals significant in Algerian heritage, such as the elephant, the giant lion, the ancient buffalo, and a ram with a circular disk and a necklace around its neck.

Ain Loukarif

One of the largest tourist sites in Djelfa, located northwest of its capital, covering an area of 60,000 square meters towards the old military mill.

Known locally as Binyan Al-Jahlaa, Ain Loukarif is considered one of the biggest funerary temples in Algeria, with its 22 monuments discovered in 1884.

Kaf El-Dachra

It is the largest funerary temple in Djelfa, Algeria, with 35 monuments, located near Ain Loukarif in the northwest of Djelfa.

Bessbassa Forest

One of the most important tourist attractions in Djelfa, Algeria, for hiking lovers, safari trekking, or simply relaxing amidst soothing natural landscapes. It is considered one of the most beautiful areas of the High Plateaus, stretching along the town of Sidi Bayezid, covered with dense pastoral forests offering breathtaking scenery.

Sen el-Ba Forest

Among the best tourist sites in Djelfa for safari trekking, leisure walks, exercising, or unwinding in nature’s charm.Located 50 km west of Djelfa city, Mount Sen el-Ba is one of the peaks of the Saharan Atlas Mountains. The forest covers an area of 19,500 hectares of lush greenery and thick trees. Its diverse geography, geology, and mild climate attract visitors from across the region.

Ben Cherif Mosque

One of the oldest and largest mosques in Djelfa that every tourist must visit.It was once known as “Jamaa El-Joumoua” (Friday Mosque) before gradually being renamed Ben Cherif. It is distinguished by its multiple short yet massive domes.

Sidi Boubker Site

A recommended archaeological site when visiting Djelfa, discovered in 1958. It is located southwest of Djelfa, near the archaeological site of Khenk El-Hilal.The site features a large rock resembling a mushroom, engraved on its four sides with animal drawings significant to Algerian heritage, such as dogs, ostriches, horses, rams, elephants, the ram with the round disk, and even a human figure with a round head wearing a tunic.