Nature Reserve Promenade: Al-Shouf Cedar

Introduction

Al-Shouf Cedar
	About the Reserve
	Practical Information
	What to See and Do
	Spot Flora and Fauna
	Hiking Trails and Map
	Photo Gallery
	Driving Directions
	Download PDF Brochure
	Download PDF Map

Bentael

Horsh Ehden

Palm Islands

Tannourine Cedars Forest

Tyre Coast

Al-Shouf Cedar: Practical Information

HOURS OF OPERATION

The Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve is open to visitors during the spring, summer, and fall (April to November) of each year. The reserve is also open on a limited basis during the winter for outdoor activities (e.g., snowshoeing, hiking, etc.). In winter, visitors may enter the reserve through the Barouk, Fortress of Niha/Shqif Tyron, or Aain Zhalta-Bmahray entrances. In general, visitors are only allowed in the reserve during daylight hours, from sunrise to dusk, unless they are participating in an activity organized by the reserve. Indoor activities are ongoing throughout the year at the Environmental Awareness Center in Aain Zhalta.

ENTRANCE FEE

There is no entrance fee, but donations for the management of the reserve are welcome.

SAFETY REGULATIONS & PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

Visitors are encouraged to abide by the ethos: Take only memories, leave only footprints. Stay on officially designated trails. Cutting across and between trails can cause severe environmental damage and can be dangerous.

The following are NOT allowed inside the reserve:

	Smoking, campfires, or starting any type of fire		Hunting
	Tree or shrub cutting		Collection of any flora or fauna
	Littering		Pets
	Camping (however, there is a designated campsite near the Environmental Awareness center in Aain Zhalta)

FACILITIES

INFORMATION CENTER
The reserve has an Environmental Awareness Center located in Aain Zhalta. It is open from 9:00 to 18:00. Visitors can watch an introductory movie about the reserve; become acquainted with the reserve's biodiversity by observing plant and insect specimens on display and in the planting area; obtain rural development information; and participate in environmental education games at the center. In addition, maps, brochures, and awareness materials are distributed at the center and at each forest entrance. Visitors can also purchase souvenir items at these locations.

TOILETS
Two public toilets are available in the reserve, one located at the Barouk Cedar Forest entrance and the other located at the Maasser Ech-Chouf Cedar Forest entrance.

REST AREA
There are benches located in the Maasser Ech-Chouf forest, Barouk forest, and Niha. In addition, the Environmental Awareness Center in Aain Zhalta offers full overnight accommodation for approximately 50 persons.

CAMPING
There is a designated campsite in a pine forest near the Environmental Awareness Center in Aain Zhalta. Contact the reserve for more information and reservations.
Telephone: +961-(0)3-682472 or +961-(0)5-311230
Email: info@shoufcedar.org / arzshouf@cyberia.net.lb

WHAT TO BRING
Visitors should come equipped with good hiking or walking shoes, comfortable clothing, a fleece jacket, backpack, water, and a cap. You may also want to bring a field guide, camera, binoculars, and walking stick.

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