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: What to See and Do at the Reserve

BEST SEASON TO VISIT

May to September are the best months to visit depending on the activities you enjoy.

For flora enthusiasts, spring and summer are especially good times to visit the reserve. Flowers and plants can be identified with the help of reserve guides and the wooden signs located along the trails specified for walking.

Animal lovers will enjoy using the hidden observation post in the Aain Zhalta-Bmahray forest and Aain Elligé for spotting birds and mammals. It is also possible to do nighttime monitoring via jeep using a geographic positioning system (GPS) and night vision binoculars. Spring and summer are the best season for these activities.

Throughout the year, visitors can participate in many activities at the Environmental

movie about the reserve;
herbarium;
display of insect and butterfly specimens;
rural development products;
environmentally themed symposiums and workshops;
environmental education games; and
visit Aain Zhalta-Bmahray, Barouk, and Maasser Ech-Chouf Cedar Forests and Niha.

MAJOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES INSIDE THE RESERVE

Contact us at:
Telephone: +961-(0)3-682472 or +961-(0)5-311230
Email: arzshouf@cyberia.net.lb
LONG WALKS, CLIMBING, HIKING, VAN TOURS, STAR GAZING, ANIMAL OBSERVATION: year-round
Cost: 10,000 L.L. per person
ROPE GAMES AND MOUNTAIN BIKING (in cooperation with private eco-tour operators): year-round except the snow season
Cost: 10,000 L.L. per person
SNOWSHOEING: snow season
Cost: 5,000 L.L. per person
BIRD WATCHING: spring through fall (April to September) using the hidden observation spot located above the pond in the Aain Zhalta-Bmahray forest and Aain Elligé
Cost: 10,000 L.L. per person
Awareness activities (discovery walks, presentation and film about the reserve) for students and children: year-round and especially during the school year
Cost: 7,500 L.L. per person

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

Shqif Tyron, also known as the Fortress of Niha, is located in the southwest part of the reserve near the village of Niha. The fortress overlooks Jezzine and was used by the Crusaders as an observation point on the road that used to link Saida (Sidon) to the Békaa Valley. The Fortress is famous for being the place of refuge for Emir Fakhr ed-Dine II, who was trying to escape capture by the Ottomans in the 1633 A.D. He was captured, however, and taken to Istanbul where he was later executed in 1635.

After enjoying some outdoor activities and the beauty and tranquility of the reserve, you might consider spending a couple of days exploring the historical sites and traditional character of the reserve's neighboring villages, such as Aain Zhalta, Deir El-Qamar, Barouk, Maasser Ech-Chouf, and Niha. Important historical sites in the vicinity include the Beiteddine Palace, Mosque of Fakhr ed-Dine, several old churches, and the village of Moukhtara (location of the Joumblatt palace). In addition, children always enjoy Moussa Castle, the Marie Baz Wax Museum, and the Kfar Him Grotto. Traveling to the east from the Maasser Ech-Chouf area takes you into the Békaa Valley, where you can visit Kefraya Winery, the Aammiq Wetlands (good for bird watching), and Qaraoun Lake.

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