The Djurdjura massif, rising to 2308m at Lalla Khedidja, forms the dramatic backdrop to Tizi Ouzou and is among the most rewarding natural areas in northern Algeria. The national park — designated in 1925 under French administration, one of Africa's oldest — protects cedar and oak forests, limestone gorges, and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife including Barbary macaques, wild boar, and golden eagles.
The main access points from Tizi Ouzou are via Tikjda (a small mountain resort town) or through the Ait Hichem valley. In winter the upper slopes receive reliable snow and there is basic ski infrastructure at Tikjda, though don't expect Alpine standards. Summer brings hikers and rock climbers; the trails are well marked and the views across the Atlas chain on clear days are extraordinary. The park also contains the Anou Ifflis cave system, one of the deepest in Africa.