Ichkeul Lake
Talking about the best lakes to visit in Tunisia, lake Ichkeul is not to be missed. Lake Ichkeul is a lake in northern Tunisia, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Bizerte, the northernmost city in Africa on the Mediterranean Sea. This lake, which has a surface area of 126 square kilometers (49 square miles) and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a striking location of natural beauty that is uncommon in the North African nations. The hydrological system of Lake Ichkeul is exceptional. Its habitat depends on seasonal changes in freshwater flow from five rivers and seawater passing via the Tindja canal, as well as changes in salinity and water level. From October through March, freshwater levels rise, which lowers the lake's salt levels. Seawater enters the lake during the summer as freshwater evaporates. The freshwater input has been significantly decreased as a result of the construction of the dams, allowing salt-loving plants to take the place of reedbeds, sedges, and other freshwater plant species. The number of migrating birds visiting the lake has significantly decreased as a result of these changes, yet the lake still serves a significant purpose for them.
The Ichkeul National park, which was founded in 1980, is 126 square kilometers in size and has three distinct ecosystems: a mountain with a height of 511 meters, its plains, and an 850 square kilometers-long lake. This is the must-see destination in lake Ichkeul. Visitors entering the park are greeted by lush meadows and a nice view of the lake. Since the park serves as a significant resting place for numerous migratory bird species, one can reflect on the diversity of the landscape filled with different bird species. The lake and marshlands are home to 40–60 different species of birds. The greatest time to visit the park, as is typically the case with other sites, is in the spring because there are more than 500 different varieties of plant life that have been identified there. When the olive trees are in bloom and the cyclamen, iris, and lilac are in abundance, many tourists visiting Tunisia enjoy the pleasure of a quick visit to this stunning natural lake. Along with the abundant vegetation, there is also a diverse wildlife, with migrating birds, otters, buffaloes, porcupines, and mongooses among the most prevalent.
Location: Northern Tunisia
