Al Hoceima National Park- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Al Hoceima National Park in Morocco stands as an exemplary celebration of natural diversity and conservation effort, positioned slightly outside the coastal town of Al Hoceima. With an expansive coverage of 480 square kilometers, this distinguished park intertwines both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, holding 196 square kilometers of its vast space under the Mediterranean's azure embrace. Established in 2004, the stewardship of this ecological treasure falls under the diligent care of the Haut-Commissariat des Eaux et Forêts et de la Lutte contre la Désertification, an organization committed to preserving Morocco's precious water resources and combating desertification. The park's geographic tapestry is rich and varied, stretching from the majestic Mediterranean coastline over 50 kilometers to the southern boundaries marked by National Road 16. It is here that one encounters a pristine coastline seemingly untouched by time, coupled with towering limestone cliffs and a rugged mountainous terrain that narrates the earth's ancient stories. The terrestrial part of Al Hoceima National Park is meticulously woven into the Ibaqouyen Rif mountain range, embodying the landscapes of five communes, each uniquely contributing to the park's ecological and cultural narrative. Floristically, Al Hoceima National Park is a haven for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike, boasting a collection of 110 species of vascular plants. The park nurtures a plethora of trees, from the resolute barbary thuya and the resilient Aleppo pine to the evergreen charm of the wild olive and the lentisk. The underbrush is adorned with a miscellany of shrubs and grassland, setting a vibrant stage for the park's faunal assemblage. The marine biosphere of Al Hoceima is equally engaging, where the confluence of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean enriches the underwater scenery. Diverse forests of seaweeds, including Cystoseira and Laminaria species, form the backbone of this aquatic realm, hosting a staggering 264 species of seaweed. The park's fauna is a testament to its biological richness, where the skies are graced by a substantial colony of ospreys and the waters dance with the harmonious movements of dolphins, including the common, bottlenose, and striped varieties. The secretive sea caves offer refuge to the endangered Mediterranean monk seals, and the shores become foraging grounds for sea turtles like the loggerhead and the green turtle. Furthermore, the park's waters are alive with over a hundred species of fish, alongside the rare sighting of the giant ribbed Mediterranean limpet, adding layers of intrigue and wonder to the park's marine biodiversity.