Yakouren: the forest near Azazga, what to do and where to stay

"Yakouren" is one of the most searched place names in Algeria. This commune in Tizi Ouzou province, near Azazga, is famous for its forest, one of the best known in the country, and for its Barbary macaques. People come for a cool walk, a family picnic or a stop on the road through eastern Kabylia. In winter the forest shows another face, quieter and misty. Here is what to do in Yakouren, how to get there and where to stay.

Yakouren, the forest of Kabylia

Yakouren is a forest commune east of Tizi Ouzou, in the Azazga area. Its tall, dense forest is one of the best known in Algeria and was long a climate resort: people came for the summer coolness and the clean air. It is also one of the places where you may spot the Barbary macaque, a protected species.

The forests of the region have suffered from the major fires of recent years, which hit Tizi Ouzou province hard, and reforestation campaigns have taken place. Be a responsible visitor: no fires, and leave no rubbish behind.

What to do in Yakouren

• Walk in the forest: many visitors stop along the road, under the tall trees, for a stroll or a family picnic. Stay in busy areas and do not head deep into the forest alone if you do not know it.
• Watch the Barbary macaques, from a distance. Do not feed them: food from visitors harms their health and the balance of the forest.
• Discover the villages of the commune and the crafts sold by the roadside, and take time to talk with local people.
• Combine with Tizi Ouzou: the city is the best base for exploring Kabylia.

Yakouren in winter

Out of season, Yakouren is much quieter than in summer. The forest is still beautiful in rain or mist, but days are short and humidity is high. Wear good shoes and warm, waterproof clothing, and head back before dark. For snow, the Tikjda resort in the Djurdjura is the best-known trip: read our guide to Tikjda in winter.

How to get to Yakouren

Yakouren lies east of Tizi Ouzou, near Azazga. The RN12 runs through the forest, and most visitors coming from Tizi Ouzou take it. In winter the road may be slippery in rain or cold weather: check road and weather conditions with official sources (Algeria's national weather office, the National Gendarmerie) before leaving, and drive carefully on the forest bends.

Where to stay in and around Yakouren

Hôtel Tamgout, in Yakouren, is the name everyone searches for. This public hotel was closed for many years for renovation, and its reopening was announced in the Algerian press at the end of 2025. We have not yet found guest reviews dated 2026 confirming that it is running normally, and it cannot be booked on our site for now: check directly before you travel.

The simplest option today is to stay in Tizi Ouzou and visit Yakouren for the day:

• [Hôtel Ittourar](/en/hotel/hotel-ittourar) in Tizi Ouzou, in the Nreservi catalogue: enter your dates on its page to see rooms and rates in dinars;
• [Hôtel Lalla Khedidja](/en/fiche-hotel/lalla-khedidja-tizi-ouzou), a well-known address in central Tizi Ouzou;
• and all our addresses on the hotels in Tizi Ouzou page.

For more trip ideas in Algeria, see our article on weekend getaways in Algeria.

Our tips

• Leave early and head back before nightfall, especially in winter.
• Bring water, a snack and a bag for your rubbish.
• No fires in the forest, in any season.
• Keep your distance from the monkeys and keep an eye on children.

Book and pay in dinars

On Nreservi, you book your hotel online. From Algeria, you pay in dinars, without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly agency. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you after payment. Travelling as a couple? Read our article on the family booklet at Algerian hotels before you go.

See our hotels in Tizi Ouzou

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.