The Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve, the largest nature reserve in Lebanon, is a mountain ecosystem at the southern part of the Mount Lebanon range, covering over 5 percent of the country’s land area. Al-Chouf is home to six magnificent cedar forests, with the largest concentration of cedar trees remaining in the country. Some trees are over 2,000 years old. The Reserve is also home to 27 species of wild mammals (including wolves, hyenas, wild boars, gazelles, foxes, and lynxes), 104 species of birds, and 124 species of plants.The Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve is a popular destination for hiking and trekking, with trails accessible for all fitness levels, as well as mountain biking and bird watching. From the summit of the rugged mountains, you will find a panoramic view of the countryside, eastward to the Bekaa Valley and westward toward the Mediterranean. During your visit to the Al-Shouf Reserve, carefully observe the magical colors of the Mediterranean shrubs, grasses, and herbs, or simply marvel at the majesty of the cedars and the gallery of distinctive flora and fauna that attracts a variety of mammals and migrating birds. 

Another spectacular mountain reserve is the Horsh Ehden Reserve, located in the northern Mount Lebanon range above the Qadisha Valley.Thanks to a relatively high level of precipitation, a variety of plants, birds, insects, and rare mammals flourish in the Horsh Ehden Reserve – in fact, it is home to over 40 percent of the country’s plant species. Hikers in Horsh Ehden are rewarded with glimpses of unique trees (including cedars, sicilician firs, wild apples, and maples), rare flora (including the Lebanese Violet, the Ehden milk vetch, and wild orchids), endangered mammals (including martens, weasels, and badgers), as well as colorful butterflies, salamanders, and mushrooms.

The Tannourine Nature Reserve is a beautiful, forested mountain environment located just south of the Qadisha Valley. Tannourine is home to over 60,000 ancient cedar trees, as well as a variety of pines, poplars, and other tree species. The region is also rich in natural springs and lakes, and has a high concentration of caves and sinkholes.

If you are enchanted by marine ecology, be sure to spend some time in the Palm Islands Reserve, comprising three uninhabited islands located approximately 11km northwest of Tripoli. This Mediterranean marine ecosystem provides a perfect breeding ground for the endangered Green and Loggerhead Turtles, a nesting place for over 300 species of migratory birds (including many rare and endangered species), and a home for the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal. The islands are rich in wildflowers and medicinal plants, and their coastal waters have an abundance of fish, sea sponges, and other sea life.Visitors to the Palm Islands can hike along the many trails, swim and snorkel along the pristine beaches, view the unique flora and fauna, and search for remains of former human inhabitants (including pottery shards and the remains of a Crusader church). The reserve is only accessible during the summer months and can be reached by a boat trip from Tripoli.

Another destination for exploring Lebanon’s coastal ecosystem is the Tyre coastal Reserve, located along a sandy stretch of beach south of Tyre. The Tyre Reserve is home to several ancient artesian springs, creating a freshwater habitat and marshes that host frogs and other amphibians.The brackish coastal waters are rich in aquatic life, and the beach is a nesting place for endangered sea turtles and migratory birds. Part of the beach area is open for public swimming.

Other Nature Reserves in Lebanon include the Bentael Reserve – a large pine forsest near Byblos – and the Yammouneh Reserve – a freshwater lake in the southern Bekaa Valley with a large cavern and ancient Roman temple ruins. There are other Protected Areas scattered throughout the country. Please note that it is illegal to camp in Lebanon’s Nature Reserves and Protected Areas.