Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Contents
18
30
56
68
Surrounding Villages
130
Historic Sites
140
158
172
196
Other Activities
202
Eco-Tourism Packages
208
Where to Stay
214
Where to Eat
222
Useful Contacts
Preface
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Lebanon covering extensive areas of Mount Lebanon. It is also the home to a
dedicated group of men and women who protect and
manage an area of outstanding natural beauty.
This field guide provides the visitor with a broad introduction to the Shouf Biosphere Reserve and serves as
a guide for hikers, bikers, nature lovers, students, and
people escaping the crowded life of big cities. It sheds
light on the remarkable biodiversity, beauty, and cultural
heritage of the Reserve and introduces the visitor to a
more responsible and sustainable form of ecotourism.
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve, the surrounding towns
and villages, restaurants, hotels and guesthouses are
keen to provide the visitor with a clean environment
and an entertaining experience. A combination of
natural beauty and generous hospitality once made the
Shouf region of Lebanon famous and by conserving
these qualities we are confident that it will remain a
primary tourist destination in the future.
LEBANON and
LEBANON and
The Cedar Tree
10
11
A few centuries later the expansion of the Roman Empire into Syria and
Lebanon had a detrimental effect on the cedars until the Roman Emperor
Hadrian installed markers around the boundary of the remaining forests
and declared them an Imperial Domain. A few of these markers have
been preserved and held in museum collections.
During the early years of the 20th century, the Ottoman Turks deforested
all of the cedars growing within easy transport to the Hijaz railway to
provide fuel for wood-burning engines. Only the highest and most
remote forests escaped damage.
In modern day Lebanon the legendary cedar is still revered and remains
prominent in the minds of all Lebanese. The cedar is featured on the
national flag, the national airline, government logos, the Lebanese
currency, and innumerable commercial logos. It is the feature of books,
poetry, post cards, posters, and art. The cedars of Lebanon are an
important part of the cultural heritage of the country.
12
During the past decade special attention was paid in Lebanon to the environment, and an effort was made to protect endangered plants and
animals and conserve their habitats. Currently there are 3 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and 14 Nature Reserves established in Lebanon, each
with its distinct character and natural beauty.
Memoirs of a Cedar
a history of deforestation
a future of conservation, by Faisal Abu-Izzeddin
This book explores the fascinating history of this
iconic tree and is available at all the Reserve
entrances and major bookstores in Beirut
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14
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17
The Shouf
Biosphere Reserve
18
19
Background
The Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve was established by Law
No.532 on July 29, 1996, and is managed by an Appointed Protected Area Committee reporting to the Ministry of Environment.
In 2005 UNESCO declared the Al-Shouf Nature Reserve and its surrounding 22 villages as the Shouf Biosphere Reserve in recognition of its
success in sharing the management and rewards of conservation with the
local community.
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve (SBR) stretches from Dahr el Baidar in the
north to Niha Mountain in the south along Lebanons western mountain
range. It is blanketed with oak forests on its north-eastern slopes and juniper and oak forests on its south-eastern slopes. However, the Reserves
most famous attraction are its three magnificent cedar forests of Barouk,
Ain Zhalta/Bmohary, and Maasser el Chouf located exclusively on the
western slopes of the mountain. These forests account for a quarter of the
remaining cedars of Lebanon.
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21
22
23
Physical
Setting
24
25
Location
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve is situated in the middle of Lebanons
western mountain range and stretches from Dahr el Baidar in the north to
Mount Niha in the south. It includes (from north to south): Dahr el Baidar
(1558 meters), Jabal el Barouk (1900 meters), Jabal Niha (1800 meters), and
Taoumatt Niha (1674 meters).
Geology
The various geological layers of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve go back to
the Jurassic period (199 - 150 million years) and Cretaceous period (145 70 million years). Most of the rocks are limestone except for a few layers
of basalt located south and southeast of Niha. The floor of the Bekaa
valley, between the Lebanon and the Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges,
consists of a layer of deep sediment and rich arable soil that washed down
from the surrounding mountains.
beds (often transformed into silica), and bivalves. The sandstone of the
Cretaceous includes plant remains and occasional pieces of amber that is
rather dull or cracked and often contains insects.
Fossils
Hydrology
The limestone layers of the Cretaceous and the Jurassic are very rich in
fossils because they are composed of the sediments from the bottom of
the oceans. Near the peaks the Jurassic layer contains coral and sponge
Precipitation in the source of both surface water (streams and rivers) and
groundwater (springs and aquifers). Most of the precipitation occurs as
rain, however snow falls every winter at the upper elevations.
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28
29
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Flora of the
Reserve
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve harbors a rich flora with about 520
species of plants. Many of these plants are medicinal, some are
edible, and others are aromatic. The Reserve is home to 25
internationally and nationally threatened plants; 48 plants endemic to
Lebanon or the Syria/Lebanon/Turkey area; 14 rare plants; and 214 plants
that are restricted to the Eastern Mediterranean or Middle East area.
32
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve is most famous for its large and self
propagating stands of Lebanese cedar (Cedrus libani). The cedar is a
highly symbolic conifer, and one of the most cited plants in history,
religion, and mythology. The Reserve represents the natural southern
limit of this tree and hosts about 620 hectares of cedar forests that are
largely confined to the steeper and less accessible areas. Nowadays the
cedar forests, protected from overgrazing and human interference, are
showing clear signs of natural regeneration.
33
Trees and
Shrubs
34
Aceraceae
Acer tauricolum Boiss. and Bal.
Taurus maple
Erable du Taurus
Cesalpiniaceae
Cercis siliquastrum L.
Judas tree
Arbre de Jude
Rosaceae
Crataegus monogyna Jacqu.
One-styled hawthorn
Aubpine un style
Pinaceae
Cedrus libani L.
Cedar of Lebanon
Cdre du Liban
Ericaceae
Arbutus andrachne L.
Oriental strawberry-tree
Arbousier dOrient
Distribution: Mediterranean Region
and around Black Sea
Range in Lebanon: 500-1500m above
Rosaceae
Crataegus azarolus L.
Common azarole
Azerolier
Cupressaceae
Juniperus excelsa M.B.
Grecian juniper
Genvrier lev
Rosaceae
Pirus syriaca Boiss.
Syrian pear
Poirier de Syrie
Rosaceae
Prunus ursina Ky.
Bear plum
Prunier des ours
Fagaceae
Quercus calliprinos Webb.
Kermes oak
Chne kerms
Anacardiaceae
Rhus coriaria L.
Tanners sumach
Sumac des corroyeurs
36
Rosaceae
Prunus korschinskii (Hand.-Mazz.)
Bornm.
Korshinskys almond
Amandier de korshinsky
Fagaceae
Quercus brantii, ssp. look (Ky)
Mouterde
Brants oak
Chne de Brant
Fagaceae
Quercus infectoria Oliv.
Cyprus oak
Chne tinctorial
Distribution: Mediterranean Region
Range in Lebanon: 500-1500m above
sea level
Flowering time: March - April
Rosaceae
Sorbus flabellifolia (Spach) C.K.
Schneider
Fanleaved service tree
Sorbier feuilles en ventail
Distribution: Turkey, Syria, Lebanon
and Iran.
Range in Lebanon: 1300-1800m above
sea level
Flowering time: March June
37
Plants
Fabaceae
Calycotome villosa (Vahl) Link
Hairy thorny-broom
Calycotome velu
38
Ranunculaceae
Anemone blanda Schott and Ky.
Mountain anemone
Anmone charmante
Rosaceae
Cotoneaster nummularia Fisch.
and Mey.
Nummular cotoneaster
Cotonastre nummulaire
Distribution: North Africa, Turkey,
North Iran, Turkestan, North India
and Lebanon
Habitat: Rocky grounds in mountains
Flowering time: May June
Berberidaceae
Berberis libanotica Ehrenb.
Lebanon barberry
Berbris du Liban
Ranunculaceae
Anemone coronaria phoenicea Ard.
Crown anemone
Anmone couronne
Distribution: East Mediterranean
Region
Habitat: Waste grounds and
Mountains
Valerianaceae
Centranthus longiflorus latifolus
Boiss.
Long-flowered spur-valerian
Centranthe longues fleurs
Distribution:East Mediterranean
Region
Habitat: Rocks at high mountains.
Flowering time: June October
Thymalaeceae
Daphne oleoides Schreb.
Olive-like daphne
Daphn faux olivier
Distribution:Mediterranean Region,
West Asia
Habitat: Woodlands, over 1000m
Flowering time: April September
39
Apiaceae
Daucus carota L.
Wild carrot
Carotte sauvage
Asteraceae
Echinops viscosus DC.
Viscous globe-thistle
Echinope visqueux
Rubiaceae
Galium verum L.
Ladies bedstraw
Gaillet vrai
Papaveraceae
Glaucium leiocarpum Boiss.
Smoothed fruited horned-poppy
Glaucienne fruits lisses
Distribution:Mediterranean Region
Habitat: Road sides, clear areas.
Flowering time: April June
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Caryophyllaceae
Dianthus libanotis Labill.
Mountain-spignel pink
Oeillet libanotis
Lamiaceae
Eremostachys laciniata (L.) Bunge Cut
leaved phlomis
Ermostachys lacinie
Geraniaceae
Geranium libani P.H. Davis
Lebanon geranium
Granium du Liban
Asteraceae
Gundelia tournefortii L.
Tourneforts gundelia
Gundlie de Tournefort
Fauna of the
Reserve
Mammals
42
Birds
Over 275 bird species have been recorded in the Shouf Biosphere
Reserve and the Ammiq Wetland (the wetland is a Ramsar site and
Important Bird Area-IBA). The birdlife of the Shouf Mountains includes
rare or threatened birds such as the Syrian serin, Eagle owl, Chukar
partridge, Long-legged buzzard, etc. The whole area, placed strategically
between Europe, Africa, and West Asia, is very important for bird
migration. Each year countless storks, birds of prey, and other migrants
pass over the reserve and use it as a resting, feeding and roosting site.
43
Mammals
Vespertilionidae
Myotis myotis
Greater Mouse-eared bat
Grand murin
Khaffash Faari
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Procaviidae
Procavia capenis syriaca
Rock Hyrax
Daman Des Roches
Tabsoun
Weight: 2-6 kg
Length: 50-60 cm
Observation: Active during the day
Habitats: Rocky open areas in the
Reserve, mainly at Niha fortress
General information:The Rock Hyrax
belongs to the same order as
elephants. However, these small
mammals have many unique
structural peculiarities: a robust
build, dusky colored fur, short limbs
with specialized elastic pads on the
soles of the feet for good traction
when climbing or jumping. They use
vocalization for communication; bask
in the sun in winter to warm up.
Hyraxes are colonial herbivorous.
Canidae
Canis aureus syriacus
Jackal
Le Chacal
Ibn Awa
Weight: 5-12 kg.
Length: 60-90 cm (tail 20 to 30 cm)
Observation: Sunset to dawn
Habitat: Forests, bushy areas and in
close proximity to villages.
General information: The female
delivers at the end of spring between
4-6 cubs. It can travel between 5-20
Km a day. The female is smaller than
the male. The young stay for 6
months with their mother. It feeds on
fruits, birds, insects and rodents.
Erinaceidae
Erinaceus europaeus concolor
Hedgehog
Hrisson
Kababat El shawk or AlQounfoz
Weight: 1 - 1,5 kg.
Length: 0.20-0.30 m
Observation: Night / day (rarely)
Habitat: Orchards, near houses.
General information: Hibernate in
winter. It rolls into a ball with spines
for defense. Feeds on insects, invertebrates and snakes.
Felidae
Felis chaus
Jungle cat
Chat des marais
El Hir El Nimr
Weight: 2.5-4.5 kg (6-12 kg) adult.
Length: 45-65 cm (50- 90 cm) adult
Observation: At night
Habitat: Wet areas, near water
catches, forests and bushy areas.
Hyacnidae
Hyaena hyaena syriaca
Striped hyaena
Hyne Raye
Dabaa
45
Weight: 20-50 kg
Length: 85-130 (without length of tail)
Observation: At night
Habitat: Cave in dense forests
General information: Its hind legs are
weaker than the front ones. It has
long pointed ears and a grey coat
with black stipes. It feed on carrion,
fruits, vegetables and reptiles.
46
Badger
Blaireau
Ghrayr
Weight: 7-14 kg.
Length: 55-85 cm (tail 10 cm)
Observation: At night
Habitat: Woodlands and sometimes at
high altitude
General information: It is
characterized by 2 black stripes
running over the eyes as far as the
ears. It spends the winter in a well
organized underground den divided
into different compartments just
going out to feed. Feeds on
invertebrates, reptiles, rodents, and
sometimes plants.
Hystricidae
Hystrix indica indica
Porcupine
Por-pic
Neese
Weight: 10-17 kg.
Length: 70-90 cm
Habitat: Cultivated or bushy areas, in
self-dug burrows or natural caves.
General information: It is distinguished
by its black and white quills for
defending itself. Herbivorous, feeding
on plants, bulbs and bark.
Sciuridae
Sciurus anomalus syriacus
Squirrel
Ecureuil
Synjab
Weight: 0.2-.0.4 kg
Length: 20-40 cm (tail 10-20 cm)
Observation: early morning and late
afternoon
Habitat: Oak and cedar Forests.
General information: The female
delivers from April to Marsh. The nest
exists inside grooves of trees. Feeds
on fruits, nuts, seeds, and birds
eggs.
Mustelidae
Meles meles canescens
Suidae
Sus scrofa lybicus
Wild boar
Sanglier
Khanzir Barri
Weight: 70-250 kg.
Length: 80-130 cm.
Observation: At night when they go
out to feed
Habitat: Forests, swamps and around
agricultural areas
General information: Strong animal,
characterized by a strong sense of
smell and hearing, but weak eyesight.
The male has canine that grow
throughout his life. Boars are common due to their predator abscence.
They feed on oak, bulbs, worms,
snails, snakes and rats.
Canidae
Vulpus vulpus palaestina
Common red fox
Renard
Thaalab
47
Canidae
Canis lupus pallipes
Wolf
Loup
Zeeb or Deeb
Weight: 14-30kg.
Length: 80-115 cm bushy tail
30-40cm
Observation: Mainly nocturnal, but
occasionally hunts during the day
General information: Globally threatened species, highly endangered in
Lebanon. Opportunistic carnivore,
feeding on wild boar (piglets), hares,
livestock, and occasionally on birds.
They travel between 40-70km/night
searching for food.
Birds
48
Muscicapidae
Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Common Redstart
Rougequeue front blanc
Turdidae
Phoenicurus ochruros
Western Black Redstart
Rougequeue noir
Upupidae
Upupa epops
Euroasian Hoopoe
Huppe fascie
Corvidae
Garrulus glandarius
Euroasian Jay
Geai des chnes
Phasianidae
Alectoris chukar
Chukar Partridge
Perdrix chukar
General information: A common
breeding bird in the Reserve, especially
the rocky highlands and cedar forest.
Fringillidae
Serinus syriacus
Syrian Serin
Serin syriaque
General information: A very special
bird for Lebanon as the country holds
the worlds largest population of this
mountainous bird.
Ciconiidae
Ciconia ciconia
Western White Stork
Cicogne blanche
General information: Most of Eastern
Europes population of white Storks
passes through Lebanon each spring
and fall.
Hirundinidae
Hirundo rustica
Barn Swallow
Hirondelle de chemine
Accipitridae
Milvus migrans
Black Kite
Milan noir
Pelecanidae
Pelecanus onocrotalus
Great White Pelican
Pelican blanc
Fringillidae
Carduelis chloris
European Greenfinch
Verdier dEurope
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Meropidae
Merops apiaster
European Bee-eater
Guepier dEurope
Oriolidae
Oriolus oriolus
Eurasian Golden Oriole
Loriot dEurope
Accipitridae
Pernis apivorus
European Honey Buzzard
Bondre apivore
Falconidae
Falco subbuteo
Eurasian Hobby Falcon
Faucon hobereau
Reptiles and
Amphibians
52
Salamandridae
Salamandra infraimmaculata
infraimmaculata
Fire Salamander
Salamandre de fer
Arouset Al-Ain
Hylidae
Hyla savignyi
Middle East tree frog
Rainette verte
Dafdaa el shajar
Colubridae
Eirenis levantinus
Levant Snake
Couleuvre
Barsha
Bufonidae
Bufo viridis
Green toad
Crapaud vert
Oljoum Akhdar
Bufonidae
Buo cf. bufo
Common European toad
Crapaud commun
Oljoum
Chamaeleonidae
Chamaeleo chamaeleon
Mediterranean Chameleon
Chameleon
Herbaya
Adult size (approx.): 20 cm
Status: Few. (Globally endangered
species)
Habitat: Woodland (on trees),
0-1300m
Observation: Day, in warm seasons
Colubridae
Elaphe sauromates
Barouk rat snake
Serpent de barouk
Hanash Al-Barouk
Adult size (approx.): >150cm
Status: Limited local distribution
Habitat: Shrubland, Forest, 1400m
1800m
Observation: Day
54
Lacertidae
Phoenicolacertakulzeri
Mount Lebanon Rock Lizard
Lzard des murailles
Saqqaya Jabaliyyeh
Agamidae
Laudakia stellio stellio
Agama
Agame
Hardun
Lacertidae
Phoenicolacerta laevis
Common wall lizard
Lzard des murailles
Saqqaya, Shimmaysse
Colubridae
Macrovipera lebetina
Levant viper
Vipre
Afaa
Colubridae
Malpolon monspessulanus
Montpellier Snake
Couleuvre de Montpelier
Hanash Ahmar
Colubridae
Natrix tessellate tessellata
Water snake
Couleuvre tessele
Hayyet May
Colubridae
Montivipera bornmuelleri
Lebanon Mountain viper
Vipre du Mont Liban
Afaa Al-Jabal
Lacertidae
Ophisops elegans
Snake - eyed lizard
Lzard oeil de serpent
Shemmaysse
55
Insects
in the Reserve
Thanks to a wealth of wild flowers, there are more than 50
species of butterflies distributed over 4 families and 8 subfamilies, that thrive throughout the Reserve. Particularly on
a sunny day in the spring, or early summer, patches of flowers can
be surrounded with these most delicate of insects. Each species
has its own particular requirements, some being specific to one
plant as food for their caterpillars. Butterflies can live in their adult
stage from a week to nearly a year depending on the species. They
feed primarily on nectar from flowers and are important as pollinators for some species of plants.
56
57
Cedar mountain
blue
Lysandra ellisoni
Nine spotted
moth
Syntomis mestralii
The seven-spot
ladybird
58
Coccinella septumpunctata
59
Burnet moth
zygaena carniolica
Owlfly
Ascalaphus macaronius
60
61
Painted lady
Vanessa cardui
Marbled white
Melanargia titea
62
Cardinal or great
fritillary
Pandoriana Pandora
Common blue
Common blue
63
Lesser spotted
fritillary
Melitaea trivia
64
Cardinal or great
fritillary
Pandoriana Pandora
65
Common blue
Lycaeides idas
66
67
Ain Dara
()
70
71
Bmohray
()
72
73
Ain Zhalta/
Nabaa Safa
( /)
74
75
Barouk/
Fraidiss
( /)
76
77
Batloun
()
78
79
Maasser
el Shouf
()
80
81
Botmeh
(()
82
83
Moukhtara
()
84
85
Ain Qani
()
86
87
Khreibeh
()
88
89
Amatour
(()
90
91
Baadarane
()
92
93
What is a Serai?
Serai is a Persian word meaning
palace. During the Ottoman period
this word was widely used in Mount
Lebanon to designate a palace and/
or headquarters where the emir or
the sheikh lived and ruled.
Haret Jandal
()
94
95
Mrosti
()
96
97
Jebaa
()
98
99
Bater
()
100
101
Niha
()
102
103
Who is Fakhreddine?
104
105
106
Located 70 km from
Beirut, the cave fortress of Niha is called
Cave of Tyron in Frankish
sources and Chquif Tayroun
in Arabic sources. It is carved into
the rock of a cliff overlooking the
Bisri and the Aray valley and its
strategic location monitors the
road between Sidon and the Bekaa.
Rooms were dug in the living rock
to serve as shelter for soldiers, as
depots, and for domestic use. It
also had a considerable number of
silos for storing provisions and rain
water was collected on site as well
as running water piped in from Ain
el Halquoum nearby. It was well
fortified and closed off to intruders.
The fortress was mentioned for
the first time in 975 AD when
Tamim, Emir of the Gharb, was
besieged by the troops of the governor of Damascus. In 1133, the
107
Qab Elias
()
108
109
Ammiq/Deir
Tahnish
( ) /)
110
111
112
113
Ancient lake of
the Bekaa in Ammiq
The ancient lake
of the Bekaa or the
Ammiq swamp was
mentioned in a number of historical sources from the fourth century BC until the Mamluk period as a
lake where fragrant reed grew. It
was drained in the Mamluk period
and much later by the Jesuits in
the early 20th century. This lake
was an obstacle for invaders and
a natural frontier between the
Ptolemaic kingdom in the south
and the Seleucid in the north.
Among the ancient authors who
mentioned the Ammiq wetlands
Aana
()
114
115
Kefraya
()
116
117
118
119
120
121
Khirbet
Qanafar
()
122
123
Ain Zebde
()
124
The Jirjis Shaul house is an old residence dating from the late 19 th century located in the village center. Its
charm lies in its simple and functional architecture as well as its surrounding vegetation.
125
Saghbine
()
126
127
Bab Mareh
Aytanit
()
()
128
129
Historic Sites
130
131
Beiteddine
Palace
()
The Beiteddine palace was built between 1788 and 1818 by Emir Beshir
Shehab II. Architecturally the palace is divided into three sections: Dar
el Baraniyyeh or the outer section of the palace, Dar el Wousta or the
middle section, and Dar el Harim or the private apartments that included
the hammam. It remained the emirs residence until his exile in 1840. The
edifice was reused by the Ottoman authorities as a seat of government
and later during the French Mandate it served for the local administrative
purposes. Lebanons General Directorate of Antiquities started restoration
work on the palace in 1926 and it was declared a historical monument in
1934. After Lebanon gained its independence in 1943 the palace became
the summer residence of the president of the republic.
People of
the Reserve
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141
Marwan Khodr
(local guide)
142
143
Raed Zeidan
(bee keeper)
144
145
Ever since he inherited his fathers job, Raed has been convinced that his bee colonies are
part of his family. After graduating
with a degree in agriculture his
practical experience with bees allowed him to become an expert in
this field. In 1992 an unexpected incident occurred in the Shouf cedar forests in the form of an infestation of
the honeydew aphids that accumulated on the branches of cedar trees.
Raed believed that the introduction
of the domestic bee would benefit
the cedar trees by feeding on the accumulated aphid honeydew. The trial
Marwan &
Fadi Bouwadi
(carpenters)
146
147
Nazih Baz
(traditional weaver)
148
149
Zineddine
Chazbeck
(green farmer)
150
151
Slim El Achkar
(guesthouse owner)
152
153
Houssam
Ghanem
(saving cedar trees)
154
155
156
157
Visiting the
Reserve
158
159
Head Office
160
161
Entrances
162
163
Mrosti Entrance
The Maasser entrance opens directly onto 16 hectares of the oldest and
most impressive cedar trees. It is also famous for the old Lamartine cedar
tree that overlooks the western slopes of Mount Lebanon. The wooden
hut at the entrance provides tourist information, rest rooms, and a gift shop
with organic products and souvenir items. The Maasser forest has several
self guided walking trails as well as a qualified guides for longer trails.
The Mrosti entrance is a newly established gate through which you can
reach the Roman oak trail with its old trees and a wonderful panoramic
view to the western villages of the Reserve.
Niha Fort
This entrance provides visitor information and a gift shop for organic
products and souvenir items. Rest rooms are available. A quick hike will
lead you to the medieval Niha fort that overlooks the Aray and Marj Bisri
valleys. A much longer hike will take you to the Nebi Ayyoub Shrine a
majestic place where you can enjoy one of the best views of the Lebanese
mountains.
How to get to
the Reserve
164
165
First option
From Beirut take the coastal
highway south for about 20 km to
Damour. From there take the road to
Beiteddine which passes through
the village of Kfarhim. From
Kfarhim you have the choice of
taking the southern route through
Baaqline (a right turn at the
fountain) or the northern route
through Deir El Qamar (continuing
straight past the fountain). Both
roads meet at Maasser Beiteddine.
From Maasser Beiteddine you can
take a sharp left turn at the
intersection to go the Barouk and
Ain Zhalta/Bmohray entrances of
the Reserve. If you keep going
straight through the intersection you
will pass through the villages of
Beiteddine, Baqaata and Moukhtara.
From Moukhtara take a sharp left at
the Jumblatt palace to Botmeh and
then on to Maasser el Shouf. From
First option
Second option
Third option
166
167
Second option
A second route to the Shouf
Biosphere Reserve from Beirut is
via the Damascus highway east to
Aley (about 20 km). After Aley
continue past the villages of
Bhamdoun and Sowfar to Mdayrej
where you make a right turn off the
Damascus highway and head
towards Ain Zhalta (14 km from
Mdayrej). Then to the gate of Ain
Zhalta-Bmohray.
It takes approximately 30-35 minutes
to reach the Shouf Biosphere Reserve
from Aley.
The distances between Mdayrej and
the Shouf Biosphere Reserve
entrances are:
17 km to the Ain Zhalta-Bmohray
cedar forest entrance
22 km to the Barouk cedar forest
entrance
Third option
A third route to the Shouf Biosphere
Reserve is from Kefraya in the Bekaa
Valley. From the main Kefraya
intersection take the road west over
the mountains to the Maasser el
Shouf cedar forest entrance (about
14 km from Kefraya).
From Maasser el Shouf you can take
the road to Moukhtara and then to
Niha Fort/Shqif Tayroun entrance
(15 km from Moukhtara) or you can
take the road that passes through
the Dalboun oak forest to Barouk
and on to the Barouk Cedar
entrance.
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How to get to
the Ammiq
Wetland
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Transport by bus
The easiet way to reach the reserve
by public transportation from Beirut
from Cola station where there are
buses and mini-buses almost every
What to bring
Visitors should come equipped with:
Good hiking or walking shoes
Comfortable clothing and a fleece
jacket
Backpack, water, and a cap
Appropriate clothing for inclement
weather
You may also want to bring:
Field guide
Camera
Binoculars
Walking stick
Basic rules
Refrain from:
Smoking, campfires, or fire
of any kind
Hunting
Cutting trees or shrubs
Collecting flora or fauna
Camping
Littering
Disturbing the peace
Hiking in the
Reserve
Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural
areas that conserves the environment and improves
the well-being of local people." (TIES, 1990)
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Ecotourism
Visitors to the Shouf Biosphere
Reserve are encouraged to
remember the following
ecotourism principles:
Minimize impact
Build environmental and
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Ain Zhalta/Bmohray
Cedar Trails
The Ain Zhalta/Bmohray forest covers 240 hectares of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve and exhibits an
amazing level of natural regeneration. This trail is well known for bird
watching and includes a hill lake.
Between Ain Zhalta and Barouk you
can enjoy a 6 hour hike amongst
cedar trees and a fascinating panoramic view from the top of the
mountain.
Rock Hyrax
Fortress
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Trail length: 2 km
Total uphill / downhill: 300m/300m
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Birds
Moukhtara Amatour
Haret Jandal Bater)
Old bridge
Water mill
Cave
Picnic area
The Lebanon
Mountain Trail
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26 sections of the
Lebanon Mountain Trail
www.lebanontrail.org
LMT Section 17
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LMT Section 18
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Lodging
Houssam el Eid Guest house (Ain
Zhalta): Houssam El Eid,
Tel: +961 3 217299
Local Guides
Call the Shouf Biosphere Reserve
Tel: +961 5 350250
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LMT Section 19
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Barouk/Fraidiss Maasser el
Shouf
This section of the LMT begins in the
village of Barouk/Fraidis and passes
through parts of the Al Shouf Cedar
Nature Reserve at both Barouk and
Maasser el Shouf. Walking is mostly
on footpaths in the reserve. The main
highlights are cedar forests, scenic
overlooks, and panoramic views.
Villages along this section
Barouk - Maasser el Shouf
Lodging
Tourist Rest (Barouk): Hafez
Mahmoud, Tel: 00961 3 630056
00961 3 231768
Boustani Guesthouse (Barouk): Ziad
Boustani, Tel: +961 3 633062 +961 5 240036
Akram Guest house (Barouk):
Akram Mahmoud, Tel +961 3 829102
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LMT Section 20
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LMT Section 21
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Niha - Jezzine
This section of the LMT begins in the
village of Niha. It climbs steeply to the
Nabi Ayoub shrine ( ) and
the Niha fort before heading south to
Jezzine. The panoramic views over
the valley to the west are superb, and
there are many springs on the way. In
this section, an 8-km segment from
Niha Square to Nabi Ayoub shrine
and Niha fort is bike friendly.
Lodging
Chafik Mershad Guesthouse (Niha):
Tel: +961 5 330755
Iris Flower Hotel (Jezzine):
Tel: +961 70 449305, +961 7 781999
Rizk Plaza Motel (Jezzine):
Tel: +961 7 781066
Local Guides
Chafik Mershad (Niha):
Tel: +961 5 330755, +961 76 703168
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LMT Section 22
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Jezzine Aitanit
This section of the LMT starts in
Jezzine and follows a long foot path
through a valley and then over the main
range of mountains into the Bekaa
valley () . There are occasional
forests along the way, as well as
panoramic views toward Niha, Mount
Hermon () , and Lake Qaraoun
() . The trail also passes
interesting geological formations, and
an oak forest with some very old trees.
Getting there
To reach Jezzine (), take the coastal
highway southbound from Beirut to
Saida (). In Saida, use the by-pass
road to avoid the congested downtown
area, and follow the signpost(s) for
a left turn to Jezzine after the third
traffic circle. The road passes through
the villages of Abra (), Kfar Falous
( )and Rom ( )as you climb to
Jezzine.
To reach Aitanit (), take the Damascus highway into the Beqa valley
Trail length: 16 km
Total uphill / downhill: 837 m/814 m
Difficulty Level: moderate
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Other Activities
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Biking
Bicycles are available at the Park House in Maasser for use on different
trails and roads in the SBR. (See Eco-tourism Packages)
meters near the Barouk cedar forest. Individuals and organizations wishing to contribute to the program may do so by adopting a cedar. For $150
a cedar will be planted bearing the name of the person who adopted it.
Snowshoeing
Local festivals
Strap on your snowshoes and enjoy a walk through the snow covered
cedar forests. Snowshoes are available for participants who want to enjoy
this safe sport and can be rented at the Park House in Maasser, or from the
Ain Zhalta/Bmohray and Barouk entrances.
Village tours
These tours will allow the tourist to explore typical Lebanese villages and
become familiar with archaeological and historical monuments, geological
attractions, old houses and traditional cuisine. (See Towns and Villages
section)
The Beiteddine
International
Festival
Museums
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Eco-tourism
Packages
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Wetland
Packages
Mountain
Packages
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Mountain Package 2:
One day/One night
Mountain Package 3:
Two days/One night
Accommodation at local guesthouse
(dinner + overnight + breakfast)
2 Hikes in the Reserve with local
guides (2-3 hours)
2 Traditional lunches at different
guesthouses
Wetland Package 2:
One day/One night
Accommodation at the guesthouse
with dinner
Visit Maasser Park House
Visit Maasser forest (Hiking 1 hour)
Lunch at Tawlet Ammiq
Afternoon visit to the wetland (1 hour)
Wetland Package 4:
One day/One night
Accommodation at the guesthouse
with dinner
Visit Barouk or Ain Zhalta / Bmohray
Cedar Forest
Hiking to Ammiq old village (2-4
hours)
Lunch at Tawlet Ammiq
Wetland visit in the afternoon
Lunch at Tawlet Ammiq
Afternoon visit to the wetland (1 hour)
Biking/School
Package
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School Packages
Audio-visual introduction to
the Reserve
Hiking in the Reserve
Environmental games
Lunch box
Where To Stay
The guesthouses around the Shouf Biosphere
Reserve offer an unforgettable experience in a
comfortable atmosphere where authentic Lebanese
dishes are prepared at home. The owners are warm and
open and will welcome you as a member of the family.
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Guesthouses
Ziad Bustanis Guesthouse
Barouk
Hostels
Auberge St. Michael Youth hostel
Maasser el Shouf
Distance from Beirut: 57 km
Capacity: 50 persons
Tel: +961 5 350451
+961 5 350452
Hotels
Mir Amine Beiteddine
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Al Khraysat Hotel
Khirbet Qanafar
Where To Eat
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Tawlet Ammiq ()
Tawlet Ammiq is the eco-restaurant
of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve located in the Ammiq Park House
overlooking the Bekaa valley. The
restaurant was built to be environmentally friendly, to showcase the
culinary traditions of the region, and
to support the small farmers of the
Bekaa. It has become a must for
those wishing to enjoy the best of
Lebanese cooking.
Tawlet Ammiq offers:
A producers festive buffet on
weekends, where cooks from the
region share the best produce from
their land (Saturday and Sunday from
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm)
Private functions, events, and
conference facilities (upon booking)
Wines of the Bekaa boutique and
events
Chateau Kefraya Le
Relais Dionysos
Information on environmental
and eco-tourisim activities in and
around the Reserve
Contact: +961 3 004481
Baytna ()
Baytna, a charming family
restaurant overlooking the Barouk
river, is located on the main road of
the Barouk Batloun highway. This
restaurant is distinguished by the
vaulted arches of its indoor dining
area that date back two hundred
years. Baytna provides an excellent
mezze and barbequed meat in a
calm atmosphere.
Contact: +961 5 240540
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Al-Challalat ()
Located on the main road in the
Barouk village with an amazing view
of the waterfalls. In addition to
delicious Lebanese food the
restaurant is equipped for large
groups and events.
Contact: +961 3 387228
Tourist Rest ()
Located near the Barouk cedar
forest entrance (500 m) it features
Lebanese and western menus
prepared by professional chefs.
There are also rooms where you can
spend the night in comfort.
Contact: +961 5 240587
El Yammine
()
Diarna Al Khadra
()
Located on the main road of Nabeh
El Safa Ain Zhalta village.
Contact: +961 3 309756 +961 5 230333
Al Jazira ()
Located on the main road of Nabeh
el Safa - Ain Zhalta village.
Contact: +961 3 498845
Pinacea Caf ()
Located near the Barouk cedar
forest entrance.
Contact: +961 3 596764
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Reserve
Family
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Useful Contacts
Red Cross: 140
Police: 112
Civil defence: 125
Information call center:
1515 land lines
Airport: +961 1 628 000
International calls: 100
Port of Beirut: +961 1 580211
Skaff Estate: Ammiq wetland:
+961 8 566777
Electricity offices: 1707
Fire Brigade: 175
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve:
+961 5 350250 /150
Hospitals
Shouf Region:
Barouk dispensary, Barouk:
+961 5 241018
Niha dispensary, Niha:
+961 5 330253
Municipalities on the
western slope
Amatour: +961 3 708524
Ain Dara: +961 5 220016
Ain Qani: +961 5 310196
Ain Zhalta: +961 3 260510
Ain W Zein: +961 5 508101
Baadarane: +961 5 311321
Barouk: +961 5 240222
Bater: +961 3 858888
Batloun: +961 3 215826
Bmohray: +961 3 748823
Botmeh: +961 5 311011
Haret Jandal: +961 3 847766
Jebaa: +961 5 330015
Khreibeh: +961 5 310298
Maasser el Shouf: +961 5 350380
Moukhtara: +961 5 311234
Mrosti: +961 3 246497
Niha: +961 5 330002
Getting around
Bus : Bosta
Taxi : Taxi/Service
Bus stop or taxi stop: Mawkaf
Road : Tareek
Street: Shareh
Bridge : Jisr
House: Beit
Highway: Autostrad
Gasoline : Benzine
Gaz station: Mhatat benzin
Village: Dayaa
City: Madineh
Post office: Bareed
Police: Shortah/Darak
In the Reserve
Mountain: Jabal
Hill: Talleh
Valley: Wadi
River: Naher
Lake: Bohaira
Sea: Baher
Spring: Aain/Ain
Forest : Ghabeh
Wood: Horsh
Cedar : Arz
Reserve : Mahmiyyeh
Sun: Shams
Wind : Hawa
Day: Nahar
Night: Layl
Birds: Touyour/Asafeer
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Eating out
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Breakfast: Terwika
Lunch: Ghada
Diner : Aacha
Bill: Fatoura
Plate: Sahn
Knife: Sikkin
Spoon: Malaaqa
Salt: Meleh
Pepper: Bhar
Butter: Zebdeh
Coffe: Qahweh
Tea: Chay
Water: Maii
Cheese: Jebneh
Yogurt: Laban
Olive oil: Zayt zaytoun
Olives: Zaytoun
Bread : Khobez/Khebez
Wine: Nabith
Table: Tawleh
Accommodations
Hotel: Hotel/Fondoq
Guest house: Bayt el Diyafeh
Reservation: Hajez
Room: Ghorfeh/Oudah
Bed: Takhet
Hot water: Mayy sokhneh
Electricity: Kahraba
1 night: Layleh wehdeh
2 nights: Laylteyn
Municipalities on the
eastern slope
Aana: +961 8 566776
Ain Zebde: +961 8 670405
Aitanit: +961 3 612771
Ammiq: +961 8 566606
Bab Mareh: +961 3 360112
Qab Elias: +961 8 500721/2/3
Kefraya: +961 8 645099
Khirbet Qanafar: +961 8 645070
Machgara: +961 8 650400
Saghbine: +961 8 670570