Ben Aknoun Zoo and Park
A vast green space in Algiers offering a natural escape, with a zoo component that has drawn mixed reviews regarding animal welfare and facilities. [^...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better animal viewing
Ben Aknoun Zoo and Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better animal viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast green space in Algiers offering a natural escape, with a zoo component that has drawn mixed reviews regarding animal welfare and facilities.
"Offers a large green space for walking, but the zoo's animal conditions and multiple fees are a concern. "
🎟️ Multiple Entry Fees
Be prepared for separate entrance fees at different points within the park.
🚌 Internal Bus Waits
The internal bus can have long queues; factor this into your visit time.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Park Grounds
Throughout the park
Enjoy a large green space perfect for leisurely walks and enjoying nature amidst the city.
Diverse Animal Collection
Zoo enclosures
See a variety of animals, though enclosure conditions are a point of discussion among visitors.
Scenic Views
Higher elevations of the park
Experience pleasant views of the surrounding area, especially from elevated points within the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Zoo and Park
Animal Welfare Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Multiple Entry Fees
Be prepared for separate entrance fees at different points within the park.
🚌 Internal Bus Waits
The internal bus can have long queues; factor this into your visit time.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Purchased water may be warm; consider bringing your own chilled drinks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Multiple Entry Fees
Be prepared for separate entrance fees at different points within the park.
🚌 Internal Bus Waits
The internal bus can have long queues; factor this into your visit time.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Purchased water may be warm; consider bringing your own chilled drinks.
🌳 Enjoy the Greenery
The park offers a nice natural escape, ideal for a relaxing stroll.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ben Aknoun Zoo and Park offers a large green space for recreation, but visitor experiences are mixed, particularly regarding the zoo's animal welfare and facilities. While some appreciate the park's natural beauty and potential for walks, many express concerns about enclosure conditions, multiple entry fees, and the internal transport system.
"Pay for entrance at top, pay for entrance at bottom, pay for bus on the way up, pay for bus on the way down. Mostly cages, not enclosures like modern zoos. No signs or educational information. No animal knowledgeable professionals to care for animals (maybe that's why the giraffes died). Leopards are in a tiny cage (as are many others). The bus going up and down has a huge wait time even on off peak hours, and it is disgusting, old, rickety. Many animals don't have enough shade. Also don't buy water from the ticket sellers, it must have been sitting in the sun for hours before going in the fridge, plastic poisoned. I am shocked by the unused potential of this space. Review in August 2025, post alleged "renovations"."
Arwen Stewart
"Worst place ever to spend your day, no services, big empty spaces, you have to pay for every move you make i think it's a waste of time not going back"
Seif islam Lamri
"NICE"
Nourdine K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The zoo is accessible by car and public transport. Taxis are readily available in Algiers. For those using the internal bus, be aware of potential wait times.
Parking is generally available, but it can fill up quickly, especially on busy days. Arriving early is recommended.
Ride-sharing apps are common in Algiers and can be a convenient way to reach the zoo.
An internal bus service operates within the park, but it can experience significant wait times. Walking is also an option for exploring the grounds.
While the park offers large open spaces, the internal bus can be crowded, and some paths may be uneven. It's advisable to check current accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are multiple entry fees, including an initial fee at the top and potentially another at the bottom, as well as fees for the internal bus.
Information on specific pricing tiers for different age groups is not widely detailed, but multiple fees are common.
Currently, there is no widely advertised online ticketing system. Tickets are typically purchased on-site.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check locally or on their official social media pages for the most up-to-date information, especially after recent renovations.
While parking is available, specific fees for parking are not consistently mentioned. It's advisable to inquire upon arrival.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
The zoo houses a variety of animals, though some visitors have expressed concerns about the condition of enclosures and animal welfare.
Currently, there is a lack of signage and educational information about the animals, which is a common point of feedback.
The park offers large green spaces for walking and enjoying nature, making it a pleasant place for a stroll.
Families can enjoy the park's open spaces, but concerns about animal welfare and enclosure conditions should be considered.
Some reviews mention that facilities could be improved, with older buses and enclosures that are not up to modern standards.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Limited food and drink options are available, but it's recommended to bring your own, especially water, as purchased items may not be well-chilled.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted and advised, particularly for water, to avoid issues with temperature.
The surrounding areas of Ben Aknoun and nearby districts like Dely Ibrahim offer various dining options, from fast food to local eateries.
The park's large green spaces are suitable for picnics, allowing visitors to enjoy their own meals amidst nature.
One review mentioned concerns about the temperature and potential quality of purchased water, suggesting caution.
📸 📸 Photography
The park's natural landscapes and elevated views offer scenic photo opportunities. Capturing the animals, despite enclosure limitations, is also popular. +1
Photography is generally allowed within the park and zoo areas.
Specific regulations regarding drone usage are not widely published, but it's always best to check local rules before flying.
A versatile lens for capturing both landscapes and animals would be ideal. A wide-angle lens can be great for the park's expansive views.
Yes, visitors can take photos of the animals, though the quality of the shots may depend on enclosure visibility and animal activity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to prepare for multiple entry fees and potential long waits for the internal bus, which could test the patience of young children. Bringing plenty of snacks, drinks, and perhaps a stroller for younger ones would be beneficial. Focusing on the park's green spaces for picnics and play might be more rewarding than solely relying on the zoo experience.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Be prepared for the possibility of long waits for the internal bus, which might encourage more walking. This can be a positive for those looking to get their steps in and save on bus fares. The park's natural beauty is its main draw, offering a free or low-cost way to spend time outdoors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Park's Layout and Transport
Visitors often report paying multiple entrance fees, which can add up. The park's layout means that accessing different areas might require separate payments or utilizing the bus, which itself has a fee. This multi-tiered payment system is a common point of contention among reviewers.
Despite the logistical challenges, the park's natural beauty and open spaces are appreciated. It serves as a popular spot for locals seeking a place to walk, relax, and enjoy a bit of nature. The potential for stunning views from higher points adds to its appeal, making it a place with significant untapped potential.
Animal Welfare and Enclosure Conditions
Compounding these concerns is the perceived absence of educational information. Visitors have pointed out a lack of signs or informative displays about the animals, which detracts from the educational value of the zoo experience.
While the park itself is a valuable green space, the zoo component faces scrutiny regarding its adherence to modern zoological standards. The contrast between the park's natural potential and the state of its animal exhibits is a recurring theme in visitor experiences.
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