Hima Ebel El-Saqi

On top of a hill, 760m above sea level, this 0.01 km2 area was declared as a Hima in 2004. Its faunal and floral richness show the ecological importance of this region in the world of biodiversity, especially being an exclusive bottleneck area of national, regional, and international importance for the soaring birds migra- tion. Furthermore, Ebel El-Saqi witnesses the passage of many millions of birds twice a year over Lebanon, especially cranes, while traveling between Europe and Africa, making it an excellent spot for bird watching, thus an attractive area for ecotourism, which needs constant effort of protection and conservation to maintain all its resources.

Hima EbelEs-Saqi was announced in 4 September 2004. It is located in the province of South Lebanon, on top of a hill at an altitude of 760 meters above sea level, 106 kilometers away from the capital Beirut.

The massive passage of migrating soaring birds over EbelEs- Saqi makes it an exclusive bottleneck area of national, regional, and international importance. Furthermore, this area witnesses the passage of a billion birds twice a year over Lebanon while traveling between Europe and Africa.

Moreover, this area is rich in its fauna, flora, and ecotourism activities.

Activities to be done:

You can enjoy bird watching, walking in nature, visiting various paths, recreational area, visitor center, and Bed & Breakfast facilities.

–          Sheppard Path, a traditional path with rural landscape, having two pints of attraction:

• Farmer’s house (Beit El Fellah): based on a vernacular architecture exactly as it was before its destruction during the war.
• Goat barn: gives an opportunity to buy the Sheppard’s products as a compensation for limiting its grazing field.

–          Recreation area: it will have scale shacks for local natural products, food, and refreshments; a picnic area with water sources, toilets, and a children background.

–          Visitor center: includes a welcoming information area which represents the departure point for all trails, souvenir kiosk, toilet facilities, and exhibition and projection hall.

–          Pinewood trail: is shady with a refreshing green landscape. It forms a loop around the pinewood.

–          Soaring birds trail: it passes through a rocky slope around the lake and into the pinewood; with a view of Mount Hermon, the Hasbani River, and Valley.

–          Scientific Observation area: holds bird hides and a research camping area.

–          Pond trail: is located between the above two trails, but follows an easier course which is handicapped friendly.