The mountain is part of the Gouraya National Park, which was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2004.
The fort at the summit was built by the French military in the mid-1800s to control the harbor and surrounding heights.
Yemma Gouraya is a marabout site, marking the burial place of the saint whose name the mountain bears.
The peak is one of the few places in Algeria where the endangered Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) can be observed in its natural habitat.
The mountain serves as a crucial ecological corridor for migratory birds crossing between Europe and Africa.
Yemma Gouraya is a mountain peak located within the Gouraya National Park overlooking the city of Béjaïa and the Mediterranean Sea. The site features the remains of a 19th-century French colonial fort constructed at an elevation of approximately 660 meters. It serves as a sanctuary dedicated to Yemma Gouraya, a local legendary figure revered for her protection of the city. The mountain is home to a protected population of Barbary macaques, a species of primate native to North Africa. Hikers reach the summit through trails winding through Mediterranean scrub and oak forest vegetation. The location provides a 360-degree vantage point encompassing the Gulf of Béjaïa and the surrounding Tell Atlas mountain range.
The north-facing stone ramparts of the fort for a direct view of the coastline and the Gulf of Béjaïa.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail surface is uneven and rocky.
Bring a windbreaker or additional layers, as temperatures drop significantly at the summit compared to the coastline.
Carry sufficient water, as there are no natural springs or commercial services once the ascent begins.
Feeding the Barbary macaques, as they are wild animals and can become aggressive when expecting food.
Access may be restricted during periods of high fire risk in the summer months.
Maintain a respectful distance from the marabout tomb; keep noise levels low in the vicinity of the sanctuary.
