Why Visit the Jardin d'Essai du Hamma?
The Jardin d'Essai du Hamma is Algiers' green lung. 32 hectares of greenery facing the bay, right in the heart of the capital. There's no better place to catch your breath between sightseeing stops.
- 2,500 plant species from 5 continents: giant palm trees, century-old ficus trees, bamboo, dragon trees. A botanical journey in a single walk.
- An extraordinary history: created in 1832 by French colonists, it served as the backdrop for the film Tarzan the Ape Man (MGM, 1932) starring Johnny Weissmuller. The tree is still there.
- An integrated zoo open since 1900, with flamingos, panthers, Bengal tigers and endemic Algerian species (gazelles, fennec foxes, Barbary sheep).
- A place that inspired great minds: Auguste Renoir painted the garden in 1882. Karl Marx, André Gide and Albert Camus all wrote about it.
- Over 2.4 million visitors in 2023 according to official figures — one of the most visited sites in Algeria.
Opening Hours (2026)
The garden is open year-round, 7 days a week. Hours vary by season:
| Period | Botanical garden | Zoo |
|---|---|---|
| January–February | 10 am–5 pm | 11:30 am–5 pm |
| March–April | 10 am–6 pm | 11:30 am–6 pm |
| May–August | 10 am–7 pm | 11:30 am–7 pm |
| September–October | 10 am–6 pm | 11:30 am–6 pm |
| November–December | 10 am–5 pm | 11:30 am–5 pm |
Entry Prices
Access remains very affordable:
- Adult: 200 DA (approx. £1.30 / $1.50)
- Child: price to be confirmed on site
- Free entry: to be checked for young children, residents and school groups
- Zoo: separate admission — price to be confirmed
Must-See Highlights
The Washingtonia Avenue
The garden's iconic photograph. A 600-metre avenue lined with giant Washingtonia palm trees, in the western wing (French garden). The late-afternoon light here is spectacular — photographers know it well.
The Tarzan Tree
The giant ficus with its spectacular aerial roots is the garden's most famous attraction. In 1932, part of the film Tarzan the Ape Man (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) starring Johnny Weissmuller was filmed here. The tree is still standing, impressive, with its vines hanging down to the ground.
It is the second most-visited attraction after the zoo — and often the first photo visitors share.
The Jardin d'Essai Zoo
Opened in 1900 by Dr Joseph d'Ange, the zoo occupies the northern entrance of the garden. Its Art Deco façade is unmistakable.
This zoo holds a unique world record: it was home to Hector, the oldest Andean condor on the planet, listed in the Guinness World Records in 2010. Hector was at least 70 years old when he died in July 2010 — he had already been a zoo resident since 1942.
Today you can see flamingos, cockatoos, panthers, Bengal tigers, gazelles and fennec foxes. It is the favourite spot for families — the park is packed at weekends.
The Botanical Sections
2,500 plant species from 5 continents arranged in themed avenues: plane trees, dragon trees, ficus, bamboo, palms, coconuts. Each avenue is a living collection from 19th-century acclimatisation missions.
Auguste Renoir painted the garden in 1882. Karl Marx strolled through it the same year. The garden was listed as a Natural Monument in 1967.
After a long closure for rehabilitation (2001–2009), it now also houses the premises of the National Institute for Agronomic Research of Algeria.
The Panoramic View over Algiers Bay
The garden extends like an amphitheatre from Rue Mohamed Belouizdad down to the sea. From the upper terraces, the view over Algiers Bay is clear and magnificent — especially at the end of the day.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Best season: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most beautiful light and pleasant temperatures. Avoid July–August weekends if you want to avoid crowds.
- Recommended duration: allow 2.5 to 3 hours to see the botanical garden and the zoo at a leisurely pace.
- Water: bring a bottle, especially in summer — it gets hot along the exposed avenues.
- Footwear: comfortable shoes — the avenues are long and some paths are unpaved.
- Camera: essential. You won't regret it.
Combining the Jardin d'Essai with Other Algiers Sites
The Jardin d'Essai is ideally located for building a full day in the capital.
- 🌿 Morning (10 am–1 pm): Jardin d'Essai du Hamma — zoo, Tarzan tree, Washingtonia Avenue
- 🚡 Lunch + cable car: ascent to the Martyrs' Memorial
- 🏛️ Afternoon (2:30–5 pm): Martyrs' Memorial — panorama over Algiers, monumental architecture
- ⛪ Late afternoon (5–7 pm): Notre-Dame d'Afrique — basilica perched on the heights, view over the bay
This itinerary covers three major Algiers sites in a single day. Looking for more ideas? Check out our complete guide to places to visit in Algiers. Coming with family? Our family activities in Algiers page was made for you.
With a car, you have no timetable constraints between stops. Safar El Amir delivers your vehicle to your hotel.
Rent a car in AlgiersFrequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of the Jardin d'Essai in Algiers?
The garden is open year-round, 7 days a week. May to August: 10 am–7 pm. September–October and March–April: 10 am–6 pm. November to February: 10 am–5 pm. The zoo opens at 11:30 am and closes at the same time as the garden.
What is the entry price for the Jardin d'Essai du Hamma?
The adult price is 200 DA (approx. £1.30 / $1.50). The child price and any free-entry entitlements should be confirmed at the entrance or on hammagarden.com. The zoo has separate admission.
Where can I park to visit the Jardin d'Essai?
The garden is located on Rue Hassiba Ben Bouali / Rue Mohamed Belouizdad. Parking is available on adjacent streets and on the Hamma esplanade (near the Sofitel and the National Library).
Is there a zoo at the Jardin d'Essai in Algiers?
Yes. The zoo has been open since 1900. It is home to flamingos, panthers, Bengal tigers, gazelles, fennec foxes and many bird species. It was also home to Hector, the oldest condor in the world, listed in the Guinness World Records in 2010.
Where was the Tarzan film made?
Part of the film Tarzan the Ape Man (MGM, 1932) starring Johnny Weissmuller was filmed in the Jardin d'Essai du Hamma. The giant ficus tree used for the filming — nicknamed "the Tarzan tree" — is still visible in the garden.
How do I get to the Jardin d'Essai by metro?
Take metro line 1 in Algiers and get off at the Jardin d'Essais station. Trains run every 5 minutes. It is the fastest option from the city centre.
