This flat mountain has its name from the Numidian king Jugurtha, who used it as a natural fortress during his campaign against the Romans from 112 to 105 BCE. Reading about it all in advance, you will still be surprised and stunned when arriving here. I for my part, wondered if I should really bother, a mountain that served as a natural fortress!? But once the mountain clears off the landscape, you get a sense of its greatness. Before arriving under its foot, you will pass the northern half of the mountain, and it feels unreal. It feels like a perfect structure, like a tube cut low by a knife. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to make the climb, it is supposed to take 3-4 hours back and forth. On the top, you will have great views in all directions, but there is a great chance that haze will kill much of the splendour. On top there are some remains of troglodyte dwellings and a little zawiyya.
HOTELS AND ALTERNATIVES
There is supposed to be a very basic hotel down in the valley. Otherwise, you will be allowed to sleep on top of the mountain. Just remember that it can be quite cold, so bring at least a sleeping bag. For most travellers, spending the night in Le Kef (80 km north) is the most appealing.
RESTAURANTS AND ALTERNATIVES
The local hotel has a simple restaurant, but Le Kef is the place to eat proper.
CHANGE MONEY
Nothing.
TRANSPORT
Slightly difficult. You will be able to get easily to Tajerouine, the largest town between Le Kef and Thala. From there, you will have to ask for connections to Kalaat es-Senan. This is a sizeable village, so it shouldn't involve very much waiting. From the village, it is 4-5 km uphill, before you arrive at the foot of the mountain.
