"[4] The proximity of this woodland to the Tamenfoust Port also contributed to its Amazigh name, Aguellou n'Tamentfoust, which translates to "the forest on the right side."

This name is derived from its location on the right side relative to the mountaineers who descended towards Icosium (ancient Algiers) in past centuries.

[5] El-Marsa Forest is situated to the northeast of the ancient archaeological site of Roussegonia, to the east of the old city and the Tamentfoust Port.

This forest once constituted the perimeter of the Bordj Tamentfoust, an Ottoman fortress dating back to the period of the Regency of Algiers.

[7] There are a few mammal species in the forest, such as the Algerian hedgehog (Atelerix algirus),[8] the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus),[9] the cape hare (Lepus capensis),[10] and the wild boar (Sus scrofa).