When I initially booked my trip to Tunisia, many people asked me why. After all, there isn’t a major site like you’ll find in other nations. That reason was exactly why I wanted to explore this small, North African country. The chance to have an adventure in an off-the-beaten path locale excited me. And the country certainly didn’t disappoint.
Upon arrival in Tunis, I was met by our guide, who went by the nickname Yaya. In less than twenty minutes, I had arrived at the Hotel Carlton, a business hotel situated in the heart of Avenue Habib Bourguiba. Tunis had a nice balance – during the day, the streets would be packed with cars and the cafes packed with locals. But, as night fell, the city would become quite tranquil. In fact, I was able to sleep with my window open and enjoy peace and quiet!
The first few days of the journey took us in and around Tunis. Time was spent exploring the ruins of ancient Carthage and the beautiful blue-and-white buildings of coastal Sidi Bou Said. Back on the main street, I spent lazy afternoons at the local park people-watching or just walking up and down the streets of town looking for an interesting shop or a tasty chocolate croissant from one of the many patisseries. Heading south, the lush countryside emerged, lined with what seemed like infinite rows of olive trees. A stop in Dougga, a UNESCO heritage site, allowed for exploration of the vast ruins, including an impressive amphitheater. An overnight in the holy city of Kairouan gave the group time to see the Great Mosque and visit a local manufacturer of rugs.
As the journey continued, the landscape began to transform from greenery to arid desert as the Sahara began to dominate. On this portion of the tour, all cities are part of an oasis. One surprise to me was the quantity of them! I always assumed they were separated by hundreds of miles but, in actuality, sometimes you can see across the desert to another one. While staying in an oasis city called Tozeur, we found ourselves taking exciting day trips, like camel riding, and taking part in Yaya’s self-proclaimed “discoveries”. These discoveries ranged from showing us how water is transported through the desert to an interesting town by the name of Debabcha where the unique sand-rock formations made you feel like you are walking on the moon. This is no surprise, considering this region of the country has been used in all of the Star Wars films to, yep, resemble another planet.
The southernmost point in our trip was an overnight camping experience in Ksar Ghilane. A luxury camping site, this oasis boasts a pool, hamam (steam bath) & massage center, restaurant, and tents with electricity, showers, and bathroom. But, right outside the site, are pristine dunes that seem to go on for miles. If you get a chance, make it out to the edge of the dunes for sunrise or sunset for an amazing view. Continuing north again, en route back to our starting point, we stopped in Matmata, a must-do stop for any Star Wars fan and Mahdia, a relaxing seaside town. On the final day, before heading into Tunis, the tour stops at El Jem, a coliseum, set amid a modern town.
I didn’t have too many expectations for this trip which made it that much more enjoyable. I had read the tour notes and browsed a guidebook; but being able to absorb the history and culture first-hand, without pre-existing knowledge, made the experience great. Combined with a passionate guide, a friendly driver, and a delightful crew of fellow travelers, Tunisia will definitely be a memorable journey in my book.
More details about this adventure can be found here.
Kristina Wegscheider is an avid traveler who has visited all seven continents and over 45 countries, many with Adventure Center. She is the co-founder of Do It While You’re Young, a travel blog and community for female travelers ages 15-35.
