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Star Wars Set in Tunisia

Star Wars is one of the most popular science fiction series in history and millions of fans across the world have become entranced with its enticing stories, mesmerized by its otherworldly movies, and moved by its believable characters.

The Star Wars first became popular thanks to the movies directed and written by George Lucas.

These movies took viewers to a galaxy very different from our own – with strange creatures, unthinkable powers, advanced technology, and much more.

Fans instantly fell in love with this fantastic science fiction series and the original Star Wars movies then spawned an entire media franchise that is even more popular today than ever.

If you’ve ever watched the movies you know that the distinctive settings truly make the movie believable, however they are not as otherworldly as you may think. Many of the scenes in the Star Wars movies were actually shot in several locations around Tunisia and can be visited today.

This sandy Mediterranean country was the perfect location for Tatooine, and many other crucial settings.

If you are a movie buff, or a Star Wars fan, then consider traveling to these locations when you visit Tunisia so you can see the actual settings for several scenes in the Star Wars movies:

La Grande Dune

This is where, in Episode IV, R2-D2 and C-3PO crashed. It was termed the Dune Sea in the Star Wars movies and La Grande Dune is also where Ben Kenobi’s hut was located.

Chott El-Gharsa

In the northern part of Tunisia is Chott El-Gharsa where several shots were filmed. You’ll find the place that Darth Sideous first appeared as well as the place where the pod-races took place.

Also in Chott El-Gharsa is a place called the Yardangs which are actually sandstone rocks that look like shark fins sticking up out of the sand. This is where Qui-Gonn and Daurth Maul first battled on Tatooine.

Mos Espa and Anakin’s House

Near the Yardangs mentioned earlier is the place where Anakin’s slave house was located as seen in Episode One. Additionally a few hundred meters from his slave house is where the Mos Espa set was located. The Mos Espa set is where the Pod-racing arena was as well as the Sebulba Café, market place, and also Jira’s Nook.

Juntland Wastes

East of Tozeur you’ll find the Juntland Wastes. This is the location for two main scenes in the Star Wars movies. First where R2-D2 was captured by the little Jawas, second when Luke and Obi-Wan met for the first time.

Holidays in Hammamet

Located on the northern edge of the Gulf of Hammamet and known as Tunisia’s ‘Saint Tropez”, Hammamet became Tunisia’s first tourist destination. In a country famed for its’ beaches, Hammamet offers the best.

This coastal city, south of Tunis, is home to famed actress Sophia Loren as well as having been “discovered” by fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli along with painter Paul Klee and French writers Georges Bernanos and Andre Gide. Both north and south of the town of Hammamet, long stretches of soft sand beaches are perfect for your holidays.

The name Hammamet comes from Arabic meaning ‘the baths.’ Famed since Roman times, these healing mineral baths are located in the medina. The medina, at the center of Hammamet, means “harmonious city” in Arabic. Surrounded by thick walls, the medina offers the 15th century Kasbah at one corner, while the other boasts a charming Folklore Museum.

Quaint cafes and restaurants are waiting to serve. Local crafts and souvenirs such as jasmine can be purchased from helpful and friendly merchants, as well as carpets, brass ornaments, jewelry, traditional kaftans, pottery and leather goods.

The narrow winding alleys also conceal bright, whitewashed windowless houses behind splendid ornate doors. Tourists will find many focal points of holiday snapshots; traditional Islamic architecture abounds and everywhere the breathtaking view of gleaming domes against the white sands of the coastline.

Hammamet is conveniently located less than an hour from Tunis airport. To the north and south, modern hotels offer package tours that will please any budget-conscious holiday traveler. More expensive and posh hotels are located in the area known as Yasmine Hammamet. Named for the jasmine, Yasmine Hammamet offers rest and relaxation at its finest. Spas relax and rejuvenate while restaurants for every budget offer unique and tantalizing local fare in generously portioned amounts. Brik, similar to crepes, is tantalizing, filled with rich seafood and sauce. Couscous Royale, freshly cooked vegetables, meat and couscous, is another delicious dish.

Hammamet offers a refreshing array of activities for holiday visitors, from the prestigious Bardo Museum to Carthage Land, the first amusement park in Africa. Rides and attractions at Carthage Land are inspired by Tunisia’s 3,000 year history.

Every holiday traveler will brag about their pictures taken with real tiger cubs! Flipper Aquapark, with multiple slides and pools, is immensely popular with children. Blessed with miles of powdery sand and sparkling seas, Hammamet offers the latest in water sports. Holiday vacationers will treasure family memories of waterskiing, scuba diving, or frolicking in the afternoon sun.

There is so much to see in Hammamet: the Muslim culture, Tunis and the ruins of Carthage, Kairouan, Sousse, Monastir, and El Jem, with its Muslim towns, souks, and monuments. Bronzes, pottery and mosaics decorate Hammamets’ natural beauty of rock arches, silky sands, crystalline waters and temperate climate. Holidays are a time to escape, and

Hammamet offers such an exotic and lush escape. Framed by olive, orange and lemon groves, the softest stretches of beach at its feet, and edged by sparkling seas, Hammamet has proudly earned the name “Garden Resort.

Holidays in Sousse

Situated south of Tunis on the Gulf of Hammamet, lies the exotic city of Sousse. Located in Tunisia, Sousse is a beautiful city blessed with warm weather and pale beaches. Boasting 300 days of sun a year coupled with a lack of rainy days, Sousse draws those seeking a holiday escape to paradise.

Boujaafar Beach – Sousse

Against an impressive backdrop of olive groves, Sousse offers a tantalizing mix of North African culture exquisitely placed among Roman villas and ancient forts. Many well preserved historical sites gently await exploration. The Great Mosque, built in c.850 AD, is located in the middle of Sousse. Its’ curved arches and austere style grace the city.

Another historical offering is the Roman Amphitheatre in El Jem (or El Djem). Located south just a short distance from Sousse (It’s actually in Mahdia, but it’s at a driving distance from Sousse), the Roman Amphitheatre was the location of some filming in the movie Gladiator, and is more preserved than those found in Rome! Longer day trips to Tunis and ancient Carthage will further entice tourists seeking exploration.
Sousse also offers those seeking a holiday escape exciting activities for the entire family. Water sports such as waterskiing, fishing, windsurfing and scuba diving offer hours of enjoyment, bathed in Sousse’s warm blue waters. Such holiday paradise also can include romantic horseback riding at sunset, golf, exotic desert safaris, trips on ‘pirate ships’, even camel riding! For those wishing to wind down for their holiday, Sousse offers quiet moments to reflect on its exotic beaches, warmed by powdery sands and soothed by gentle breezes.

Tourists will enjoy gentle strolls down the twisted and narrow streets of the town center, searching for local treasures. Market stalls and shops offer local goods such as leathers, carpets, beautiful copperware and jewelry. Merchants are multi-lingual, speaking languages such as French, English, Spanish and German, making friendly conversation hassle-free.

Old Town – Sousse

Sousse has clean streets and virtually no crime, offering exploration of its labyrinthine medina safe and enjoyable. Charming cafes offer cooling drinks, or perhaps a sweet olive, after an afternoon of exploration.
Against such an exotic backdrop of culture and natural beauty, Sousse offers the latest amenities and accommodations for the holiday traveler. Hotel complexes with a capacity of 40,000 beds extend from the old city (medina) north along the seafront to Port El Kantaoui. These hotels, ranging from two to five star ratings, compliment a variety of budgets, making holidays in Sousse affordable. Spas offer relaxation after a hard day of waterskiing or riding a camel.

Throbbing with vitality, the restaurants, nightclubs and casinos offer further excitement and escape for the holidays. Holiday travelers will enjoy local dishes such as shwarma or spiced grilled fish.

The Casino Caraibe, located on Sousse, offers not only modern gaming facilities, but also Las Vegas style entertainment in the 500 seat theatre.

Surprisingly affordable, Sousse offers vibrant culture, rich history, and unique and exciting activities for the entire family. Blessed by Nature itself, pristine beaches provide a sharp contrast of pale sand against such turquoise Mediterranean waters. For those wanting it all for the holidays, the only true escape is Sousse.

Djerba Island Holidays

Rising costs, complicated reservations and the daunting task of coordinating travel have long shied many families away from a true vacation holiday.

Today’s economy has produced smart shoppers – budget conscious families searching for the answer. Inclusive cruises have met that demand. Inclusive cruises , catering to each family member, provide worry-free travel in a cocoon of luxury. Needing only to unpack, families are now free to escape….and what better place to escape than the “Isle of Forgetfulness?”

Djerba, the Isle of Forgetfulness, is the largest island of North Africa. Nestles like a gem in the Gulf of Gabes, the island is rich in natural beauty and steeped in history.

Blessed with three hundred days of sun each year and offering over eighty miles of shoreline, Djerbabeckons those searching for paradise. Known also as the “land of dreams”, it is believed Nature created Djerba to enchant the imagination of the human soul.

The largest city, its capitol, is Houmt-Souk, meaning ‘market place’. With a population of around sixty thousand, Houmt-Souk delights tourists with intricate streets rich with oriental treasures.

Small cafes further add to the provincial charm. The long stretch of souk is an excellent place to purchase fabrics worn by many of the local women, embroidered wool both striking and colorful. Blankets have been woven here since the time of Hannibal.

Connected to the mainland by a long causeway, Djerba has many tiny towns that beckon exploration. El-May is a colorful market, while Fatou produces beautifully woven baskets and rush mats. In the town of Guellala, exquisite pottery and ceramics have been hand manufactured since the time of King Midas.

Nothing is ostentatious in Djerba. The tiny towns are nestled while maintaining the natural lushness of a flower –saturated oasis. The mosques, of which Djerba boasts over two hundred, are of moderate construction yet full of character. Strikingly white houses, built in traditional menzel (domed) fashion appear like pearls against their cerulean wrought iron trim.

Rich in history, Djerba sits on the ancient Roman city of Gerba. The island is home to more than seven thousand olive trees, some more than three thousand years old.

Roman statues and Byzantine mosaics captivate visitors. Djerba is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The El Ghriba synagogue in Hara Seghira stands on a site dating back to 586 B.C. and contains one of the oldest Torahs in the world.

El Ghriba synagogue – Djerba

In contrast, Djerba claims its place in literature and film. Homer’s Odyssey calls Djerba “the land of the lotus eaters”. This lush island was the 1977 location of the exterior scenes in the first Star Wars, filmed in the town of Ajim.

Djerba is home to exquisite modern tourist complexes on the northern and eastern coasts. These tourist palaces are built to blend man- made and natural beauty into a lush and serene environment.

Horseback riding, playing golf, exploring on a mountain bike or even flying a kite, are just a few of the activities available. Water sports, available year round, include water skiing, diving and paragliding. Banana boats, jet skis and catamarans further entice play. Gentle breezes during the holiday season allow children to safely frolic in the calm azure waters.

Exploring the island, families will love Djerba Explore Park, a museum, local cultural center and crocodile facility featuring Nile crocodiles up to seven meters.

The Lalla Hadria Museum features fifteen rooms filled with colorful collections of Islamic art.

For an afternoon of pampering, modern spas and wellness centers provide massages, all natural treatments and Turkish baths. Dramatic sunsets beckon one to pause and bless this colorful display. Restaurants, featuring the freshest fruits of the sea, live music, casinos and clubs entice tourists to explore the nightlife.
Against these azure skies, soothed by the whisper of palm trees and warmed by the golden sands, Djerba, the Isle of Forgetfulness, gently beckons you to her calm shores and golden sands to come play.

Tozeur, a desert resort in Tunisia

Northern Africa is arid, which is not new for (almost) anyone. And much less populated than many of the regions are located in the desert oasis. Tozeur is the name of one of the oasis that few have ever heard about it .. In this case, the oasis of Tozeur is known for hospitality to tourists, its architectural heritage and the many facilities surrounded by hundreds of thousands of palm trees, a site with curiosities such as a golf course in the desert become one of the main tourist centers of the Sahara ..

Tozeur is the capital of the governorate of Tozeur, Tunisia, a meeting point for hundreds of years in the trade routes of the caravans crossing the Sahara. In the old part of town, enduring colonial architecture and customs and activities that refuse to let time pass. From the city, many tourists make a base for exploring the Sahara, in addition to walking the streets of the city with buildings of brick features yellow or brown.

In the old downtown streets are narrow and the walls of brick decoration display like few other places in Tunisia. The city lives with friendliness abundant tourist arrivals, considered as a desert resort. The counterpart for the city is the continuing dependence of the flow of tourists from the fluctuations in political and armed conflict, especially in the Middle East.

Djerba Island: Overview

Djerba Island is one of the most preferred destinations by tourists who visit the area because of its pleasant climate and attractive beaches. On the island we can visit some mosques, there are about 200, the fairs and the port of Houmt Souk, the capital, and the Ghriba synagogue.

Archaeological & UNESCO World Heritage sites in Tunisia

If you are spending your holidays in Tunisia, you should definitely take a look at the Tunis Medina that has bustling marketplaces, the age-old city of Carthage. The fabulous mosaics seen in the Bardo Museum, the third largest colosseum in the world (EL Jem), and Bulla Regia that has underground villas.

Eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

1. Amphitheatre of El Jem

The tiny village of El Jem that holds the striking remains of North Africa’s largest colosseum can be seen here and it depicts the Imperial Rome’s supremacy and glory. This huge amphitheatre that belongs to the 3rd century used to hold nearly 35,000 spectators. It still attracts thousands of people today, who are genuinely amazed by it.

El Jem Colosseum

2. Medina of Tunis

Tunis was one of the world’s top Islamic cities for its prosperity and importance and it remained that way from the 12th century to the 16th century. It currently boasts of nearly 700 ancient monuments that include madrasas, fountains, mosques, palaces and mausoleums.

Medina – Tunis

3. Site of Carthage

Founded in 814 B.C. , Carthage was soon transformed into the nest for an amazing civilisation and trading region across the Mediterranean. The Romans destroyed the original Carthage in 146 B.C. and established on the ruins, Roman Carthage, a second namesake city.

Carthage

4. Ichkeul National Park

This National park that is situated 30km (18 miles) southwest of Bizerte is listed as a World Heritage. It encompasses the Lake Ichkeul and the adjacent Jebel Ichkeul mountains. This bird sanctuary sees over 200,000 freshwater birds like flamingoes, storks and geese, which come every year during the harsh European winter season. Jackals, porcupines, mongoose , water buffalo and wild boar are the various types of fauna and in 1840 one pair of descendent among them was given to Ahmed Bey. An information hub, picnic tables, car park and marked hiking routes are providing a better experience when visiting the park.

Ichkeul National Park

5. Punic Town of Kerkouane, and its Necropolis

The remains of the Phoenician city are the only surviving remains of a Phoenicio-Punic city, which was abandoned in 250BC during the First Punic War. Some amazingly classy town planning ideas are being revealed by this ancient city.

Punic Town of Kerkouane

6. Kairouan

Kairouan, which was founded in year 670, is Islam’s main holy city. Great Mosque along with the Mosque of the Three Gates speaks of its rich architectural legacy. They belong to the 9th century.

Kairouan mosque

7. Medina of Sousse

Sousse, which is a typical early century Islamic town, was a chief trade and military port. Sousse’s important role in the Tunisian coastal defense system of the previous regimes is clear from the typical ribat, Bou Ftata Mosque, medina along with Sousse’s Great Mosque, ramparts and kasbah.

Ribat – Sousse

8. Dougga / Thugga

Even though the town of Thugga declined during the Islamic period, it was the centre the vital Libyco-Punic region, which thrived during Roman and Byzantine rule. The ruins that are currently visible portrays a small Roman town’s resources when in the peripheries of an empire.

Dougga

Chemtou, Maktar, Thuburbo Majus, Monastir, Utique, Jugurtha’s Table and Chenini are some of the other worthy sites to visit.

Nightlife in Tunisia

What is a vacation getaway without a place to spend your money in hopes of winning a literal Jackpot? After all, nothing spikes the blood and sends the adrenaline sky high quite as much as a little gambling venture. And if you’re lucky, you could end up walking away with a lot more than you arrived with. If you’re rolling the dice at one of Tunisia’s many deluxe casinos, this could easily translate to more money to spend: at the beach, at the cultural centers, in the markets and maybe even pay for the trip home.

Casinos

The casinos are located in different locations, and part of the ritzy nightlife available in Tunisia. Perhaps one of the most popular casinos is the Cleopatra located in Hammamet.

Games and Other Options

There are games to suit everyone’s personal preference. If you favor the cards, there are games of poker, blackjack and more; if you are more of a lever-puller, there are multiple pokies as well. And, if you do not want to spend all your money but would rather just enjoy the glitzy, shinning ambiance, there are bars and entertainment sites aplenty.

Dress Up

One thing to remember about Tunisian casinos is that with luxury and excitement comes a price – and not just the price of the chips you buy at the counter. Since they are upscale, there is generally a dress code, so if you’re a woman put on those heels and if you’re a man, make sure you have a tie.
Tunisia casinos offer you the chance to step into a scenery full of glamour and excitement. So even if you went for the desert hikes or the wild water sports, don’t forget an evening jacket because you can still slip away into the night for a little gambling fun.

The nightlife in Tunisia is definitely more entertaining than your hotel disco!

Head out into places like Hammamet, Sousse, Port el Kantaoui, Tunis and there are plenty of lively bars and clubs that are open 24 x 7 and are ideal for parties.

You can also try the Cocoloco, Calypso or Red Iguana in Port el Kantaoui, Manhattan in Hammamet, Fun Pub and the Bonapartes in Sousse. If you do so, you will be one tired and happy person at the end of the evening.

Beach Tourism in Tunisia

Incase you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy your vacation and holiday; Tunisia is the place that can guarantee you that kind of luxury and relaxation. No matter what the time of year your first glimpse of Tunisia will leave you amazed, satisfied and willing to go back at the slightest chance that you will get. What with the golden beaches and deep blue sea you will not fail to notice the catchy and illustrious coast that spans along the 1200 kilometers of the sunny Mediterranean land which is and will remain to be a paradise for many vacationers

The popular beachside resorts such as Monstir, Hammamet, Sousse, Djerba, Nabeul and Tabarka offer their guests the finest sand beaches and crystalline water together with a dizzying choice of waterfronts hotels that feature some of the world most liked beach sports such as sailing and windsurfing. The underwater sightseeing is also part of the best offers and services one is guaranteed when visiting the Tunisian beaches and sunny coastlines. When visiting the beaches and enjoying sunbathing you will also be welcomed by the ever vibrant fishing and short boat rides as a way of interchanging from sunbathing and sea exploration and expeditions.

The hotels in the beach coastline are built with the visitor’s comfort and luxury in mind especially after sampling the golden beach sands and coastlines. The restaurants feature both international and Tunisian cuisines. One will be amazed at the way the authorities and the stakeholders flex their muscles in catering for the huge and surging tourists who make it a tradition to visit the Tunisian beaches during summer. When visiting the beaches remember to participate in the Father Neptune celebration as you share the local folklore as well as enjoying the concerts and having fun.

When you feel guilty of the long days that you have spent in delicious idleness brining on the beach you can often take an hours drive from the modern resorts. This drive will land you in another Tunisia, the ancient Roman, Arab, Berber or Phoenician Tunisia with breathtaking sites. The reminders and remainders of these rich historical sites or the past civilization and way of life will bond you to the Tunisians as you feel the urge of coming back again and again due to the captivating and diversified Mediterranean land here.

Relaxation is the best way to beat and move away from the ever bustling and busy daily schedules in any form of life. The relaxation should be well planned for in that everything falls in just as required. You get such type of relaxation when you take your time and visit the Tunisian beaches. Just like said earlier the Mediterranean coastline brings in cool breeze and golden sands that will help you get the natural massage and healing as you unwind from your daily chaotic lifestyle.

When you visit old towns such as Medina which is still a walled city with charming experience you will not fail to get cozy with the parks and gardens as well as the beautiful beaches and hotels too. The beach captures more than six miles of the coastline and also offers a variety of cultures and way of life. When you are a hiking mania and more of an active beach sampler you should then consider visiting Mahdia. Mahdia is popular for its beaches and even sports and other water related activities. Swimming and hiking are the most liked sports that are enjoyed by the many visitors here. Age being no limit you will get hooked to the services and numerous options that you will get when visiting this beach. You will surf, sail and engage in boating with other enthusiasts coming from all parts of the world as well as the locals too. When one is water phobic, there is no need of worrying as there are many other options that will welcome you. You can enjoy land activities that include hiking on the beaches which is always one of the terrific options that those who fear water or are tired of water activities engage in. when looking for such information on Mahdia and its numerous thrilling options of beaches and beach activities one should always get information from the stable that is located at the Hotel Cap Mahdia.

Beaches are good places to relieve one’s stress and long time side effects maybe caused by medications or the tough lifestyle that we are exposed to. When we get an opportunity to take off the banging life weights we should do that in safe, clean and well maintained beaches. Tunisia is offering such good places to unwind and regain the lost flesh and energies. After sampling the wide choice of beaches here you can easily heal from the many oxidants that pull us to the graves. When recuperating, and you need to have a full cycle of rest then do it on beaches and let Tunisia be your first choice.

After your whole day out on beaches you now need to get indoors and participate in the best activities offered. Hotels can do such justice by offering you the best places to go for in door sports activities as well as golfing if one is a golfer or is just an enthusiast. These hotels will also offer other options such as fitness centers so that when you are holidaying you do not have to balloon out of weight. You will also get volley ball and tennis courts for those who love their games even when in vacation. This will help bring a change that is most needed after spending your whole day sunbathing at the beautifully located beaches.

At type of a visitor is welcomed at the Tunisian Beaches because there is a guarantee that the services offered along the beach as well as indoors will bring joy and a sense of satisfaction to the users and visitor. So if you want to spend your vocation at the beaches doing all sorts of activities and engaging in all sorts of land or water sports you should always place Tunisia on top of all other locations

Sahara Tourism in Tunisia

Tunisia is located in the northern part of African continent and is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. The size of the country is almost equivalent to the state of Georgia and the language groups there are largely the Arabic speakers as well as French. One of country’s most eminent and prolific features is the Sahara Desert. This is the largest desert in the world and covers many nations in Africa but Tunisia has a bigger share of the desert hence giving it the authenticity and originality that is the background to the Tunisian Sahara tourism. The desert is definitely one of the best places to visit once in a lifetime. You will get close to the hottest and driest places on earth with large tracks of sand that span from a horizon to the other. In fact the Sahara is largely sand that is clean, golden and welcoming.

If you have heard of Tuaregs and their activities as well as the camel being branded the ship of the desert, you are bound to get cozy and closer as well experiencing all that is related to desert lifestyles. For instance the famous Chott el Djerid is the location for the film Star Wars and is generally the largest salt pan of Sahara. The Chott el Djerid is located in the southern Tunisia and has numerous picturesque cases to take a visit and have a sightseeing experience. Some of these beautiful Saharan towns and beautiful sites include those in Tamerza, Chebika, Kenili, Dou, Bled el Djerid and Mides among others. Those who get an opportunity to visit these sites during the month of December are met with opportunities of participating in Sahara Festivals which are much thrilling and entertaining.

Every desert has a different captivating point that is different from each other. So the Sahara tourism will enable one to get closer and have personalized and special opportunity to sample the entire desert features. For instance, you are able to visit oasis in deserts. Oasis is water holding places in deserts, this water is due to flash rains that are associated to deserts and one can easily get close to oasis when you visit Djerid. Towards the north side of the Djerid lie oases that are located on the high altitudes. These sites can be accessed when in Tamerza, Mides and Chebika and you are also able to enjoy beautiful scenic view of the hill. Some of these oases have other features too for instance the Tamerza is the largest mountain oasis lying north of the salt lakes and has two waterfalls, a town and a gorge. This is a complete sight seeing ingredient that will print the scenario long enough in your brain.

When on your Sahara tourism trail you will not fail to notice the Medias oasis which is an attractive mountain oasis and has among its features a gorgeous gorge which extends for about 3 kilometers. What makes the gorge magnificent is the shape and color. It is round in shape and has contrasting colors that supplement each other making the whole scenario a captivating occasion. The Chebika oasis on the other hand is located on the north side of Tunisian Chotts and is made up of many desert oases which are also exposed to sun

When still sampling the Sahara, and you are by chance taken to the south east of the Chott, you will be met by the Nefzaous oases which includes the Kebili and Douz oases. These two spackle and are also among the largest desert oases. The village is also a gateway to the Sahara desert celebration festival in the month of December. Some of the most fascinating features with Sahara tourism is the fact that you will be exposed to the native lifestyle and how things still run in such villages. For instance your visit to Douz village will bring you head on with weekly Thursday markets that essentially deal with carpets, animal stocks and camels. Camels are treasured animals in the Sahara desert because of their ability to transport people and goods across the desert to other destinations.

You might turn out lucky and purchase a camel for yourself as you also tour the Sahara. The desert has also added hue to many natural occurring landscapes such as the oases in Djerid which are also known as the Bled el Djerid and are densely populated by local inhabitants. This semi desert region which is also christened ‘Palm Leaf’ features hills with pink pigments. The pink coloration is due to the barrenness and the numerous oases and salt pans too. That offers a great site for those visiting the Sahara or those carrying out studies here. One traversing the vast Sahara desert will honestly get a life time experience that can not be measured or gained from an artificial replica.

Do not miss camel trips across the desert as no vehicle will take you there but the diligent, patient and enduring desert ships. Camels are many and friendly here. You can take pictures of the Sahara desert while on top of a camel as well enjoying the beauty of watching these natural occurring features from an inclined angel on the back of a camel. As you tour the desert you will also get the desert hotels and motels that will guarantee you comfort even in a desert. The heat there will add even passion and the beauty of visiting as you get air conditioned room in such hotels as well as ice cold water fort quenching thirst that is eminent in such expeditions.

The weather changes as you experience hot days and very cold nights. As well as having an opportunity to see whirlwinds that is just as strong as tornados. So the Sahara tourism offers you two sides of rare experience of touring a desert, the hot days on backs of camels as well as cold nights in tents with borne fires and fork tales on traditional expeditions as you cool down.

Tips When Visiting Tunisia

It’s of paramount importance that travelers nowadays are aware of the many conflicting variables in which they may encounter when traveling to a foreign land, and Tunisia is no different.

Whether it be backpackers, frequent travelers or even native Tunisian’s who haven’t been back to the country for a long duration – being privy to all the different laws (which may have changed recently) is important to ensure a hassle free holiday.

With Index Mundi reporting that 4.67 million people visited Tunisia in 2011, it’s essential that this high number of inbound travelers don’t fall foul of Tunisian laws.

And Tunisia isn’t without its own idiosyncrasies; for instance any traveler that isn’t from the US, UK or Canada will have to apply to the Tunisian embassy to obtain a visa. This is just one of the many things that traveler’s should research beforehand.

But luckily for you travelers, we’ve had the foresight to provide budding sightseers a list of the troublesome variables that you may encounter when traveling to Tunisia.

Vaccinations Pre-trip

Although immunizations and vaccinations aren’t required by law, all visitors to the country are advised, to have Hepatitis A and Typhoid injections beforehand. In addition to this, it is recommended that all visitors have had tetanus and polio vaccinations prior to entering Tunisia. This is especially important if you have young children.

It’s also worth noting that some travel insurance plans don’t cover hospital fees. So, make sure that you take out the correct insurance to cover worse case scenarios such as medical or hospital fees if anything dramatic were to occur while on your holiday.

Buses Over Short-haul Flights

It’s not always wise to travel via plane. There has been a dramatic drop in the amount of short-haul flyers over the last two years predominantly because of the “hidden costs” many airlines add to their flights, reported by UK-based company Parking4Less.

In an article entitled ‘Beware of Cheap Flights’, they documented how airlines have been bumping up flight costs by adding undisclosed taxes, booking fees and luggage costs on top of the original price of flights.

As well as the lower costs when traveling via bus or train, you will also be able to take in Tunisia’s many coastal regions and the Sahara along your way, if you’re lucky.

Women Travelers

Always remember that Tunisia’s an Islamic territory. All female travelers must wear modest clothing. If you are by the poolside make sure to wear a swimsuit. Go Africa have published a useful article to help women travelers.

Climate

The country guarantees warm summers and Mediterranean seas. The winters however can be wet and moderately cool during the months of October to May.

But in the summer months of July and August (when the country is at its hottest) travelers can expect temperature of around 21 C – 33 C. It has often been documented though, that the ideal time to travel to these shores is during spring and autumn.

Languages

The native language here in Tunisia is Arabic however French is widely spoken. Other languages such as Italian, German and English are also spoken in the major cities.

If you are struggling to converse with any residents in the area and are struggling to find your way around, try to obtain an Internet connection and look for the nearest Information Center in the area.

Customs

It’s always important to be savvy with import and export laws when traveling to foreign lands. For cigarettes: 400 cigarettes max or 500g of tobacco, or 100 cigars.

The laws are also restrictive on the amount of perfume and aftershave you can take back to your respective country, so make sure you research details on anything you wish to bring back in bulk so that you aren’t breaking any custom laws.

The Locals

During the days of the old government in Tunisia, the country wasn’t a very welcoming place to visiting people. There were self-contained hotels and complexes built that were detached from authentic Tunisian towns, which built a divide between tourists and the countrymen and women.

These “International Zones” have since been eradicated and the model in which the country invites tourists to its land has changed vastly.

But more importantly, to get the most out of your stay and to embrace the culture of Tunisia you should stay in areas such as Yasmine Hammamet’s old town. It’s a truly beautiful place that’s narrow streets are reminiscent of Italy. The streets are lined with eateries, ice cream parlors and are only a walking distance from the sea.

The Cuisine

Tunisian’s pride themselves in the food that they make. The market places are great opportunities for traveler’s to try some of the more alternative food on offer in Tunisia.

Some of the highlights to watch out for are couscous, and the countries many famous varities of kebabs, that will be on offer in many of the restaurants, mint teas, fresh fish and fruit juices. But, also make sure to visit the bakeries because the French bread at the patisseries is out of this world.

Money

The Tunisian Dinar can only be exchanged in the country, so it’s very important that traveler’s either spend or exchange the remainder of their currency before leaving the country.

British Pounds, Euros and American/Canadian Dollars are easily exchangeable in Tunisia, so don’t worry there are many Bureau de Change points throughout the major cities.
Basics

Tunisia is deemed as the safest country in the whole of Africa to visit. Its aforementioned visa laws mean that all inbound travelers are carefully checked before entry to the country is granted. As long as visitors respect religious rules and make sure all their belongings are hidden away from the naked eye, you are sure to enjoy the wonders of Tunisia.

We hope all of the above tips and information give you an idea of what to expect when planning your trip to Tunisia, or even just considering the idea of venturing to Tunisia. Either way, we’re sure that you will love what we have to offer.

If you have visited the country recently and want to share your travel tips with our readers, by all means leave your comments below.