If you love the sun and the beach, Tunisia is a great country to check out. Coupled with a rich culture and stunning architecture. This is a fantastic country to explore or to simply relax on the golden sandy Mediterranean beaches. From a rich history, including the ancient civilisation of the Romans, to the world’s largest desert. There are endless ways to enjoy yourself and there is something for everyone.
This travel guide will focus on helping inform you of some of the places you can go and things to do in this amazing arid country. As always, there are endless opportunities and things to get stuck into in Tunisia. I have simply curated a few of the best ones for your viewing pleasure. But before I get stuck in with the destinations, here are a few things you need to know before exploring this stunning little African country.
Before You Go
I would like to start these travel guides off with a few important facts about the country. This section will cover two things I have found to be important to know before you visit this country. Starting with the importance of vaccinations and ending with the languages of Tunisia.
Get the Jabs
I would like to start these travel guides off with a few important facts about the country. In particular, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, I think it is imperative to begin with the importance of vaccinations. Unlike many of the other African countries, Tunisia does not require a ‘Yellow Fever Certificate’. However, there are several diseases that are recommended and advised for this country. For example:
Hepatitis A: Getting a booster or vaccination is advised for this disease as it is one that spreads through contaminated food, water or through an infected person’s bodily fluids.
Tetanus: Also highly recommended to be vaccinated or get a booster when you visit Tunisia. It is spread through contaminated cuts, burns or wounds with tetanus spores on them.
Typhoid: Getting your vaccination against typhoid is also advised. It is spread through the consumption of contaminated food or drink. As such, this is more likely to spread if there is limited good safe water or clean areas.
There are several other diseases that you may want to consider being vaccinated against. It is always best to be safe where deadly or life-changing diseases are concerned.
The Language Barrier
As with most countries, there is the added difficulty of language barriers. This can make exploring outside of the capital harder than it needs to be. Tunisia has three main languages which are the most prominent throughout the country:
Arabic
Local Tunisian Dialect
French
If you have a basic understanding of any of these languages, you will be able to communicate more effectively. Obviously. But for those that do not understand any of them, you may be more restricted to the capital, for example. So, if you decide to visit Tunisia, I would recommend preparing for any of these languages. By either having a dictionary, the internet or anything else you think might help you communicate with someone that is not an English speaker.
Explore the Great Country of Tunisia
There are a great many interesting things in Tunisia. From deserts, to ancient Roman cities. This country is rich in history and still has the evidence to prove it. I have curated a few different things that travellers might enjoy seeing if they were inclined to visit this beautiful little country. As always, there are many more activities and places other than the few I have listed. These are simply a few that I found interesting or are highly rated locations.
Check Out the El Djem Amphitheatre
The El Djem Amphitheatre was built by the Romans as far back as the year 238. This building is ancient and not far off the Colosseum of Rome in terms of grandeur. This ancient piece of Roman architecture was built by an Emperor known as Thysdrus and was used for gladiator shows and small chariot races. The building is now a historical landmark which tourists love to see and experience in person.
If you would like to get a feel for what it was like to be inside this amazing amphitheatre in the time of the Romans. This is as close as you will get. Experience the looming threatening building in person and get a feel for what it was like to be in a place, humans and lions met their grisly ends.
Explore Tunisia’s Blue & White Village
On a clifftop, overlooking the Gulf of Tunis, there is a gorgeous village known as Sidi Bou Said. With a series of white houses and blue doors and windows, this village may just be the most stunning one you ever saw. This picturesque village is popular among tourists, especially for weekend getaways. It is easily accessible from Carthage by train and is full of bohemian youths and shisha cafes. Overall, if you would like to relax in a stunning village, take it easy. This is the palace for you.
The Grand Erg Oriental
- Credit: UITV Connected
A part of the great Sahara desert, the Great Erg, is a desolate sea of sand. The name ‘erg’ literally means field of sand dunes. This desert would be a great place to start your adventures. This ever changing desert offers a stunning panoramic view of endless sand dunes. If you are interested in checking out this infamous desert, there are endless activities for you to choose from. From camel rides, to 4×4 adventures. There are plenty of things to keep you enraptured on your travels in this great desert.
The Kairouan
In the centre of Tunisia between the sea and the mountains is the most ancient Arabo-Muslim base of the Maghreb. Going back as 670AD, this is one of the most important holy sites in the country. If you are interested in exploring the ancient history of this country and experiencing Muslim culture, this is the place for you.
As always, it is imperative that you be respectful if you are keen to see the Kairouan. Not only is it good manners, but also as an important religious site, it is important to take care of local customs.
Chott el Djerid
These famous salt flats are stunning to see and are sure to leave you surprised. The name ‘Chott el Djerid’ literally translates to ‘Lagoon of the Land of Palms’ and is the largest salt lake in the surrounding area. The Chott el Djerid is the Sahara. It is a truly alluring place to go and experience it.
If this is something you would like to add to your Tunisian adventures, I would recommend dressing accordingly. As you will be entering an extreme and unforgiving environment . So bring plenty of water and sunscreen if you do decide to go.
Ichkeul National Park
Lake Ichkeul is the last of a chain of freshwater lakes which once extended across Northern Africa. The marshes surrounding this lake are important for the birds and animals which rely on it. If you would like to explore Tunisia’s wildlife and nature, this is a great place to do it. If you are lucky, you may get to see oryx or water buffalo as well as a plethora of birds which call Ichkeul home. Any nature lovers who just want to take a look at the beautiful landscape around Tunisia, the Ichkeul National Park is a great place to start.
Traverse the Cities of Tunisia
Of course, if you are visiting Tunisia, you will need to explore the capital known as Tunis. This is the largest city in the country and is a fantastic place to begin your adventures in Tunisia. With a rich culture and fascinating history to seek out. There is no end of things to do in Grand Tunis.
I have selected a few things you might enjoy doing in this city. As always, there are plenty of other activities and places to check out if none of these strike your fancy.
Carthage
The history of this part of Tunis goes back almost three millennia. Carthage was once at the heart of a great and powerful Mediterranean empire before the Romans came in the Third Punic War during the year 146 BC. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is something everyone should see at least once in their life. If you are a history buff or just enjoy exploring ancient places, this is certainly something you may enjoy on your travels. In the surrounding area, you can grab a bite to eat or even visit the Carthage Museum to learn a little more about this fascinating place.
Take a Stroll Down the Souks
If you would like to experience the people and culture of Tunisia, one of the best places you can explore is the markets. The Souks is one such place. The souks are located in a medieval part of town known as the Medina. This is one of the older parts of the city and is great to explore if you would like to go shopping or just experience the culture of Tunisia.
The Souks are a series of traditional shopping districts .
There are many small shops and stalls all crammed together. Each series of stalls is sorted into sections with similar things packed together. There are a great many things you can do, but at the souks, you can get almost anything there. So if you are interested in some souvenir shopping or just want to wander down the streets, this is the palace for you.
Medina of Hammamet
On the other side of the country is a place known as ‘Medina of Hammamet. This is the historical heart of the town. With 15th century walls surrounding the district. This is a fantastically picturesque place to visit. With stalls selling a vast array of items, this would be a great place to spend the day if you happen to be in this part of Tunisia.
Dougga
Just a short drive from the capital city of Tunis is Dougga. Perched on the summit of a hill lies the archaeological site of Dougga. In this sire lie the almost complete ruins of a city which could be almost 17 centuries old. This ancient city is arguably the most magnificent ancient Roman site in Africa. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is an important part of Tunisian history.
If you are interested in history, you will enjoy seeing these famous Roman ruins. As always, be respectful. Do not climb on things, deface anything in the area or litter. It is imperative that you respect where you are and act accordingly.
The Zitouna Mosque
Covering over five thousand square acres, the Zitouna Mosque is both large and old. It is the oldest mosque in the capital of Tunisia. In fact, this mosque hosted one of the first and greatest universities in the history of Islam. Many Muslim scholars graduated from the Ai-Zaytuna for thousands of years. Not only is the Zitouna Mosque’s history illustrious, but its architecture is also grand and ancient. It is a great chance to take some photos, if you are allowed to. But if you are interested in learning a little more about Tunisian history, this is a great place to start. As well as being in the capital. So travel is relatively easy. Overall, this is a great starting point for the adventure lovers out there.
The End of This Tunisian Travel Guide
That is the end of this week’s travel guide. Tunisia is a fantastic place to visit. With an ancient history and picturesque landscapes, there is really something for everyone. As one of Africa’s northernmost countries, it is overlooked a little as destinations go. But I would take the plunge and go and explore the country of Tunisia. The desert’s quaint villages and Mediterranean sea all just add to the charm and beauty of this great land.
There are plenty of blogs on our site that go into travel in African countries along with many others. For example:
As always, I urge you to get out there and explore the wide world. There are a plethora of countries and places to see. From natural wonders, to the great cities. There will be something for everyone. You only get one chance to write your own story, so make it an adventure one.
