Historically

Food in Tunisia has been greatly inspired and influenced by the history of its people. Everyone who has resided in the country, from the native Berber people and ancient Phoenicians to the temporary invaders such as the Romans and the French left some mark on the food. Often, this is reflected in the collection of spices included.

Flavoring

The food, like many such foods in the general Mediterranean region, tends to be spicy (though you can usually ask a chef to prepare it a touch milder if you have a sensitive palate). One reason for this is because of the popular harissa, a Tunisian chili blend with red peppers, garlic, olive oil and tomatoes, with an emphasis on the peppers. Many in Tunisia believe the spicier the better!

Harissa

Popular Foods

Some dishes are more popular than others. If you’re looking for a sample of the best, you may want to pick one of these most well-known dishes.

One example is couscous, which is actually the national dish of the country (that’s a big recommendation). It contains a medley of ingredients, including spices, meats, vegetables, and of course, couscous pasta.

The type of meat and vegetables usually depends on whatever is available seasonally in that particular region.

Another popular dish is called Shakshouka, a kind of egg stew. In Shakshouka, eggs are poached in a blend of spices, tomatoes, onions and tomatoes. It is a versatile meal, served for breakfast or dinner. A third example is a dish called felfel mahchi.

The dish is served in many Arab countries, but in Tunisia used as a complement to the harissa sauce. It is one of the most approachable meals if you have no experience with Tunisian food, as it is basically comprised of stuffed peppers.

A Note

Depending on the food you are used to eating, Tunisian food may seem daunting; but the best way to approach Tunisian food – or any new cuisine – is with an open mind.

Where to Shop

Shopping in Tunisia is something of an adventure, especially if you are prepared to venture into the bright, crowded marketplaces.

Tunisia’s Central Market is one such location, a throwback to older days when people bartered for food with jewelry and hand sewn baskets. You can still find fresh foods, sparkling baubles, perfumes encased in intricate bottles, carpets and other handmade, prized items within its confines.

Also, pay a visit to one of the ONA (or National Handicraft Office) shops, which are chocked full of ready-made souvenirs, if you’re not sure where to start. These shops are also a good way to make sure you are purchasing quality items that will last.

Also, remember that Tunisia has many modern, international shops and boutiques, as well. One such location worth perusing is Berges du Lac, especially if you have a little extra money to burn and a taste for the finest things in life.

Getting a Good Deal

There are several considerations to think about when you are trying to get a good deal on your purchase. The first involves haggling.

Many shops and retailers in Tunisia will engage tourists in haggling; that is, they name a price and the customer (you) attempts to negotiate to something lower. If you’re used to simply breaking out the wallet, this might seem awkward but if you fight through the unfamiliarity you could get much better deals.

Secondly, when shopping in Tunisia (or any foreign country), be wary of counterfeit products. These are products that appear to be name brand but are actually knock-offs. If that doesn’t bother you, buy away – many people will never notice the difference – but make sure you know what you are buying.

Also, when you’re overtaken by the multitude of excellent deals and potential souvenirs, remember that you have to take everything back with you, so account for luggage space!

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. (after point)

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.

What is Paintball?

Paintball is an active sport where participants are handed a supply of paintballs (simply small capsules filled with gelatinous paint), markers (used to shoot the balls) and a mask, and then engage in mock warfare – sometimes playing to the last man or a variant of capture the flag.

It can be painful, especially if hit at a close range, but if you have enough adrenaline flowing you might not notice until the bruise shows up.

Some Considerations

If you are an avid paintball player, you may want to bring your own equipment. Most facilities in Tunisia allow for players to bring their own equipment (provided they meet safety standards) and play at a reduced price. The downside is that this will likely take up some of your luggage space, so you will have to weigh the field savings against the price of losing valuable storage space.

Also, remember that safety standards may vary according to country, so your regulation-friendly gear may not meet the standards for paintballing in Tunisia. Check with your facility of choice to determine if your gear (including your paint balls) is up to par. And, if you aren’t sure how to go about accomplishing these steps, ask your travel agent! They are frequently capable of setting up reservations in your name.

Paintball Tunsie

PaintBall Tunsie is perhaps the major facilitator of the game in Tunisia. They have a variety of locations, with fields in Hummamet, Jerba, Tunis and more. Their standard rates are available on their website and include safety guidelines, examples of brands used on-site, pictures and videos of previous players, contact numbers and rates.

By reviewing this page, interested parties can gain an idea of what the playing experience would be like at this field and what would be expected of them.

Something Different

If you find yourself in Tunisia and want to play a different version of the game, consider bringing (or purchasing) your own markers and paintballs, and playing in the great Tunisian outdoors. The desert dunes, for one, could make an excellent paintball field for the skilled player. Just remember to make sure to check out locals laws which may regular your games.

Why a National Park in Tunisia

Granted, there are places in Tunisia featuring every modern convenience and pleasure, and they are worth your attention. However, there is something to be said for stepping away from manmade goods.

If your suffer, for example, from eye strain or back aches from sitting in front of a computer, you may want to explore something less technical. Of course, you may just be a fan of beauty, for Tunisia’s parks are aesthetic treasures (some of them are also world treasures, as identified by the United Nations).

Ichkeul Nationa Park, Tunisia

Pick a Park or Take a Tour

If you just want taste of nature in between your water skiing and night-club dancing, you may want to just pick a single park to view. In this case, look for a location that is closest to your primary points of interest.

If you want an in-depth view, look for tours which guide traveling observers through many of Tunisia’s National Parks. Or, to make things easy, speak to your travel agent in advance for help in choosing just the right option.

Bouhedma National Park, Tunisia

Tunisia’s National Parks: a Sampling

Tunisia has 8 national parks in total, each containing an intricate, beautiful eco-system. Perhaps the most well known of these parks is the Ichkeul National Park, containing a wetland which is home to literally thousands of different bird breeds.

Yet another option is the El Feija National Park, renowned for its many reptiles and mammals. The National Park of Chaambi, which contains the highest point in the whole African country, was designated by the United Nations as a special reserve for the flora and fauna which grow in its boundaries.

The Bouhedma National Park is famous for containing many rare creatures, such as Barbary sheep.

Just Remember…

You may want to bring cameras with you, in order to document your trip to Tunisia (and secure your bragging rights) but there are rules which govern these parks and cameras (and other items) may not be allowed.

Make sure you read up on the rules before entering the site.

In a location like Tunisia, extra cash can mean more trips to museums featuring beautiful ancient treasures, more lessons in whatever thrilling water sport catches your eye on the pure, white beaches, more time to walk through the deserts and explore the details of the indigenous tribes, and more fun overall. It can also mean you have more money to put towards your return trip!

Where to Touch Ground in Tunisia

When finding cheap airplane ticket to Tunisia, picking the right city to land matters! After all, this will be your first impression of the country as a whole.

One potential landing point is the Tunis Cartage International Airport. As the name of that airport suggests, it is located near the famously historic city of Carthage, where clashes between the indigenous Phoenicians and the invading Roman armies changed the landscape of the world.

Another airport of worth is the Djerba Airport, especially worthy of consideration if you are going for the beaches and the sports popular in Tunisia. There are even more airports, so do your research!

Airline vs. Airline

An important part of booking cheap airplane tickets to Tunisia is to examine many different airlines. Popular airlines offering possible deals include Tunisair, the official Tunisia carrier, Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir, British Airways, and Emirates.

When making the comparisons, looking for a balance between quality (the airlines should have a good reputation for safety and customer service) and price (because finding cheap tickets is still the goal). Also, look for special sales to help lower the overall cost. Seasonal discounts, for example, are often applied during the holidays.

Other Considerations

Buying round trip is one way to save money (opposed to buying two separate one-way tickets). If you’re traveling with a group, you may also qualify for a group discount, so you should inquire about the rates with the airline carrier of your choice.

If you plan to travel to Tunisia frequently, you may also want to look for an airline that offers discounts for frequent travelers, to eventually lower the cost of travel.

It may seem like a lot of thought and planning to find the best cheap airplane tickets to Tunisia, but doing it in advance can assure you a smooth, comfortable and affordable trip to the African country.

Granted, the African country features a number of small towns perfect for walking on foot through bustling marketplaces, beaches to bury your toes in the sand and deserts to explore on the back of a horse – however, that won’t help you get from the airport to your hotel, or explore some of the more modern pleasures of Tunisia. Family Car Hire is therefore important.

Know Your Trip

One of the important steps in finding the best car and value is to know your trip. The information of your trip lets you know both what type of car you should choose and how much you can pay.

Will you be traveling from one side of Tunisia to the other in your vehicle? Or will it only be used to get you to the nearest equestrian center? Since many car hire locations charge according to your mileage, you should have a firm idea of what your trip will encompass before you choose a location and a car.

Services and Amenities

Determine what services and amenities you may need or want. Some locations will pick you up straight from the airport (or are located near the airport center). This can be especially helpful if you have never been to Tunisia before and have no idea where you are going.

Tour guide packets are also sometimes included and are important if you want to drive yourself through all the best locations your city of choice has to offer, from ancient ruins to beautiful artwork. Ask your car hire location how they can help improve your experience.

Enjoy Yourself

You should always remember that car hire (or rental) businesses function to make your trip more convenient, and the process should enhance your travel expectations and pleasure.

Once you’re behind the wheel, make a stop in Carthage, where history was made as the city clashed with the ambitious Romans; and, at the Bardo museum, where the world’s religions merge into a common past; and, at the Cap Bon Peninsula, where eager travelers sit at the ocean and experience the rich, ultra-modern Tunisian nightlife.

No Experience Required

Never ridden anything besides the municipal bus? A lack experience makes some shy away from the idea of horse riding.

How can you have any kind of horseback adventure when you’re not even sure you can manage your bike? Luckily for you, there is no level of experience required. Granted, if you’re your own jockey, you will have no trouble finding an equestrian trail that suits your expertise. However, if you are starting from zero there are plenty of horse-riding activities that will teach you the basics.

Pick Your Setting

The benefit of a horseback adventure in Tunisia is that you can effectively pick your setting. Have you always had an urge to travel down the shoreline with the wind in your hair and a mighty steed at your command? There’s a place for that in Tunisia.

Or, maybe you want something more adventurous, such as one of the horseback camping adventures some establishments offer; these trips last several days, and combine the thrill of riding through an ancient desert trail with nightly camping underneath the clear skies.

Plan, Plan, Plan

There are numerous equestrian centers across Tunisia. Some offer activities and trails for experts only. Others, such as those run by the Berber tribes, feature horsemen and teachers whose families have been on horseback for thousands of years.

The best way to find just the right horse riding adventure is to create an honest plan. Decide how good you are on horseback. Too easy an activity and you will be bored; too difficult and you will be in danger. Then, research the different equestrian activities available in Tunisia to find one that fits your schedule and your wallet.

Cheap holidays to Egypt will offer you the opportunity to see different archaeological sites, but discovering an entire Punic city, is something different.

Once a thriving Phoenician metropolis, Kerkouane became a ghost town when its inhabitants abandoned it while battling the invading Roman Empire.

Yet it was this abandonment which ultimately saved the city; because it had no one to rule, the Romans left Kerkouane alone, and it stands to this day as a relic from the past, its decaying walls still the best (and only true) example of Phoenicia-Punic structure and city-planning to survive into the current day.

Piecing Together the Kerkouane Heyday

Archaeological study has revealed much about the heyday of this city. Studying the architecture and artifacts found on-site reveals many deals about the lifestyles of the Phoenician people. For example, it is now known that they had technology to transport water to household water basins and baths, and that the people had some standards of hygiene.

Also, the city was industrially-based, its economy primarily dependent on the production of dyes and figurines. It traded with other cities, as evident by the myriad of cultures present in artworks.

Kerkouane, Current Day

In the present day, the mere existence of Kerkouane has become remarkable. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared it a World Heritage Site in the 1980’s and many archeologists have spent their careers pouring over each inch and crevice of the dead city and its adjoining necropolis.

Because the city has been raided multiple times by treasure hunters and other unscrupulous characters, an untold number of artifacts have been stolen; however, there are still notable treasures found at the site which have since been preserved and now find their homes in museums. This includes the sarcophagus of a female identified by writings as the goddess Asarte and by the media as the princess of Kerkouane. Other findings include flasks, bones, jewelry and more.

While it is the general consensus that the great discoveries of Kerkouane have already been made, many still hope to stumble across yet another piece of history from the Phoenicia-Punic era.

Part of the Atlas Mountains, which snake across Tunisia as well as Morocco and Algeria for over 1000 miles, the Chaambi Mountain is also known as Jebel ech Chambi. It towers over the city of Kasserine.

 
At an elevation of over 1500 meters only, not as high as Zermatt mountains (Zermatt hotels) in Switzerland (Switzerland hotels), the Chaambi Mountain offers, however, a full seven month season, from March until October, giving spirited hikers the opportunity to fully explore the pine-laden slopes. The mountain is able to be traversed by walking, making it perfect for both new and seasoned hikers.

The Chaambi Mountain is also a national park, the Djebel Chambi National Park, making the mountain a favorite for climbers. Covered with Aleppo pine forests, the park is home to around one hundred types of plants. Around twenty-five years ago, many species of animals were reintroduced into this area.

Now, while breathing in the fresh mountain air and enjoying the whisper of wind along the pine-laden slopes, visitors may view exotic animals in their natural habitat.

There are now around twenty four different species of mammals in this area, as well as over fifteen types of reptiles. Frequently sheep such as the Barbary, or Aoudad, can be seen grazing, their massively curved horns a spectacular sight. Their young frequently cavort on the rocky slopes almost from birth, March to May, perfectly coinciding with the hiking season.

Many species of gazelle, such as Cuvier’s and Dorcas, can also be seen while hiking. The gentle Addax, boasting impressive spiraled horns, makes for a spectacular photograph. Visitors may see a Ruppell’s fox, cape hares, and perhaps even a glimpse of the timid golden jackal in the beauty of this mountain. Sometimes, chattering may be heard in this serene environment.

Following the sound, visitors may come across a rather chubby little mammal known as the Gundi. Living in large colonies on the rocky slopes, the Gundi are quite vocal and are a refreshing sight to see.
Cameras and binoculars are a necessity for hikers eager to capture such amazing views and abundant wildlife. The

Chaambi Mountain offers both beginners and experienced hikers the ability to truly escape civilization and enjoy nature at its finest.