Travel guides in Africa: TUNISIA

    Located in North Africa, between Algeria and Libya, Tunisia is known for its mild climate and sandy beaches. But this country, where a sweet scent of jasmine fleet corona harissa and mint tea, has numerous other advantages. 

    A glass of tea on the terrace of a cafe, two or three delicious pastries taste of honey and orange blossom, and you will find yourself that happiness does not take much. 

As you walk through the souks and the narrow streets of the medina, you fall under the spell of Tunisian cities: Tunis, Hammamet, Sousse ... 

    Tataouine Tunis, Tunisia reserve surprising and varied landscapes. Earth stride by various civilizations (Punic, Roman, Christian ...), Tunisia is full of exceptional archaeological sites including the famous Carthage. But these are by far the Muslim Arabs who forged the cultural heritage of Tunisia. The galleries feature mosaics and old objects of almost two thousand years. 

     Finally, most athletes will be able to sporting activities in a beautiful setting. Adventurers will be tempted to take a trip to the impressive Sahara desert. 

     Tunisia was the filming location for many films like "The English Patient" by Anthony Minghella with Juliette Binoche, Kristin Scott Thomas and Willem Defoe. Some scenes of the famous saga of George Lucas "Star Wars" were filmed in the region of Tozeur and the far south of Tunisia. This is also the case of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" by Steven Spielberg with Harrison Ford, the film by Alain Berberian "Dead Weight" with Benoit Poelvoorde and Gerard Lanvin. 

      Note: given the current climate in the Sahel and in Mali, travel in Tunisia are not discouraged. Nevertheless, it may be wise to check before departure, the site of the Quai d'Orsay and the latest recommendations on hotels.

 oasis 

    The oasis of Ksar Ghilane (South), gateway to the Sahara desert Tunisian door, is the most southern Tunisian oases. 

The oasis of Tozeur, characterized by abundant sources, was the relay exchange of slaves, gold and dates. 

spa 

   Currently in vogue, spa centers, synonyms wellness and pleasure, are very numerous in Tunisia. Since opening its first center in 1994 in Sousse, Tunisia is the second world thalassotherapy destination after Thailand. Visit the North Shore if you want peace and quite on the east coast if you enjoy a festive evening. 

Always remember to make sure the thalassotherapy center is located by the sea! 

resorts 

    The mere mention of Djerba, the island of southern Tunisia, is synonymous with holidays and relaxation. Tennis, water skiing, horseback riding, scuba diving, cultural festivals, tourists do not have time to be bored. 

     Located in the Gulf of Gabes, the island has exceptional flora and beautiful white sand beaches from which one can avoid the sight of the big resorts, as long as you look at the sea ... 

    Tunisia has a little over 1,250 km of coastline and has many resorts, the most famous are Tabarka, Sousse, Hammamet, Nabeul, Port El Kantaoui, in addition of course to Djerba. 

Do not miss also the city of Kairouan Great Mosque, one of the holy places of Islam.

  transport :

by plane 

      To get in Tunisia, the best way is still flying. It is used by 97% of travelers. The main airports are Tunis, Monastir, Sfax, Djerba, Tozeur and Tabarka. 

     Tunisian airline Tunisair offers daily flights from Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, Nantes, Bordeaux and Strasbourg. You can also go with Air France or opt for low-cost airlines. The price of a trip from Paris to Tunis varies between 130 and 400 euros for Air France and Alitalia airlines and between 99 and 200 euros for low cost.Quel companies of your choice, it is best to confirm his flight minimum 48 hours in advance. 

     Many travel agencies offer packages with full board or half board at reasonable prices. These are often stays "lazy" but know that on-site tours are usually organized to major attractions such as Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said and it is possible to make a raid in the desert for 2-3 days . It is through this that most tourists visit Tunisia. Tour operators offer different types of travel; cultural tours; sports circuits. 

     It is of course possible to go on his own to discover the country. Anyway, do not go into the wilderness without a guide, it does not just happen! To circulate in the Tunisian south, it is mandatory to have a permit issued by the governorate of Tataouine. 

boat 

     This is to remember if you want to use your vehicle to discover Tunisia. You will board a ferry from Marseille and a little less than 24 hours, you can reach the port of Tunis (La Goulette). 

      Société Nationale Maritime Corse Méditerranée (SNCM) and the Tunisian Navigation Company (CTN) provide crossing the Mediterranean. The return trip with a passing vehicle will cost between 350 and 550 depending on the options chosen for comfort. Count 63 euros extra for the passage of a motorcycle. It is recommended to book several months in advance. 

Airports 

     Most major airports are the Tunis-Carthage International Airport, Airport Skanes-Monastir Airport Djerba and Tozeur Airport. 

stations ferrovières 

     Tunisia has a railway network with a length of 2,300 km, serving major cities. The trains are punctual, comfortable and cheap, but they are very slow! A trip Tunis-Sfax can last between 3:30 ET 4:30, while the two cities are 250 km of each other. The ticket for the same journey costs about 13 TND (6.50 euros). 

You can find details of all stations in Tunisia here. 

    You can buy different discount cards from -25% to -50%: the youth card, credit card and card-Rail Museum. 

    SNCFT station (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisians) - SNCFT web site. 

67 Avenue Farhat Hached 

1001 - Tunis 

  bus stations 

     The road network extends over 17,500 km of roads, of which two highways: one linking Tunis to M'saken and the other linking Tunis and Bizerte. 

     SNTRI (National Long Distance Transport Company) and the Trans-Tour serve the more remote locations. Departures are usually at the bus station of the city. You can check schedules in both daily Le Temps and La Presse, or on the website SNTRI. 

  taxis 

     There are two kinds of taxis: "small" and "large". Small taxis are recognizable by their yellow color. They are for a maximum of four people, without heavy baggage, and may circulate in town. The rates of small taxis are relatively low: Approximately 0,300 dinars per kilometer (15 cents). 

     Note: the red light means that the taxi is free, and the green light that he is busy. 

Grand taxis are white and yellow and may travel throughout the country. They usually have their own station and are significantly more expensive than small taxis. 

    There are also taxis (louages​​). With a capacity of 5 to 8 people with luggage, they leave when they are full. Be aware that taxis wearing a blue stripe on the hood only serve neighboring towns, unlike taxis with a red band, which can carry long distances. There is a rental station in each city, usually near the bus station. 

    Local transportation 

There so you can use the plane, train, bus, taxi or car. 

   If you want to rent a car, book it online before you leave, because leases Tunisian companies do not provide insurance for theft, damage, etc. Many rental companies are represented in Tunisia; Avis, Hertz, Europcar. Expect between 130 and 500 euros for three days, depending on the type of vehicle you want. 

In the south, you can rent with 4x4 with local agencies. 

    National roads are in good condition, but driving requires great vigilance. Indeed it is not uncommon for children to play on the edge of the road or pedestrians crossing the highway. The traffic is similar to the European code 50 km / h in urban areas, 90 km / h on road, 110 km / h on highways (sometimes 80 km / h), 70km / h on the road network of Djerba. 

Upon entry into Tunisia, a travel permit for a period of three months is issued.