Have fun as a forester, tour an organic farm and sleep in an underground house — There are plenty of ways to make your visit to Tunisia super-green.
Feel like you’ve done it all in Tunisia? Carthage, the old Medina of Tunis, Sousse, Djerba’s beaches? Then we recommend doing a little something extra next time you’re in the North African country by turning your visit green.
Whether endangered plant species, rescued animals or eco-friendly accommodations are your thing, there’s plenty to do to go eco-friendly and do some good to yourself and your environment.
Here are our 10 top recommendations – enjoy your trip!
Clean Up a Beach or Two
Unfortunately, some of Tunisia’s beaches can sometimes feel like the bottom of a long-forgotten ashtray. Luckily, beach clean-ups have become a big thing here in recent years, and you can join in. One of our favorite groups is Tounes Clean Up, a Tunisian NGO whose aim is the preservation of nature and the protection of the environment. Check out their Facebook page to learn more.
Explore Places with our Four-Legged Friends
You may want to experience the Tunisian desert in a slower pace riding a camel as it has been experienced for hundreds of years by nomads. Or may be also discover Djerba, Sousse or any other of your favorite places in Tunisia on horseback. This would be such a unique experience in harmony with nature, discovering places in an unforgettable way.
Meet Rescued Farm Animals
There are a few animal shelters out there around the country, but mostly in the capital Tunis.
The SAFE organization provides support for shelters and other animal protection centers. You can check out with them to provide you with a list of shelters nearby that welcomes visitors to volunteer or help in anyway possible. This is a great opportunity for all to practice compassion and awareness when it comes to our four-legged friends.
Stay in an Underground House
Spend a day or two in one of the remaining Berber villages in Tunisia. Matmata is a popular choice with its unique underground houses. The troglodyte homes were made famous in Star Wars when George Lucas used one as Luke Skywalker’s childhood home.
Many are visible from the main road, while others require some off-roading. The whole province of Matmata is littered with them. Some are abandoned; some have been converted to souvenir stores, hotels, and/or cafes; and some are still inhabited.
Suggested Read: Matmata, Tunisia: The Land of Cave Dwellers
Tour an Organic Farm
La Ferme Agricole Tuniso-Suisse might be on the outskirts of the Greater Tunis, but it feels like a whole world away. A favorite location for multiple eco-friendly activities, the farm also offers tours of its orchards, during which visitors can hear all about the place’s unique history, enjoy the stunning sights, learn about organic farming and of course get a taste of the produce.
Look Out for Endangered Species
One can do a bit for the environment even when out on the most regular of hikes with nothing more than a mobile phone.
The authorities in Tunisia invite the public to notify the General Directorate of Forestry upon seeing out in nature any of the country’s endangered plants.
By participating and keeping an eye out for rare flowers and greenery, not only will your uphill trudge become so much more interesting, but you will be contributing to an ever-changing body of knowledge.
Go Foraging
If you want to both get up close with nature and fill your tummy with delicious produce, look no further than foraging tours available through private guides and local authorities.
Reach out to the Tunisian Scouts or to a private eco-friendly tour company such as Dar El Ain and start the adventure. Interesting and edible local plants include delicacies such as wild strawberries, myrtle berries and mushrooms.
Go Camping or Become a Forester for a Day
Tunisia is a hidden treasure for camping and hiking enthusiasts. It has many incredible places to visit for people who love nature and adventures. Hiking can be a great way to learn more about a country and discover its traditions and history.
Camping as well is a great way to spend some time in the nature. Whether it is by the beach, river, dam or lake, there are a variety of places that accommodate camping trips and the country’s natural gems can satisfy any wanderlust. Our favorite recommended group to go with is Tunisian Campers.
One can also become a forester for a day by joining one of the planting campaigns led by the Soli & Green.
Suggested Read: Getting Back to Nature: 10 of the Best Places to Camp in Tunisia
Join a Guest Table
Dar El Ain provides an innovative concept that delivers dining experiences in a number of outdoor settings. Tables for up to 10 people can be set on clifftop lookouts by the sea or in woodland settings in the Kroumirie mountains, with chefs preparing a variety of local Tunisian delicacies nearby.
If you’re looking for something in or around the capital Tunis, you may want check with EL Berima Ferme. They do also offer a set of eco-friendly unique experiences.
Check out the Association Tunisienne de Permaculture for more eco-friendly experiences in Tunisia.
Scooter or Bike Your Way
Skipping polluting cars, taxis and buses is a sure way to give your vacation that extra-green edge, and also an easy one if you happen to stay in Tunis. Some of the the neighborhoods of the capital such as Carthage, La Marsa, LAC and Gammarth are awash with electric scooters for rent, and the service is straightforward and simple to use.
We do, however, urge you to ride cautiously, wear a helmet and take care to avoid accidents. And if scooters seem a bit much, you can always rent a good old-fashioned bike from multiple pickup points. One of our recommended bike rental services around Carthage is Le Lemon Tour. If you’re in the South of the country, we do recommend Djerba Cyclo for bike tours around the island. Travel safely!
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