With the goal of getting closer to Nature than ever before, we’ve headed down to Ain Draham and Tabarka, the northwestern part of the country.
Tabarka and Ain Draham are some of those places that the person is not going to want to miss when they are visiting or living in Tunisia. They are going to find that this is some of the most picture perfect scenery that the person will ever see.
Even though this these are some of least populated regions of them all, the fauna and flora here are definitely amongst the richest in the country. The land is fertile, the nature is outstanding, blessed with the appropriate conditions for mouthwatering produce. Once you go in a trip there, bite into a fruit coming from Ain Draham, you’ll understand what I am talking about.
The region here is famous for its farm products, mountains and fine dairy products, but Tabarka and Ain Draham have many more things to offer.
Some of these clearly jump to your eyes right away, such as the marvelous sights you pass by while driving, some you have to uncover yourself by searching and observing, and some you just wait patiently to come to you in the form of a fleeting moment as an authentic form of bonding with nature.
You cannot put a label on the Northern west landscape, or categorize it. You name it, the region has it all: valleys, high mountains, plains, plateaus and everything in between.
There really is no certain time that the person should not visit the area. Though they will find that that the weather is nicer during the spring season and they can get out more. However, those that are hiking and comping will find that there are still people doing this during the winter time among the snow and ice that falls in the area.
Suggested Read: 10 Reasons to Spend Winter in Tunisia
An Ecotourism Destination
During recent years local authorities, international organizations and embassies have been taking notice of the unique attributes of this region becoming aware of its full potential. Along with the locals who are determined to show to the world the beauty of their region, a few ecological projects and activities are being launched here.
A good example of this is the small village of Bni Mtir, which has become an ecotourism destination. Stepping into this picturesque place is like getting into a safe haven, where all is natural, authentic and promising.
Some families here have already decided to turn their home into a Airbnb, welcoming guests to discover their beloved village with all the warmth and hospitality that Tunisians are famous for. Here, they naturally grow their produce and you can also spot beehives, fruit trees and vegetables in some backyards.
Everything smells, looks and tastes authentic here. Biting into a naturally grown fruit while looking at the mountains on the other end, you realize what we all know but often forget, the simple things are what really matter in this world!
Being so strongly connected with Nature doesn’t mean by any means being cut off from technology and progress. In fact, solar panels are installed on the roofs here, and as one of the villagers proudly confirmed, ever since this change happened, their households became energy self-sufficient, even producing a surplus of electric current.
However, staying at these houses is not your only option here. If you’re intending on maximizing your bonding experience with mother Nature, you can opt for eco-camping. The location is strategically chosen to provide you with a view that will make it difficult to part from once it’s time for you to go back. Here everything is planned to a T to make you feel relaxed and stress free.
Similar Read: Getting Back to Nature: 10 of the Best Places to Camp in Tunisia
You can gather around a cozy bonfire at night and watch the stars. Although, be sure that you will be kept super busy once the day starts. You can go horseback riding, off-roading, biking or hiking towards Bni Mtir dam. This will take your hiking experience to a whole new level, and immerse you into a Virtual Reality guided tour of the surroundings.
Up to the North, in Tabarka, which is a coastal city, so many different things to see and do such as visiting Fort Genois, the Needles, forests, and the sandy beaches. There are several activities one can take advantage of, hiking, golf, underwater diving are some of them.
Most of the areas in which anyone is going to stay will have wonderful views that are going to help them relax and enjoy themselves. And for those that are really wanting to relax, several people visit the region for the spas that are located here. There are several spas that are going to increase the relaxation factor for the person. And there are also several health spas that someone can choose to go to.
A Haven for Wildlife
As mentioned earlier, Ain Draham, Tabarka, Bnir Mtir and the whole northernwest region of Tunisia are also known for all the animals that call this region their home. A big number of these are known to be on the brink of extinction, but here they are well preserved and protected. Goats, wild boars, eagles, vultures, and leopards all live peacefully here.
As you return from the Northernwest region, you will understand that humans and nature are one. We tend to forge this fact as we get on with our busy lives in the cities. We try to disconnect from Nature, often forgetting that after all we belong to it. Thank you Ain Draham and Tabarka for reminding us of this!
Suggested Read: Tunisia Wildlife: National Parks & Nature Reserves of Tunisia
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