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Tunisia is the smallest country in North Africa – but it packs a lot in.
It is a truly kaleidoscopic nation, ranging from Mediterranean beaches to the Sahara desert, from ancient souks to Star Wars film sets. This Arab-Berber nation is one of the most liberal in the Islamic world and women need not feel intimidated. Its French colonial past has a far-reaching influence (it only gained independence in 1956), most obviously in its cuisine that blends sophisticated French dishes with Arab spice styles.
The country’s cultural diversity is evident in the remains of what was Roman Carthage, while the Roman ruins at Dougga and El Jem are some of the finest in Africa. We pause in Tunis to spend time marvelling at the excellent Roman artefacts in the world class Bardo Museum before heading west to the Roman amphitheatre and ruins at Dougga.
Continuing west to the mountains along the Algerian border – Tunisia’s remote west border, we climb up Jugurtha’s Table, a high limestone plateau steeped in the history of Berber resistance to the Arab invasions. Swinging south to the expanse of the Chott El Jerid, the largest salt flat in the Sahara, we enter the caravan towns of Douz and Kebili – gateways to the Sahara and the Grand Erg Occidental, a huge arm of sand extending north from the main desert. We spend several days crossing these rolling dune fields of the Grand Erg to discover hidden lakes near El Boma and Bir Aouine deep in the south, before turning north to pass Ksar Gihilane, a classic desert oasis complete with hot spring water.
Leaving the sands behind us we head for the abandoned Berber villages near Matmata and the set for so many epic films before heading to Islamic holy city of Kairouan and a night of luxury in a 5 star hotel, housed in the former jail of the Sultan, before returning to Tunis and our boat back.
Summary
Start point |
Marseille, France (via ferry from Dover to Calais).
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Finish point |
Marseille, France (via ferry from Dover to Calais).
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Number of days |
16 days, 17 nights.
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Approx. distance |
3000 kilometres (not including travelling between UK ports and start point for the expedition).
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Road conditions |
Mixture of sand, gravel and rock tracks, some local roads.
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No’ of vehicles |
Maximum of 6 guest vehicles plus support vehicles.
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Accommodation used |
Accommodation will be a mixture of wild or rural community campsites with basic facilities. In some places we use organised campsites attached to an auberge, where toilet/shower facilities are available.
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Specialist equipment - vehicle |
A well maintained and serviced 4x4 vehicle fitted with underbody protection. A CB radio must be fitted. Tyres of All Terrain or Mud Terrain tread patterns are most suitable. A full set of recovery equipment (strops and shackles) is essential along with a spade. A winch is not essential but could be desirable for self-recovery. An additional fuel and water capacity of 40 l each is required, (jerry cans are OK). A vehicle fridge/coolbox is recommended for cold drinks and keeping food fresh for extended periods.
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Specialist equipment - camping |
Either roof (preferable) or ground tents are suitable. You will need good quality sleeping mats if using ground tents, along with sleeping bags. You should bring your own chairs, table, stove, pans, cutlery and utensils. Clothing can be light as the days will be hot, however you should bring some warm and windproof outer wear. Protection from the sun and UV is needed.
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Passport |
Required.
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Visa |
Not needed for citizens of the UK.
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| Health |
- Small first aid kit and EHIC advisable (European Health Insurance Card - available from UK Post Offices)
- Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Polio, Typhoid vaccinations are recommendations; confirm your needs with doctor
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Cost of living |
A lot less than the UK - 1 GPB = approx’ 2.6 Dinar, with diesel at 1 dir/l. ATM’s are present in large towns and cities but are not always reliable. Bureau de Change facilities can be found at the border. Credit cards are not widely accepted out of the main tourist centres. You will need to bring cash, ideally Euros, to change upon entry to Tunisia. |
Weather
Generally dry and warm with low humidity, occasionally very hot in the dunes and valleys during the days but it can be cool in the hills and at night.
Kebili |
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Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Average daily temp oC
Rainfall mm |
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11
11 |
14
9 |
19
3 |
22
8 |
27
11 |
31
12 |
34
0 |
33
2 |
29
11 |
25
7 |
18
11 |
13
24 |
Food and Shopping
Food is readily available in Tunisia, but choice will be restricted compared to the UK. Meals can be cooked individually or communally, the choice is yours but at times during the expedition OneLife Adventure will host group meals, with everyone helping on an informal basis. We can assist you with purchasing food in country, as necessary and will co-ordinate shopping for group meals.
Schedule and Pace
The route and timings are not fixed, we will be free to break journey, stop and explore, as you desire. We aim to be in the campsite by 17.00 on most days to allow us to relax and enjoy the experiences of the day. The daily distances driven vary due to the terrain and ground conditions but a typical day will be 2-3 hours driving in the morning, 1 hour for lunch and then a further 2-3 hours driving.
Outbound shipping
The crossing from Dover to Calais is made by ferry and is included in the expedition price. You are free to specify your own preferred dates and times. The drive from Calais to Marseille will take about 12 hours, on the French autoroutes.
Note – This section of the expedition is unsupported by OneLife Adventure, the above information is to aid planning your arrivals and departures. The booking is made on your behalf and cost of the ferry is included in the expedition price. Accommodation, meals and refreshments you take during this transit stage are not included.
Inbound Shipping
The return crossing from Calais to Dover is made by ferry and is included in the expedition price. Again you are free to break the return journey and specify the ferry dates and times allowing you to extend your holiday as you choose.
Note – As for the outbound journey, this section of the expedition is also unsupported by OneLife Adventure. Accommodation, meals and refreshments you take during this transit stage are not included.
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Cost
- £1300 per person for the first 2 adults (based on 2 sharing a cabin). Prices for single person supplements are available on request.
- For each additional adult up to a maximum of 4 per vehicle add £250.
- Under 16’s go free - OneLife Adventure does not charge its young guests.
(where shipping companies charge an additional fee these are passed on at cost. Contact us for these costs)
The expedition price includes flexible return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and a deluxe external cabin for Marseille to Tunis, all campsite/accommodation costs, full backup and guiding from the support team.
It does not include your fuel, food, snacks, drinks and personal spending.
OneLife Adventure Expedition Rating System
MAGRHEB EXPLORER  
 Easy, short driving days, suitable for families and drivers with basic off road driving skills.
 Easy camping with occasional wild sites interspersed by sites with facilities, no technical needs, suitable for families and young children.
 Higher off road content, moderate driving days, suitable for families and medium
off road driving skills.
50% wild camping, some technical needs, suitable for families and young children used to camping.
 Longer days occasionally and high content of off road driving, recoveries likely and moderate levels of off road skills needed.
 80% wild camping +, weather or environment requires some technical clothing/equipment, suitable for experienced families with older children.
 Long days and long distances are the norm, likely to encounter severe hazards and will require teamwork to succeed, experienced drivers.
Extreme weather (hot, wet or cold), will require extensive technical equipment, irregular meals and physical discomfort will be the norm! Success is achieving the destination – Camel Trophy style.
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