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I have had friends stay there and say it is excellent! However, it only opened after I had finished doing the research for my Bradt Guide to Tunisia (I submitted the manuscript in 2022 and the guide was published in July 2023). So sadly I didn't review it for the guidebook or film it for my channel. I will definitely visit and review it on my next trip to Tunisia, whenever that might be. I'm glad you're finding the hotel review videos useful! www.bradtguides.com/product/tunisia-1/

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

If you have the funds to sort this out yourselves, I'd suggest reaching out to Omar at Tunisia Expat Assistance. He's been through the animal export process before and can help: facebook.com/tunexpatassist If you would like help from a charity, speak to Mission Pawwsible. They do excellent work in Tunisia rescuing, rehousing and exporting cats and dogs: facebook.com/missionpaws

It was indeed. Fascinating to think that the Libyco-Punic mausoleum near the base of the hill was an ancient relic even at the time the Roman settlers were living there!

Great to hear that my channel is helping people worldwide discover the vibrant history and culture of Tunisia!

One of the aims of my guidebook is to encourage Tunisians to explore their amazing country more. Glad you found the video interesting!

This is a shame. But I am hearing reports of a few more visitors successfully heading out there in recent months, which is great news!

All locations (including the exact GPS point of the entrance gate) are specified in my guidebook to Tunisia, which was launched worldwide in July 2023. You can even pick up copies in Tunisia, in Librairie Al Kitab! www.bradtguides.com/product/tunisia-1/ www.alkitab.tn/livre/9781784777517-tunisia-oscar-scafidi/ (note the price listed here is incorrect, the real price in Tunisia is 68DT)

Everyone's attitude to risk is going to be different. Dougga is considered safe, and I am not aware of any foreign government that suggests not heading to that area. Sbeitla is close to the Jebel Chambi National Park, which is an area of military activity, due to an ongoing low-intensity insurgency. However, the archaelogical site itself is well protected. For example, USAID launched their Visit Tunisia Project at the Sbeitla site in February 2022, despite it being on the US State Department's do not travel section of the Tunisia travel advice! I have been to Sbeitla on numerous occasions without incident. However, I suggest that you do your research before going, seek local advice and follow instructions of security forces in the area (if you go).

@@ScafidiTravels i was thinking of going tomorrow, asked 2 tunisians in Tunis and they both said it was safe, i'll definitely do Dougga, Sbeitla will depend on what time it gets once we are there since we will be driving from Tunis to Tozeur and definitely dont want to.arrive after night time, but its basically en route from Dougga so i guess we might as well. Thanks for the reply 😊

Security forces will keep a close eye on you while you're there, and will ask about your onwards travel plans. Very sensible of you to avoid driving at night!

Yes, it must have been tough for the Tunisians fighting against French colonial forces. Likewise the Allied and Axis forces during World War II...

Your vet needs to do it. It's pretty straightforward. They're basically the same template. Here's the EU one: food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/non-commercial-movement-non-eu-countries_en Here's the UK one: www.gov.uk/government/publications/pet-travel-apply-for-a-gb-pet-health-certificate

@@ScafidiTravels Thank you!

How did you get on in the end Irina?

Indeed. We have a temple there linked to Numidian King Masinissa. But it may be even older than that, linked to a local Amazigh population. So fascinating!

@@ScafidiTravels yeah true but we dont know the actual date when it was built But somewhere around 1st century BC The Problem is my Ancestors never wrote anything they didnt care about it So Our History is passed mainly oral

Fascinating stuff! Theft from Tunisia's archaeological sites is certainly a problem. I believe more needs to be done to protect them, and to involve local populations with their preservation.

Rooms from around EUR90 per night are being advertised on their official site: www.anantara.com/en/luxury-hotel-offers

@@ScafidiTravels Actually 259€ not 90€

Wow! When I posted it earlier the lowest price was EUR90, but you're right, it's shot up to EUR259...quite the increase!

Absolutely! It is an amazing site. Lots of (hopefully sustainable) tourism potential there.

The film I cut to in this video is called Patton (1970): www.imdb.com/title/tt0066206/

Always keen to hear reader feedback, although we'll have to agree to disagree on Sfax. I agree with you that Kairouan also has a very atmospheric medina. I found the old religious buildings in Sfax fascinating (including the two synagogues, the Greek Orthodox Church and the former Church of St Peter and St Paul). Likewise the Commonwealth grave site, with the even older Christian cemetery next door, with 100+ year old colonial graves. I could spend days wandering around the Medina looking at all the specialised souks (although I can understand how this would be boring if all the shops were shut!) Oh, and Dar Salma is one of my favourite Dars in that part of Tunisia. Did you manage to jump on the ferry from Sfax to the Kerkennah Islands? Have you shared a trip report of your visit somewhere? I would love to read it.

Yes Tunisia's archaeological sites are generally quite undeveloped. Amazing, as you can explore the ruins really well. But you need to watch your step!

@@ScafidiTravels Did you have a look at the mosaics in the Bardo!The finest concentration of these in the world but I know you know this.😁👍👍

It's a bit of a shame that so many of Tunisia's archaeological sites have had their most impressive pieces removed and placed in the Bardo. I saw a lot of gaps out in the field where statues, mosaics and architectural features should have been. But I understand that it is easier to protect them in the Bardo than out in some of the more remote sites in Tunisia, and ultimately it's about preserving as much of Tunisia's cultural heritage as possible.

@@ScafidiTravels It's catch 22.Remove it so its completely out of context or lose it in bits and pieces to criminals! I'm not sure if the house of the Gladiators is in Tunisia but I would imagine it's guarded.😁👍

Not much risk of being kidnapped while exploring Tunisia, regardless of your nationality!

Because at some stage a long time ago, water stopped flowing into the lake and evaporation did the rest. I think the jury is still out on the exact formation process, but it is likely that human diversion of water courses in the area played a role in these lakes drying out.

I believe I have already answered your question in another forum, but here it is again for the benefit of other readers: Customs will take the drone away from you, for collection when you depart the country. This is a free process. However, it can also be very slow (especially when it comes to collection), and there is a small risk that you get a Customs agent who does not understand the procedure and thinks they have the right to confiscate your drone outright. I would avoid bringing a drone into Tunisia if at all possible.

Just responded, thanks for reaching out!

Near-ish Hammamet. Have a look at the dedicated video I made of that trip here on my channel. The video description has some more information for you.

I went and stood on the point where Indiana Jones threatens to blow up the Ark of the Covenant. However, I didn't go down onto the canyon floor. Certainly looks like a beautiful spot for a hike, a little like Selja Gorge over in Gafsa Governorate. Glad you are enjoying the guidebook! Please consider leaving a review on Amazon or GoodReads if you have found it useful: www.amazon.co.uk/Tunisia-Bradt-Travel-Guides-Scafidi/dp/178477751X www.goodreads.com/book/show/89573560-tunisia

Oh wow, thanks for reaching out! It is an incredible space, and as you say, a shame the local government does not offer more support in maintaining it. I definitely enjoyed all the visits. So many hidden gems in Tunisia's various medinas. Here is the fruit of my labours: www.bradtguides.com/product/tunisia-1/

Thanks for sharing Phyllis! You could absolutely visit Tunisia independently. No tour group required. It is safe. It is a small country with a great road network, easy to drive around in a rental car, and the Commonwealth cemeteries are easy to find. Suggested itineraries as well as the GPS locations of the grave sites (and further background historical information) can be found in my Bradt Guide to Tunisia, which is available worldwide as a print or instant-download e-book: www.bradtguides.com/product/tunisia-1/

Great stuff, glad you enjoyed my video! For hints and tips on what to do in Djerba (and beyond), be sure to take along a copy of my Bradt Guide to Tunisia! www.bradtguides.com/product/tunisia-1/ (Also available on Amazon as both a book and e-book).

Yes. You wouldn't need a Carte de Séjour as a Tunisian citizen.

Yes you're right, Sbeitla archaeological site is absolutely amazing! No idea why it is not more prominent, both for domestic and international tourists.

I am pretty sure it is a replica.

Yup, I had a lot of family in Sicily! In fact, I think my father was the first generation of our family born in mainland Italy, as opposed to Sicily. No idea if we have historic links to Tunisia though...

I am not sure! Looking at the reservation email, it just says "1 King Bed, 34 square metres m2 soundproofed room with a balcony." No mention of the situation with the views (it was booked via the Hotels.com App).

Oui!

For comedic effect. Don't worry, they landed in very long grass. No books were harmed in the making of this video!

😉😊😊🥲🤭I'm relieved. ​@@ScafidiTravels

Yes it is, although some of the tax exemptions relating to certain company structures have now gone. Get in touch with Hajer Hmila (contact details in the video) for more information.

Hi, I think I may already have responded to your question via other social media channels, but for the benefit of other readers: I bought my 4x4, I did not hire it. Hiring a 4x4 in Tunisia is quite tricky, and most rental agencies will not give you one without a driver too, as they worry you'll lose it in the Sahara! I would recommend speaking to Omar over at Tunisia Expat Assistance. He has good relationships with various rental agencies in Tunis and will likely be able to help: facebook.com/tunexpatassist/

The debate over whether the Battle of Zama actually happened seems to be a lively one, especially amongst Tunisians!

@@ScafidiTravels yep only biased 🇮🇱 archaeologists always disprove Romans 🙄

Yes, it is more remote. It is actually a few kilometers out in the desert, as opposed to on the outskirts of town like many others. The camp is clean and I like the vibe, yes. It is recommended as an Author's Favourite in my Bradt guidebook! You can drive there or you can get them to send a 4x4 to collect you from where the road ends in Ksar Ghilane. You will be able to get there on a touring bike as long as you follow the correct track!

@@ScafidiTravels Thanks! Looking forward to it!

No, sorry, I lived there for three years and owned my 4x4. However, speak to Tunisia Expat Assistance about long-term vehicle rentals (including 4x4s): facebook.com/tunexpatassist/

Or if you want to buy a decent 4x4, then speak to Big Truck Garage in La Soukra, Tunis: facebook.com/BigTruckGarageShop/

Merci!

That's awesome, thanks for clarifying!

Welcome @@ScafidiTravels.. Wish you always a special authentic trips <3

I am not sure if it is up and running during the winter period. I suggest reaching out to this group. Think summer 2024 is when it is slated to restart: facebook.com/le.lezard.rouge/ But if you want to go and find the actual train, the location details are available in my Bradt Guide to Tunisia, which I suggest you pick up in print or e-book formats before heading to Tunisia! www.amazon.com/Tunisia-Oscar-Scafidi/dp/178477751X/

@@ScafidiTravels thank you. Let me check!

@@Dented_Battle_Armor I have also asked my followers on Twitter (twitter.com/BradtTunisia) and on Facebook (facebook.com/BradtTunisia/). Follow along to see if they respond with anything useful!

@@ScafidiTravels thank you very much sir

Totally agree. If they made it easier for people to get a residency permit (Carte de Séjour), perhaps even introducing a specific work visa category for digital nomads, I don't see why it wouldn't fill up with remote workers from Europe. It's such an amazing location, and conveniently close to major European hubs. I explain the process to get a How to get a Carte de Séjour (residency permit) as freelancer / self-employed person in Tunisia in this video: czcams.com/video/GRT5fc0Fm4M/video.html

Hello, all of the GPS locations for the (real) Rommel site and the other Mareth Line locations of interest are listed in my Bradt Guide to Tunisia, which is available to download instantly as an e-book, or from Amazon / direct from the Bradt website: www.bradtguides.com/product/tunisia-1/

Did you manage to get to these sites in the end? Hope it was a good trip!

Hi@@ScafidiTravels Yes I did, took me 5 hours there and 5 hours back as I was based in north Tunisia, spend an hour in the bunker, then I went to the museum and spend another hour there. its very interesting. I also been to Rommel's grave in 2010 in Herrlingen, but what I missed was Villa Lindenhof. Maybe next time when I shot off to Europe by car I surely pass through Herrlingen again.

@@homeriuk2569 Amazing, glad you managed to get to it!

You should speak to Mission Pawssible in Tunis. They might be able to rescue it and get it fostered if you agreed to take it eventually: facebook.com/missionpaws/

Hopefully you get a few more visitors, now that the line is mapped and publicized in my guidebook: www.bradtguides.com/product/tunisia-1/

These bunkers were originally built by the French in the 1930s to repel a potential Italian attack from their neighbouring colony of Libya. But occupied by Axis troops in 1942 following Operation Torch. The anti-aircraft installations in the thumbnail are German, right up in the Matmata Hills, at the start of our hike!

@@ScafidiTravelsthanks man!

Yes, this was a really enjoyable part of the writing process. If you fancy following in my footsteps, you can either do it independently with a copy of my Bradt Guide to Tunisia (which has all the GPS points in it) or you can book a tour with Galaxy Tours. Links below! www.bradtguides.com/product/tunisia-1/ galaxytours.com/product-category/tours/