The image of someone darting across the desert on horseback might seemingly be reserved for the movies – but don’t head to Tunisia with this misconception.

While beaches, camels and a whole load of other activities are the main selling point for a lot of travel agents, something which often slips under the radar is horse riding.

In short, this is an activity which is soaring in popularity. Some people might head there and participate in a short session, perhaps lasting half a day. Something which has become more common are the longer rides though – allowing you to really dive into the country and find everything from untapped attractions to camping in the desert.

Following on from the above, it’s no surprise that there’s plenty of demand for horse riding in this country. We have attempted to condense as much information on this subject into this guide; looking at just what a typical ride can incorporate, as well as how you should prepare before you venture out.

What is the basis of a horse riding trip in Tunisia?

This is a question which is particularly hard to answer, for the simple reason that there’s not a one-fits-all approach. As you have probably found whilst researching this topic, there are countless horse riding services now in the country – with some offering a ride for as little as an hour, while others will take you all around the country for weeks at a time.

In the first instance, where you will only be riding for a short period of time, it’s all about the animal. In other words, while you might come across some interesting sights, the basis is that you’ll be getting used to riding on horseback.

When you consider a longer ride, things start to get a little more eventful. Firstly, there is the accommodation factor. It probably won’t come as a surprise to read that a lot of your accommodation will be out in the wild or in other words, you will be camping. For those of you who crave luxury, you needn’t fear though. You won’t be pitched on the floor – you will be sleeping in proper beds in at least moderate style. From time to time some operators might provide a hotel, but on the whole a lot of horse riding treks are accompanied by camping.

In terms of what you will be seeing, it largely depends on the area you travel around. For example, if you turn to Southern Tunisia, some tour operators will show you El Ksour – a traditional fort which is hidden away in the caves. As well as this, you’ll get to see cave houses and immerse yourself in the surrounding culture.

Another common destination is the Sahara. As you might expect, nothing even rivals galloping over these sands and you’ll set eyes on dunes, mountains and everything else that the Sahara has to throw at you. It’s not all stereotypical either; some tour operators really will mix things up and look to provide you with unique experiences, such as bathing with horses, or climbing around nearby structures, which really does bring something else into the trip.

So, while there isn’t a clear set of guidelines for one of these tours, it’s not all about riding on horseback. Sure, this is a major part of it – but as part of your expedition you will set eyes on a variety of attractions which are not even contemplated when a lot of people book a trip of this magnitude.

Is there anything you should prepare beforehand?

Just like the answer to the last question, a lot depends on the type of trip you have chosen.

In the case of a short expedition, it’s all about clothing. In other words, it’s going to be hot, and you need to ensure that your body is sufficiently protected. It should hopefully go without saying that you have steady access to water as well; make sure this is in a position which you can easily reach when you are on the horse.

For longer rides, the preparation guidance is somewhat difference. While it will be very hot during the day (if you are traveling during the summer months), at winter the temperature can sharply drop if you are in the Sahara. It means that you need to layer up accordingly and make sure that you can easily adapt to the heat or low temperatures. It’s also worth mentioning that if possible, for obvious heat-reasons, you should avoid summer travel. While some people will be able to withstand it, many find that it’s just too hot and hinders the whole experience.

There are a few pieces of advice in relation to your health as well. Firstly, you’ll need to make sure that you are under 85kg – as this is the maximum weight that many horse riding companies will permit on their animals. It means that you will have to engage in at least some cardiovascular training beforehand so you can lose weight and be fit, with this likely to aid with the moments that you will be traveling on-foot. This is because there are areas of journeys which just aren’t suitable for the horses and you will have to work to guide them over them.

A lot of your other training will relate to your strength. Your core should be specifically targeted, as this can aid with your balance significantly, which is really important when it comes to staying on horseback for a long period of time. Fortunately, the recommended exercises are pretty easy in this case and will tend to come in the form of ab crunches.

You should look to improve your strength in your quads and glutes as well. This is mainly due to the fact that your legs will need to “grip” hold of the horse at times, meaning that strength in these areas will help your cause drastically. One of the best exercises to improve this is wall squats.

A finishing note on horse riding in Tunisia

We have hopefully provided a good starting point for those of you who are looking to take advantage of Tunisia’s latest phenomenon. Horse riding is become incredibly popular and considering some of the sights that you can explore, it’s really no surprise why.

Of course, there are a few caveats. Contrary to what a few inexperienced riders might think, you do need to prepare. This doesn’t just revolve around the weather either, but also your general fitness. If you can get that in shape several months before you depart, you really will be in a grand position by the time you mount.

Some countries have certain activities associated with them, and there’s no doubt that in the case of Tunisia it is pretty synonymous with camels.

While some tourists will choose this country for its beaches, others might take a more cultural view and opt for it because of experiences like camel trekking which can really set it apart.

Camel trekking isn’t something that has just arrived courtesy of tourists though. On the contrary, this was a principle mode of transport and if you turn to something like Silk Road (which we will talk about more later), there was once a time where upwards of 20,000 camel caravans a day were passing by.

As such, it’s no surprise to see that it’s on a lot of people’s Tunisia bucket lists. Of course, with so much popularity comes a lot of operators offering the experience, and to ensure that you get the very best as per your requirements, we have put together this guide. We will now take a look at just what the typical camel trekking experience covers, as well as some must-read preparation advice that can make the day so much easier for you.

What’s the best advice to take on board before going?

Before we dive into the meet of what you should expect during one of these treks, it’s important to understand what is expected from you (or your body, to be precise).

The first point probably won’t come as much as a surprise; the temperature deviation can be substantial. In the middle of summer, the heat in the Sahara can be bordering on unbearable. It’s because of this that you really need to take precautions to protect yourself; ensuring that your head is covered and you are continuously applying sun screen. In relation to your head, a really good piece of advice is to turn to a head scarf – which can also be used over your eyes if the sand starts to bluster around.

While some of you might expect the heat, something which is a little less stereotypical is the drops in temperature. If you are opting for a long-term camel trek, at night the temperature really can fall in the Sahara. This means that you need to plan for both extremes – with layered clothing being one of the best solutions as this allows you to adapt at a whim.

An important point to note for these tours is that they can be exhausting – and this isn’t just for the camel. There will be occasions where you may have to get off and guide the animal, and a small degree of fitness will naturally be required here. We’re mainly talking about cardiovascular training and just a basic run will serve you well – and potentially reduce some of your weight that will be on the camel.

A lot of people don’t realize the strain that your body comes under whilst riding a camel though. You will be sitting in the same position for hours on end (stops can be at a premium), and this can cause immense tiredness. You need excellent posture, a strong core and also strength in your legs and hips.

While there are absolutely scores of exercises that you can use to fine-tune the above areas, you really don’t need to turn to something overly complex. Ab crunches are an easy one to boost your core, while the hip extension exercise can work wonders and you don’t even need access to a gym (just a chair will suffice).

As we’ve already documented, you don’t have to go super-advanced with this. You can start your training a few months before your big expedition, with three sessions a week being enough.

If you are very close to the trek date, you can use supplementation to boost your training abilities, such as whey protein, natural steroids, nitric oxide supplements etc ..

What is camel trekking in the Sahara all about?

Perhaps a common misconception about this experience is that it’s all about the animal. While this is true to a large extent, what a lot of people don’t understand is that the tour operators providing these experience include a lot of other attractions. For example, they will take you along routes that incorporate oasis, or small villages – just so you get something extra out of the tour. Considering the fact that some of these treks are more than two weeks long, this is pretty important and ensures that people don’t leave the expeditions bored.

On the subject of the long-term treks, let’s talk about accommodation. This is the element that a lot of people like, for the simple reason that a lot of the experiences will allow you to camp under the stars. Sure, some people may have done this in their own country, but in an area as unique as the Sahara it certainly brings a little extra charm. If you are along a trek that is particularly long, you will probably be provided with a mixture of this and hotels – with the latter usually having impressive facilities to at least retain a little luxury and style.

The activities that are on offer will naturally vary depending on the location of the trek, as well as the tour operator you have selected. However, some are certainly more popular than others and one of the favored ones is Houidhat Erreched Lake. When this attraction is offered, you must grab it with both hands, as it allows you to trek to one of the most beautiful parts of the Sahara and benefit from the likes of hot water lakes and huge sand mountains. This is one of those attractions where you will be given plenty of time to relax as well, and you’ll generally be able to swim in the lake and just enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

While we could also talk about the oasis’ and other “standard” Sahara features, a mention should also be given to the Silk Trade Route. For those unaware, this is a historic trade route – which used to see tens of thousands of camel caravans trek through on a daily basis. Suffice to say, it’s another one of those attractions you should do your upmost to see – even if it doesn’t perhaps possess the beauty-qualities that the likes of Houidhat Erreched Lake has.

Closing words on camel trekking in Tunisia

Hopefully, all has become clear about camel trekking now. It’s something which is utterly cultural and if you do happen to take advantage of one of the longer tours, you really are bracing yourself for an unparalleled experience. It’s not just about the animal – these longer tours really do bring everything from history to culture to the table.

Another takeaway should be the importance of preparation. Again, this is only relevant for the longer tours, but a combination of the sun and the physical excursion on your body means that you should be looking to prepare for one of these longer tours at least several months in advance.

If you’ve gazed through the travel shop windows over recent years, you’ll probably know all about Tunisia and its golden beaches. At the same time, you probably don’t have quite as much knowledge on its terrific potential for hiking enthusiasts.

In simple terms, this is a hiking paradise. Not only does it have an ideal landscape, it has some of the most interesting cultural attractions around. It means that hiking around the country provides a perfect way to explore it in way that most other tourists just aren’t able to see.

Of course, just turning up and walking near your resort is asking for trouble. In fact, some of this trouble can be more severe than you might first imagine – you only have to read our second hiking suggestion to see that. It’s for this reason that we have put together the following page, as we mull over five of our favorite hikes in Tunisia as well as providing the necessary advice that can prepare you well for such an experience.

Hike #1 – Lake Ichkeul

Let’s start with a hike that you can really dictate the length with. While a lot of our suggestions are set routes, Lake Ichkeul is instead a mountain based around a lake meaning that you can really go as far as your feet permit.

The beauty about Lake Ichkeul is that it circulates Ichkeul National Park, which happens to be a Unesco World Heritage site. If you happen be into birds you are in luck as well – this area contains some of the most fascinating wildlife around.

Hike #2 – Djebel Boukornine

Remember we said that some hikes might be bordering on dangerous? Well, here we go.

Firstly, let’s not hide the fact that this hike can be utterly picturesque, if you tread carefully. It’s based around the National Park of Boukornine and considering the fact that this has been pretty much abandoned now, it provides several interesting sights.

Starting at Hammam-Lif, you will work your way up the mountain and find yourself immersed in some of the best views you have ever set eyes on.

However, make sure you don’t reach the summit. A military base is situated here and while you probably won’t be mistaken for genuine intruders, it’s still worth avoiding.

This trail should take around four and a half hours to complete, with the descent being approximately 2,350 ft.

Hike #3 – Korbous

From a statistical point of view, this next one is very similar to the previous. It’s 3.5 miles in length, but is by no means flat and most people will find the rocky environment pretty hard to master on their feet.

Once again, the views are second to none here. You’ll be traveling through Ain Kanessira and Robinson’s creek, meaning that hot baths will complement the extraordinary views as well.

Hike #4 – Chenini to Douiret

For anyone looking for a more relaxing trek, this is probably the one that’s the most advisable. In short, you will be traveling between Berber villages – meaning that you gain a real sense of culture as you trek through it.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that the villages are stuck out in the middle of nowhere though. While they might be from a literal point of view, they are based between mountains which means there are umpteen sights to set eyes on as you walk.

You will be trekking just over twelve miles with this hike – but it’s fairly relaxed and shouldn’t take more than half a day to complete.

Hike #5 – Zaghouan

This final hike is the same length as the previous one we’ve just mulled over. The big difference is the elevation-factor though; this time you will be trekking upwards to the tune of around 4,000 ft.

In other words, this isn’t for the faint hearted and you will require some training (see below). However, fitness aside, some of the sights are an absolute joy. By traveling to such heights you really will open up some fabulous views. Additionally, merely returning to the village of Zaghouan is beautiful and means that the start and end point of this hike is a real gem.

What is the best way to prepare for hiking in Tunisia?

If you are merely planning a quiet walk every so often, it goes without saying that the preparation advice isn’t going to be overly extensive. However, for anything longer-term, you really have to prepare accordingly.

Let’s firstly start with the general health and fitness, check mensanswer.com or menshealth.com for more help in this topic. Again, this is only going to occur in those instances that your body is going to be pushed, but cardiovascular training is always going to be seriously advisable. Even for some of the hikes which are just a couple of miles in distance, the fact they are on rocky terrain and perhaps on an incline means that it will stress your body to surprising lengths. Bearing this in mind, make sure that your training replicates this; if you are running, turn to a treadmill with the incline option (if you can’t train outdoors).

While cardio is probably the most important form of training, you shouldn’t neglect the weight training element either. If you are spending a day, or maybe longer, on a hike you will need substantial supplies. This is where your back and shoulder muscles really will have to be in shape – and this should be incorporated into your training plan. As well as this, training your quadriceps and core is important, and will again provide you with the necessary power for the hike.

As well as fitness, you should also be aware of your nutrition. During the walk itself, complex carbohydrates are going to help no-end and will provide you with that all-important energy. Make sure you avoid sugary snacks as while you will gain that initial peak in energy, it will soon dwindle and you will be left feeling worse than before.

We should also give a mention about clothing. Naturally, walking boots with ankle supports are absolutely essential when the terrain is anything other than flat, while you will need to ensure you are protected from the sun. While sun screen can do a good job in a lot of these cases, consider taking a scarf which can protect your head when the heat really does start to intensify.

A closing summary on hiking Tunisia

Hopefully, we’ve been able to demonstrate the immense potential that Tunisia has from a hiking perspective. As we alluded to in the opening section, this is a country which tend to be renowned for its beaches and typical tourist activities – but delve deeper into it and it becomes a true hiking hotspot.

At the same time, there is some general preparation advice you should attempt to follow. While simple hikes are unlikely to pose any risk to your health, once you step things up a gear you really have to make sure you are in shape and your body is able to cope with the demands.

For years, Tunisia was a tourist hotspot for the UK. Tour operators around the country could market and sell trips to Tunisia at ease; it had the weather, the beaches and of course fantastic culture.

Then, everything changed. The moment an ISIS gunman stepped onto a beach and killed 38 people, the tourism market effectively shut down. It shut down to such an extent that the Foreign Office even advised against travel there, as the risk of further terrorism attacks occurring was so high.

Since then, you have had to search high and low to find any tourist on vacation. Fortunately, several years on from the deadly event, things seem to be changing. Tour operators are starting to open up Tunisia back to the UK market, and this is hopefully the start of a long-awaited return for the Tunisian tourism industry.

The attack that changed it all

In 2015, a Tunisian jihadist walked onto a beach in Sousse, with an assault rifle disguised in a parasol. From then on, the events are catastrophic. 38 people, with 30 of these said to be Britons, were shot dead.

In the midst of it all, the police took an age to arrive. Local Tunisians tried their upmost to stop him from causing more destruction, going as far as forming a human shield to stop him progressing to other resorts.

In the end, the man behind the attack, Sifeddine Rezgui, was forced into a backstreet. The police shot him dead and as a reminder to all, the bullet holes are clearly visible in the wall that provided the backdrop for the finale.

While this is the attack that might have captured the headlines, it’s also worth mentioning that Tunisia was targeted just three months prior to this at the Bardo Museum in Tunis. On that occasion, 22 people died.

While Tunisia could hardly be classed as a peaceful country following the 2011 Revolution, to say that it shocked the nation would be a gross understatement. To put the impact on tourism into perspective; in 2014 the country accepted 430,000 visitors from Britain. If we look at the figures from last year, this was down to 28,000.

2018 is the year where normality is returning

Fortunately, nearly three years on from the tragedy, things look to be on the mend. Sure, it’s going to take a significant amount of time before the hundreds of thousands of visitors that regularly trekked to Tunisia are back there.

However, one of the UK’s largest operators, Thomas Cook, is preparing to launch flights from Manchester, Birmingham and Gatwick again. Furthermore, all of these flights are fully booked. Then, if we turn to another operator, TUI, they are preparing to relaunch in May this year.

Of course, it’s not all good news. While this is certainly promising, in the case of Thomas Cook, it is still expecting just one quarter of the people who traveled to Tunisia in 2014.

The advancements of Tunisian security

The main reason tour operators are regaining confidence in Tunisia is because of the huge advancements in the country’s security. It’s advanced to such an extent that the UK’s Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has even recommended that the Foreign Office lift their travel restriction to the country.

These security advancements arrive in multiple forms as well. For example, Britain has played a huge role in helping the country redo their entire security systems at the country’s major airports including Tunis, Monastir, Djerba and Enfidha. As part of this work, they have installed explosive detection systems, while the National Guard has been aided by the Ministry of Defense in relation to port security.

MI6 has started to pass on more intelligence information to the country, while France is also providing assistance in the form of firearms training to the police.

It’s not just the main transport hubs and authorities which have been targeted by these advancements in security though. For example, counter-terrorism detectives from the Metropolitan Police have traveled to train hotel staff and help them identify what “suspicious” activity really looks like.

Then, if we turn to the beach itself where the tragedy took place, this is now heavily guarded. In some areas, over 60 CCTV cameras are in place, while the police are on standby in case of any disturbances.

The patrols along borders are much more extensive as well. For example, at Ras Ajdir, 10% of vehicles are searched based on profiling. This profile involves American X-ray scanners, which are able to see inside the vehicle. Clearly, this offers a huge security advantage.

On the subject of America, alongside Germany they have been able to help Tunisia build a 120km wall which runs alongside the Libyan frontier. They are also looking to introduce drone patrols to heighten security in this area.

All of this means that Britain is satisfied that Tunisia is a safe place to visit, and actually encourages its people to make the trip and enjoy its fabulous culture.

When travelling to another country, there’s going to be different standards, laws and regulations for pet owners. This can depend on your country of origin and what kind of pet you have. Some pets may not even be allowed into the country. It’s very vital and important to make sure you check ahead of time and get all the necessary documents filled out so you won’t run into any issues when you get to the airport and your pet arrives. Failure to do so, may result in the isolation of your pet in some countries and some countries may even put the pet down if it’s believed to be a threat.

Relocating a pet isn’t easy and it can be a long road if you don’t plan ahead. There are companies that do provide pet relocation consultations and services, so for the best possible outcome and to make sure you have everything you need, you may want to contact a company that provides these services and make sure they import to Tunisia.

A lot of countries in Europe will require pets to have a very specific model of microchip installed but Tunisia doesn’t require a microchip at all. Even though it’s not technically required, we highly recommend that you have a microchip in your pet in case your pet is lost and this will make it far easier to find the owner when the pet is found.

What if I’m Entering Tunisia By Air?

The only airport that pets may enter into Tunisia through is the Tunisia Carthage International Airport. You can either put your pet into the cabin, put them in air cargo or in some cases, they can be taken onto the plane as checked baggage. However, you should have any kind of identification signifying that is your pet handy with you at all times.

Parasites & Diseases

One of the key requirements is to make sure your pet is free of any diseases or parasites that can be transferred to humans. Under no circumstances will Tunisia allow a pet into the country that is found with any of these parasites, so this is requirement number one. You’ll be required to present an international health certificate which must be issued by a licensed veterinarian from the issuing country. This certificate will declare that your pet does not have any transferable diseases and is healthy for travelling.

Vaccinations

All of your pets should be vaccinated for rabies 30 days prior to entering into Tunisia. There’s two different places where you can prove the rabies vaccination: There’s a separate certificate or you can attach it to the immunization record that you are required to bring.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

If you have an unconventional pet that’s not considered a household common pet, you’ll want to make sure it’s not protected under the CITES act. Almost every country in the world participates in this act and if you do own a pet covered under the CITES act, you will more than likely need to contact Tunisian authorities to find out what further documentation or paperwork needs to be done, if they’re allowed into the country.

Pet Passport

All of the combined certificates will act as your pet’s passport when you enter into Tunisia and you shouldn’t lose them. When you come to Tunisia, you’ll more than likely want to land ahead of time of your pet because these requirements must be presented before they’ll let your pet into the country.

All of these requirements mainly apply to dogs and cats, the basic common household pets. However, if you have other pets like mammals, fish or birds, you won’t need to get a rabies vaccination. Even without the requirement of a rabies vaccination, you will still need to have a health certificate on hand that proves they are free of any diseases that would prohibit them from entry into Tunisia.

Rabies Titer Test

You don’t need to have a rabies titer test done to get your pet into Tunisia. This rule applies to any country of origin.

Do I Need an Import Permit?

No. You will not be required to show an import permit when your pet is travelling to Tunisia, as long as it’s a personal pet.

These requirements and regulations change all the time, so you may want to contact a pet relocation service to ensure your pet is safe for travel and that you meet all of the requirements to get your pet into Tunisia. Proper planning and finding out what you need a head of time can save you a hassle and a whole lot of headache. It’s too common in Europe that pet owners come unprepared without the required documents and their pets end up either being sent home or put into localized isolation for 30 days to verify they’re safe for the country.