Exploring places on foot has its own charm and attractiveness. Nothing can beat the adrenaline rush you feel when lacing up your hiking shoes and heading to a new place to be discovered. The Tunisian Northern west lend themselves to be explored on hiking adventures. And, we don’t want you to miss the hidden places where the charming scenery promises you the crisp air, the vast green landscapes and the serenity you may be looking for.
In a post-pandemic world, we tend to appreciate the relaxing moments in the bosom of nature. Eventually, travel changed a bit and people are looking more and more to explore countries differently. Travelers to Tunisia don’t make an exception.
As a newcomer to the country, we bet you want to give yourself the chance to reconnect with nature while exploring a new place, culture and habits.
Hiking in the north west of Tunisia is the perfect activity for nature lovers. Meeting people is great. Enjoying the rustling of trees, the silence of the plains and the singing birds is better.
WildyNess team rounded up a list of hiking trails we consider worth the sweat.
Forest of Nabeur: a Vast Mountainous Region
Occupying the whole west of Tunisia, Nabeur is a city attached to the governorate of Kef. Embark on a beautiful road with a panoramic view of the mountains all the way to Nabeur. Staying here is to be in the heart of a preserved nature in the main mountainous massif of Tunisia. The presence of agricultural land, characterized by a wonderful greenery, brings a sense of calm and vastness that is greatly enjoyed by hikers.
We advise that you check out the route before getting there. You can take public transportation, such as the train or bus, which will drop you off in the city center. For this, if you’re coming from Tunis, you will need to take the bus from Beb Alioua to Jendouba. After 2 hours and 50 minutes of driving, you will have to take a cab to go to Nabeur by the P17 road.
If you enjoy traveling by train, you can go to Barcelona station and take the train to Kef. The journey takes only 3 hours before you arrive in this beautiful region where you will have the opportunity to visit every little corner of this historic city. After a long walk in the city of Kef, you can take a cab to the forest of Nabeur, a journey that will take only 24min.
When traveling by car, it is advisable to take the shortest route. For this, take the A3 and P5 road for normal traffic conditions. Then, take the C78 and P17 road which will drop you directly in the forest. After 2 hours and 31 minutes of driving, park your car in a secure parking lot at the entrance of the forest and continue your way on foot.
You can also visit the Nabeur forest with the help of a group of experienced hikers to save time and spend a relaxing moment. This is the easiest solution and offers optimal security with a local guide that allows you to visit this magical place and enjoy every moment of it.
The Natural Reserve of the Peat Bogs of Dar Fatma
The peat bogs of Dar Fatma are located 12 km from Ain Drahem in the governorate of Jendouba. One of the main big four governomate that make up the western part of Tunisia. Covering an area of 15 hectares, this natural site is included in the list of wetlands of international importance. This alone can trigger your curiosity to visit it and take a walk in it. This rare biotope hosts uniquely particular fauna and flora. For nature enthusiasts, this is the place to be. And, it is located 25 km just southwest of Tabarka.
If you pick this hiking trail, embrace yourself to have a long walk before arriving at it. You need to take a small mountain road that crosses the village Le Col des Vents. This road is located on the path that connects Ain Drahem to Beja. It crosses forests of cork oaks and oaks-zeens. For people who enjoy the countryside and the natural sciences, this natural archive is very interesting.
This site of international importance is home to many endemic plant and animal species that cannot be found in other parts of the country. Dar Fatma tells the story of the dynamism of the local ecosystem. The vegetation of the clearing is composed of grass and aquatic plants. It is also an ecological niche for animals and many species of birds such as passerines and wood pigeons.
For the best visit of the peat bogs of Dar Fatma, it is recommended to make the visit with a group of hikers by bus. This is the safest way that will help you discover the small natural treasures of this extraordinary refuge.
The National Park of Oued Ezzen
Located east of the Tabarka-Jendouba road, Oued Ezzen is at an altitude of between 600 and 800 meters. It is crossed in its middle by the road Ain Drahem-Béja near the Beni Mtir reservoir. With a length of 6700 hectares, this national park possesses real ecological wealth with a unique fauna and flora. A fabulous land for nature lovers where the hiking takes place entirely in a wet undergrowth.
Arriving in Ain Drahem takes 4 hour by bus from Beb Alioua. It can be less if you have a car. Once you reach the last station, take a cab for a short 6 minute ride to the park. If you are by car, take the road from Beja to Ain Drahem via Amdoun and the small village of Tebainia.
The hike starts exactly at 36°49'29.7 "N 8°50'07.9 "E and takes place entirely under the coolness of the forest, walking between the cork oaks with whitish trunks and long branches of moss and ferns. The latter are majestically spread out on the branches of trees as well as an incredible diversity of mushrooms, offering you an exceptional and unique hike. You will also come across small waterfalls with clear and transparent water falling between the rocks.
The Sidi Selem and Oued Ezzarga Dam
Oued Ezzarga is a green and relaxing destination in the delegation of Testour. Having witnessed the battles of the Second World War, Oued Ezzarga is a city that still retains exceptional historical remains. The city is close to the Sidi Selem dam which is the largest reservoir in the country with a capacity of 555 million cubic meters for an area of 4300 hectares.
Known for its culinary specialties, make a point of visiting Oued Ezzarga in the spring or during the pomegranate season. During these periods, you can enjoy hiking and watching the wheat fields and smelling the scent of fresh grass and flowers.
Accessible by bus or car, this place offers a heavenly view of the turquoise water filling this breathtaking landscape.
Situated 80 km west of Tunis, we recommend that you go to this magical place via a hiking association. This allows you to ensure your safety and to benefit from a local guide to discover the small wonders of this destination.
What Do You Need to Bring With You for a Successful Hike?
Every time you go hiking, preparing your backpack is a real headache. It is essential to bring a backpack that is strong, light, resistant and, above all, not overcrowded. This step is never to be taken lightly and requires foresight and organization. The idea is not to take a lot of things, but to take the bare minimum to ensure your safety.
Clothing must be adapted to the weather conditions: take a fleece, a waterproof windbreaker, a poncho, gloves, a hat and sunglasses.
Hiking is a true sport. When packing your backpack, always bring the essentials: water, food, a first aid kit, sunscreen, sticks and a flashlight if you are going at night.
Also, having good walking shoes is extremely important to be comfortable and not to injure yourself. Regardless of the difficulty of the hike, the sole should be well sewn and non-slippery. To protect your calves, it is advisable to have high shoes. This allows you to avoid shocks and various traumas to the back and the joints.
Important Elements to Consider for a Hike
Before going on a hike, it is important to know the type of path you will be taking and to estimate the total duration of the hike. Vigilance and respect for safety instructions are essential. Also, find out about the route beforehand and where the nearest police station is located so that you feel safe.
Generally, organized group hikes are led by a local guide. This guide knows the path by heart and will help you follow the marked path. On the other hand, avoid going alone and be careful on tricky passages. It is important to have an assured step and not to be subject to vertigo and not to overestimate yourself. Also remember not to leave any waste behind you in order to preserve the fauna and flora.
Enjoy an Exceptional Nature Far From Your Everyday Life
Hiking is an extraordinary adventure that allows you to take refuge in the middle of nature. The secret destinations of North West Tunisia offer a feeling of relaxation and letting go of the hustle of your everyday lives. With the stress of everyday life, we need a little break from time to time to find our inner peace and disconnect. The forest of Nabeur, the peat bogs of Dar Fatma, Oued Zen and Oued Ezzarga are an excellent way to rediscover and enjoy the small pleasures of nature.
