Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Like Tree78Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #76  
Old 21 May 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 100
Thanks so much for taking the time to share the check-out info. We had a great time during our month in this wonderful country.

As for problems:
-My mule stripped the teeth off the front sprocket. Fortunately, we had a spare sprocket and the countershaft teeth were not stripped. We replaced the front sprocket on the side of the road.
- We were served a lamb meal at a 4.9 out of 5 rated restaurant. Unfortunately, one of the pieces of lamb meat had maggots in it! The restaurant was apologetic, tried to offer more meat, but we were done and left disgusted. At least the meal was free.
- While parked in front of a hotel entrance, we had a small folding spade stolen from a crash bag. The area was under security camera surveillance, but the cameras were not operational.
- I dropped my smartphone at a gas station, smashing the protective cover and screen. We replaced the screen at a smartphone repair shop in Tunis a few days later.
- The ferry from Tunis to Palermo was delayed for 11 hours. At least we had a cabin to catch up on our sleep.

However, these minor inconveniences FAR FAR outweighed the wonderful time we had in this North African country. I’ll be posting a ride report shortly…

Last edited by TravisGill; 25 May 2022 at 14:29.
Reply With Quote
  #77  
Old 25 May 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 100
Post Tunisia Ride Report - viajarMOTO.com

We didn’t plan to visit Tunisia. Morocco was on our sights for years, but after the third ferry cancelation in March and April of 2022, we decided to move on to the more “open pastures” of southern France, Corsica, and Sardinia. Halfway through our Sardinia wanderings, we were looking for a place to leave Schengen Europe for a bit to avoid exceeding our 90-day Schengen limit. A quick look at the map revealed Tunisia, and it was only a over-night ferry ride from Palermo, Sicily. Tunisia also doesn’t require a VISA for US citizens. Perfect! We scheduled our ferry with Grimaldi Lines, and began to prepare the rather complex entry requirements for our arrival on 26 April. We were eagerly looking forward to being able to experience our first north African country.

Check-in at Tunis:
This is a fairly complex process, made more difficult with extra COVID requirements. It was especially challenging for travelers, like us, who typically don’t book accommodations more than a day ahead. Read our check-in process on post #69, which was written a day after we entered the country.

Overview:
We spent 25 days in Tunisia, touring many sites, and experiencing the culture, cuisine, and people of the country. Our clockwise route around the country:

Fuel:
Gasoline for our motorcycles was very inexpensive, especially compared to Italy. In May 2022, we paid an average of 2.85 USD/Gallon (0.71 EUR/Liter). Fuel stations were plentiful, except in the southern portion of the country. There are many vendors in these regions selling fuel from containers on the side of the roads and in small villages. We didn’t use these vendors and only purchased fuel from stations. Many locals, especially on scooters, seemed to used these roadside vendors without reservations.

Money:
In Tunisia the currency is Dinars. At the time of our visit 1 USD=3.06 Dinars (1 EUR=3.22 Dinars). Credit cards are not regularly accepted. Cash still seems to be the norm in most of the country outside large cities. ATM machines were plentiful in the cities. Most seemed to limit the cash withdrawal amount to 300 Dinars, so we had to make multiple withdrawals from the same machine, and where charged a bank fee of 5-10 dinars for each withdrawal. Most ATMs didn’t print receipts.

Food: In general, it was ok. The quality of meat seems to be poor compared to western Europe. We have never been to Morocco, but were told by other travelers that the food was better in Morocco. We purchased a couple watermelons, from roadside venders, and they were some of the most delicious, and crunchy watermelon we’ve ever tasted. The small grocery stores stocked basics, but did not seem to carry meats and cheeses. Perhaps locals visit the butcher or specialty shops for these items?

Locals: In general, people were very kind and generous. Our first stop at a small grocery store on the side of the road, was especially memorable. After purchasing some water and cold sodas, we were asked about our trip from a couple who managed the store. We told them we had just entered the country and were excited to experience Tunisia. As we were leaving, the gentleman brought out two fresh oranges for us, and then his wife asked us to wait for a bit, while her husband ran down the road to purchase us fresh bread. It was still warm from the oven. We offered to pay for the bread, but they refused - It was a gift for coming to see their wonderful country!

Vendors, Guides, and Helpers:
Some vendors were basically opposite of generous and kind. They are snakes, that seemed to have no integrity for the sake of a quick dinar. Be weary of young men who say things like “Don’t you remember me, I’m your chef at the hotel?” They are liars, and will only waste your time by bringing you to a shop where you will be hassled to buy something. In general, a firm “no”, or just ignoring them, was enough to have them leave you alone.

“Guides” will offer their services and expertise at nearly every tourist site. Often they were so persistent that we just gave them 1 dinar to leave us alone. There was one incident where a guide on a scooter made us uncomfortable because he continued to follow us, and remarked that he would ensure our motorcycles were safe by watching them for us. There was something creepy about him. We firmly told him “No, thank you.” and left the area. He continued to follow us for another 3-4 km before I pulled over and asked him firmly “Why are you following us? We told you we don’t want your help. Please leave us alone.” He explained that many other tourists have used his guide services, and he did not understand why we were not interested. He left us alone after that. There was something about him that made us both uncomfortable, and we tend to rely on our instincts. This was the worst encounter we had with an overly persistent guide. I understand these people need the income from helping tourists, but we prefer to take our time, taking photographs, and casually walking at our own pace.

Helpers, at the border, where also a bit annoying. Often they spoke such poor English that they would not be of any help to us anyhow. The area around the customs checkpoint is full of many “helpers” directing us to fill out forms, and offering to watch our motorcycles for us while we walked to the various customs stations needed for entry. I found these men to be pushy, not very helpful, and demanding of money. They are not necessary - Just follow the locals, or ask help from uniformed officers.

Now for the wonderful memories! Here are 14 photographs that seem to highlight our memorable time in Tunisia. We’ll share a short story from each one:



We love flags, especially learning about the history of flags and their meaning. The Tunisian flag is flown all throughout the country and people seem rather proud of their nation. The red color represents the resistance against Turkish supremacy. The white circle, located in the center of the flag, represents the sun. The red crescent and the five-pointed star are two ancient symbols of Islam, representing luck and the Five Pillars of Islam.



The colorful and beautiful doors of many Tunisian homes are a delight to photograph. These designs have many meanings. For instance, the Hand of Fatima (or hamsa), depicted as an open right hand, represents blessings, power and strength, and is seen as a potent in deflecting the evil eye.



We really enjoyed walking through the various medinas of the cities. The early mornings were especially enjoyable - Where one could enjoy the brightly colored doorways, warn white-washed walls, and uneven cobblestone streets, without being hassled by too many merchants. Walking among these narrow streets, while the call to prayer was rhythmically sung from the minarets, continues to be an enjoyable memory for us.



The tourist sites in Tunisia were especially enjoyable since there were often no other tourists other than us. We visited ancient mosques, Roman sites, and traditional Berber homes, all without the concern of over-tourism. As a photographer, I especially, enjoyed having these places all to ourselves. Visit these sites early in the morning when the temperatures are lower.



The regions of Tunisia all have their distinct feeling and charm. We really enjoyed the southern regions where many Berbers continued to live in their traditional homes and villages. Many of these places were inspiration for the STAR WARS movies and the desert planet of Tatooine. Interesting enough, the real Tatooine exists in Tunisia, but it’s spelled Tataouine. We spent a night in the Berber home where the interiors scenes of the “Lar’s Homestead” where filmed for the movie series.



Although the Diar Omar was closed to visitors, it was enjoyable to park our motorcycles and capture the unique views of these century-old homes. We especially were interested in the history of the Berbers, which are descendants of an ancient race that have inhabited Morocco and much of northern Africa since the Neolithic times.



Our clockwise travels around the country included a stop at the Island of Djerba, where we enjoyed more STAR WARS sets to include the Mos Eisley Cantina and Sidi Jemour Mosque. The beaches in Djerba where also quite picturesque with wonderful views of the surrounding Mediterranean Sea.



The Granary cellars of Ksar Ouled Soltane and Ksar El Mourabitine were quite spectacular! We especially enjoyed the more remote Ksar El Mourabitine, which required a short drive up a rough dirt road to reach it. Entering the main doorway and having the more than 180 rooms reveal themselves was a magical memory.



Having been a child in the 1980’s, I have a fond memory of the original STAR WARS movies. Reaching this iconic spot of the “Lar’s Homestead”, where Luke Skywalker looked over the horizon into the two setting suns of Tatooine was an iconic moment. The road to the site is on a dry lake bed that can be a bit salty and quite muddy, but the solitude was worth the experience.



Camels! It’s amazing that you can hop on a ferry from Sicily and then be in a country that is completely different than Italy, even though they are so close to each other. Riding along a desert road and coming across herds of camels was pretty memorable. This photograph was captured in the early morning, just after sunrise.



We reluctantly enjoyed a short camel ride while visiting the filming site of Mos Espa. These are amazing animals that have many adaptions for living in the harsh desert environment:
• Large, flat feet - to spread their weight on the sand
• Thick fur on the top of the body for shade, and thin fur elsewhere to allow easy heat loss
• Very little water loss through urination and perspiration
• Slit-like nostrils and two rows of eyelashes to help keep out sand.



The elaborate film set of Mos Espa is a well known and visited tourist site. We arrived early in the morning, just after sunrise, to enjoy the relative isolation and quietness of this iconic area that was built for the filming of the 1999 release of STAR WARS: The Phantom Menace. A pretty cool area, despite the harsh desert heat and blowing sands slowly degrading many of the buildings.



Visiting Roman sites in Tunisia is especially memorable because they are well preserved and do not have the problem of over-tourism. It was amazing to walk among these 2,000 year old structures and marvel at what life might have been like living as a Roman or as a visitor to these flourishing towns. We visited the Roman sites of Ruins of Sufetula, Bulla Regia, and Dougga.



We’re fascinated by geographical extremes, especially extremes that are reachable by a motorcycle. The two-hour ride to visit the northernmost point of continental Africa - Cape Angela, was worth it. Someday we’ll make it to Cape Agulhas - the southernmost point of the African continent.

Final thoughts:
We almost avoided visiting Tunisia because of the advice of others. Some of this advice was outdated or came from news sources that exaggerated problems that exist in the country. For instance, we were told that corruption is so severe that there is a high probability that you will be taken advantage of. Political turmoil, food shortages, and terrorism would also make travel in this region very dangerous. We didn’t experience any of these things. Perhaps we were lucky? Perhaps these problems are not as prevalent as outside media would seem to indicate?

We’re extremely grateful for the comments and advice of people who actually live in Tunisia, currently traveling, or had recently traveled through the country. Your comments were vital in changing our minds about entering the country. We now have hundreds of wonderful photographic memories of our time in this exciting, vibrant, and wonderful country. Thank you.

About Us:
We are Travis and Chantil, and started full-time motorcycle overlanding in early 2020. We plan to continue traveling until we see as much of the world as we can. You can follow us on our website: www.viajarMOTO.com, and on Patreon, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
Reply With Quote
  #78  
Old 25 May 2022
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Montreal,Canada
Posts: 39
while in Portugal recently, I met one of the consular staff of the Tunisian embassy to Portugal during an event. I chatted with him for over 2 hours and was left with the impression that Tunisia is a country that I must soon visit.

Thank you for sharing your impressions.

Paulo
Reply With Quote
  #79  
Old 25 May 2022
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Newport
Posts: 65
Quote:
Originally Posted by TravisGill View Post
We didn’t plan to visit Tunisia. Morocco was on our sights for years […]
Great stuff! Thanks for sharing. I hope to get there soon!
__________________
Allan - WorldRider
2005 - Adventure & Discovery - 2008 http://www.worldrider.com
Reply With Quote
  #80  
Old 26 May 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: VT
Posts: 13
Great summary and pictures. I visited Tunisia also in 2019 along roughly the same route as yours. I rode my bike to Cape Angela also and parked it directly on the platform with the sculpture. Did you see the guard in the the little shack nearby? I didn’t see him and then he came out to ask me to move the bike!
My experiences were largely the same as yours. I also used the same round trip ferry from Sicily.

Dan

Reply With Quote
  #81  
Old 26 May 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 100
Quote:
Originally Posted by rydz View Post
…left with the impression that Tunisia is a country that I must soon visit. Thank you for sharing your impressions.
Paulo, I’m sure you’ll have a great experience. Glad I could help.

Quote:
Originally Posted by WorldRider View Post
Great stuff! Thanks for sharing. I hope to get there soon!
Allan, No problem. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!

Quote:
Originally Posted by vtbeemer View Post
…I visited Tunisia also in 2019 along roughly the same route as yours. I rode my bike to Cape Angela also and parked it directly on the platform with the sculpture. Did you see the guard in the the little shack nearby? I didn’t see him and then he came out to ask me to move the bike!
Dan, It’s nice to know that COVID hasn’t drastically changed Tunisia over the past two years. There are rocks piled up by the little beach shack now so we just parked near the shack and walked the 50 m to the monument.
Reply With Quote
  #82  
Old 26 Jul 2022
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 28
Permission

Hello ,

In december we want to visit tunisia with our own car that we are going to take from sicily

I would like to know currently if to visit matmata and get to ksar ghline you need a permit, you need to go with an agency or you can visit on your own

thank you
Reply With Quote
  #83  
Old 17 Nov 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3
In november, ksar ghilane and matmata were easily accessible by road. Afaik no permits needed.

Last edited by firewout; 17 Nov 2022 at 05:51.
Reply With Quote
  #84  
Old 4 Jan 2023
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 1
Tunisia

Hi,Sahara-Maniacs,i want to travel to Tunisia in March `23 by own car/bike. Has anyone used the ferry from Genua to Tunis the last weeks/months?
Had anyone a bad feeling to travel around there? Thanx for your comment ! Greets from Frankonia ;-)
Reply With Quote
  #85  
Old 20 Jan 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Ethiopia
Posts: 182
Im in Tunisia right now, you should go!
Reply With Quote
  #86  
Old 24 Jan 2023
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Riga
Posts: 9
Tunisia/Algeria

Hi!
As I understood - you are on a trip now in Tunisia or Algeria?
We plan to go there in February. Our plan is to come with ferry from Palermo to Tunisia, then Algeria (visas are now in process), then leave with a ferry to Spain.

My main question is - how it is with all bike Custom things? For bringing the bike in to Tunisia, then to Algeria? Was it hard or easy? Did you get some problems? Any suggestions?

Another question about some obligatory guidances in some areas? Are there places where we must have a local guide? Is it possible to enter Algeria without a guide at all?

Thanks,
Martins (from Latvia)
Reply With Quote
  #87  
Old 24 Jan 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Ethiopia
Posts: 182
Quote:
Originally Posted by msi999 View Post
Hi!
As I understood - you are on a trip now in Tunisia or Algeria?
We plan to go there in February. Our plan is to come with ferry from Palermo to Tunisia, then Algeria (visas are now in process), then leave with a ferry to Spain.

My main question is - how it is with all bike Custom things? For bringing the bike in to Tunisia, then to Algeria? Was it hard or easy? Did you get some problems? Any suggestions?

Another question about some obligatory guidances in some areas? Are there places where we must have a local guide? Is it possible to enter Algeria without a guide at all?

Thanks,
Martins (from Latvia)
Hi I suggest you read this post: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...algeria-103794

Read the first post, and the later posts and things should be pretty clear.

I think you need guide if you go to the far south, but you should be fine if you go to the middle of the country.

Customs can take some time, but it's easy. As long as you have a valid visa for Algeria, everything will be fine. Tunisia you don't need a visa from EU.
Reply With Quote
  #88  
Old 5 Feb 2023
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2023
Posts: 1
Hi, a group of us from the UK are considering attending the FIM event in Tunisia in Oct 2023 but we cant find any sailings from France for October.

The various ferry company sites that sail from Italy are listing ferries in October so we are not sure if the French companies don't sail in October or if they have a winter timetable that comes out later in the year.
thanks
Reply With Quote
  #89  
Old 5 Feb 2023
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
I think it's a winter timetable that comes out later in the year.
I seem to recall this from years ago with the ferry lines from France.
They will definitely run in October, though Genoa is actually no further.
Reply With Quote
  #90  
Old 6 Feb 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Italy
Posts: 499
Does anybody has recent first hand info regarding voucher requirement when sailing from Italy?
Are vouchers still mandatory?

thanks!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Tunisia 2015 ra-mon Ride Tales 6 27 Oct 2019 05:00
Tunisia Rogue2015 Route Planning 2 29 Nov 2016 20:32
Full video of Tunisia Trip ralphhardwick 4 Wheels Travel Reports 8 3 Sep 2012 12:32
Tunisia - Two Week Bike Trip - Help! Guidance needed from those with experience. Conan_Easson Route Planning 3 2 Sep 2012 09:30
TUNISIA motorbike rental Lambert Bike Swap or Rent 0 28 Feb 2012 11:57

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:14.