We are pleased to introduce the Adventure and Outdoor Tourism Development project in Tunisia (AOTD Tunis), executed by ATTA under the "Promotion of Sustainable Tourism" project, implemented by the Ministry of Tourism with the support of GIZ and jointly funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and by the European Union as part of its program Tounes Wijhetouna - وجهتنا تونس. Within the heart of this initiative, 12 exceptional enterprises hailing from Tozeur, Zaghouan, Mahdia, and El Kef have been carefully handpicked to craft innovative, one-of-a-kind experiences and to partake in dynamic market activation endeavors.
These four regions are the playgrounds where adventure and outdoor tourism flourish, driven by a commitment to diversity, top-notch quality, cutting-edge tourism offerings, and sustainability. Through a series of articles you will learn more about these regions and this destination.
Zaghouan: The Capital of Ecotourism
A Hidden Gem
Have you ever considered Tunisia for caving, learning about essential oils and Mediterranean plants, or simply seeking a break in eco-friendly and welcoming accommodations? In Zaghouan, all these possibilities await travelers.
Just 50 kilometers from the capital city, Tunis, the Djebel Zaghouan mountain proudly dominates the landscape. At its foothills lies the town of Zaghouan, serving as the gateway to numerous excursions. The location is ideal for outdoor sports, especially caving, which has attracted experts since the 1970s and 1980s. Since then, trekking, trail running, climbing, and mountain biking have found their paths in this region. The region is renowned for its plants, with the dog rose being a star celebrated every year. Besides being a playground for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers, Zaghouan also boasts a rich artisanal culture that opens doors to various encounters and workshops. With its stunning natural setting, Zaghouan offers a unique stopover in a Tunisian journey and promises further development in the years to come, with the preservation of its environment being a top priority for all local tourism stakeholders. Zaghouan's potential is enormous!
The Hub of Tunisian Caving
It was caving that brought Zaghouan onto the world stage. The story began in 1976 when the French Alpine Club left equipment at the Youth House. In the 1980s, Kamel Gmati established the Zaghouan Caving Club. In 1994, Mohsen Kammar came to give rappelling technique lessons, and the adventure began. Training courses in initiation and first aid, with the famous Belgian caver Erik Vindenbrouk, complemented the club members' education. Since then, numerous expeditions in Zaghouan's caves have led to the opening of the Jebel Serj cave in Kairouan and even the extraordinary discovery of a human skeleton dating back 7,550 years. Mohamed Tiouiri of Arez (Association de Randonnée et d'Environnement de Zaghouan), an organization for hiking and environmental activities in Zaghouan, began caving at the Youth House and became the head of the caving club in 1996. In 2003, he founded Arez and now offers this activity for beginners and experienced cavers, as the caves on Djebel Zaghouan are quite technical. Hiking, via ferrata, two zip lines of 100 and 160 meters, and a pendulum jump are also on offer. Other enthusiasts have emerged, including Mohamed Khomsi, a renowned caver who founded Zaghouan Aventures. Their program includes canyoning, zip-lining, climbing, and caving, which can be experienced individually or together in a day of discovery for a more comprehensive approach.
A Concentration of Plants
With around fifty wild aromatic plants and the flagship dog rose of the region, Zaghouan offers a wealth of opportunities for botanical walks, discovering essential oils, and making natural cosmetics. A young woman, Manel Laribi, recognized the potential of her region and returned to establish Aroma Oil. on her home turf. Open to curious individuals of all ages, she has designed workshops for discovering plants and their properties, along with a mountain tour followed by distillation and the creation of cosmetics or floral waters. She works on the promotion of plants and the preservation of natural resources, which are dear to the people of Zaghouan. It's a great example of alignment with green tourism.
Eco-Friendly Accommodations
The choices here revolve around an intentional return to simplicity and practicality. The two highlighted examples have embraced the sustainable practices of the past, bringing back eco-friendly construction methods and local craftsmanship.
Amin Hasni of Domaine Ste Marie du Zit, located between Zaghouan and Mornag, has settled in this wild and historically rich mountainous area to live as naturally as possible. The two renovated houses now serve as guest accommodations and do not have running water or electricity. A spring waters the permaculture garden, while photovoltaic panels produce electricity, and a solar oven is used to prepare delicious meals. The 29 hectares of land, 20 of which are covered by forest, promise complete disconnection, where slowing down is not just a catchphrase. You can enjoy a challenging 10 or 20-kilometer sports trail that can be completed on foot, by mountain bike, or by 4x4.
Another excellent example of a collective ecotourism project is the Résidence Sidi Medien, set on an agroforestry estate of 80 hectares with pine trees, oaks, olive trees, fig trees, and aromatic plants. It combines accommodations, hiking on three hiking trails, agricultural activities, and weaving workshops. Reconnect with your presence by learning with your hands, getting your hands in the soil, and engaging with others.
The Zaghouan region offers the opportunity to escape from well-trodden tourist paths with an added touch of genuine hospitality. To learn more about this region and the AOTD Tunis project, visit Adventure.Travel.