We are pleased to introduce the Adventure and Outdoor Tourism Development project in Tunisia (AOTD Tunis), a collaboration between ATTA, the Ministry of Tourism, the European Union, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). 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
Just 50 kilometers from the capital city, Tunis, the Djebel Zaghouan mountain proudly dominates the landscape. At its feet lies the town of Zaghouan, serving as the gateway to various 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. It’s also renowned for its plants, with the dog rose (églantier) taking the spotlight each year. As a playground for athletes and nature enthusiasts, the area also thrives on crafts, offering diverse encounters and workshops. With its magnificent natural setting, Zaghouan provides a unique stop on a journey in Tunisia, with more exciting developments expected in the coming years. The preservation of the environment is a top priority for all local tourism stakeholders, making Zaghouan’s potential immense.
The Birthplace of Tunisian Caving
Caving opened Zaghouan to the world. In 1970, Mohamed Tiouiri from Arez (Association de Randonnée et d’Environnement de Zaghouan) introduced caving at the Maison des Jeunes (Youth House) and now offers this activity to both beginners and experienced adventurers. The caves on Djebel Zaghouan are quite technical, making it an exciting experience. Hiking, via ferrata, two zip lines of 100 and 160 meters, and a pendulum jump are also on offer. The Maison des Jeunes inspired others, including Mohamed Khomsi, a renowned speleologist who founded Zaghouan Aventures. They offer a range of activities, including canyoning, zip-lining, climbing, and caving, which can be experienced individually or as part of a discovery day.
Botanical Bounty
With around fifty wild aromatic plants and the celebrated dog rose, Zaghouan offers a wealth of opportunities for botanical walks, discovering essential oils, and making natural cosmetics. Manel Laribi, a young woman who recognized her region’s potential, returned to her roots to establish Aroma Oil. Open to all curious minds of all ages, she designed workshops for discovering plants and their properties, as well as mountain treks followed by distillation and the creation of cosmetics and floral waters. Her work focuses on plant valorization and the preservation of natural resources, which is deeply important to Zaghouan’s residents. It’s a fantastic example of aligning 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 4×4.
Another excellent example of a collective ecotourism project is the Résidence Sidi Medien residence, spread across an 80-hectare agroforestry estate filled with pine, oak, olive, fig, and aromatic plants. Here, you can explore accommodations, hike along three walking routes, participate in farming activities, and engage in weaving workshops. Reconnect with full presence by learning through your hands, getting them in the soil, and interacting 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.
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