Carthage, Dougga, Chebika, Sahara
Welcome back. If you read Part 1 of the Tunisia Recap Series, you already know Tunisia didn’t ease us in. The Bardo Museum educated our whole soul, the Medina ran us through twists and turns, and Sidi Bou Said served every season in two hours.
Now in Part 2, Tunisia shifts from history into adventure and mild chaos. And Day 3 started strong with two major historical sites that deserved their own spotlight.
Day 3: Carthage, Dougga, and the Road to Kairouan
We started the morning in Carthage, standing in a city powerful enough to make Rome nervous. Hannibal, strategy, innovation — this region shaped world history long before Europe claimed the credit. Walking through the ruins, you can feel the weight of what once was.
Next was Dougga, a city so well preserved it looks like time simply paused. The Roman theater, Capitol, temples, and baths sit high on a hill with panoramic views that stretch for miles. It’s grand, unapologetic, and one of the best examples of North African Roman architecture still standing.
After Carthage and Dougga gave us beauty and perspective, we headed toward Kairouan — and that’s when the cold decided to drag us. We stepped off the bus layered like we were preparing for an Arctic expedition.
Kairouan, the fourth holiest city in Islam, greeted us with history and depth. The Great Mosque of Oqba Ibn Nafi is enormous and older than most architecture the Western world calls “ancient.” But the real moment came from our guide breaking down what Islam actually is. Not persuading. Not preaching. Just correcting what many have been mis-taught. Hearing that inside one of the oldest mosques in the world hit differently.
From there, we began the drive toward Tozeur, where the scenery slowly shifted from city to mountains to desert. Tunisia was changing around us, preparing us for what was coming next.
Day 4: Chebika, Tamerza, Mides, and the Star Wars Set
This day was a full production based on our antics. lol
Chebika tried to take people out before we even started climbing. One of the ladies staged an entire documentary intro — dramatic voice, perfect angles — and later admitted she never pressed record.
Tamerza gave us waterfalls and sweeping mountain cliffs.
Mides Canyons delivered those deep, dramatic landscapes that stop you mid-step.
Then came Ong Jemel, home of the Star Wars desert set. Even the non-fans had to pause and take it in.
Dinner brought chaos and comedy. Someone ordered Moscato; they brought Muscat. Her facial expression alone deserved an award.
Then I embarrassed myself by giving a tip with what I thought was 40 dinar. It was 0.40. Forty cents. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me.
That dinner took all of us out in different ways. And just when we thought the day had done enough, the Sahara said, “My turn.”
Day 5: Sahara Arrival and Camel Personalities
We reached Chott el Djerid, the giant salt lake that looks like a mirage stretching into forever.
Lunch in Douz, a walk through the souk, and then it was time for the main event.
Camel riding.
Naturally, we named them:
Unruly, White Chocolate, D’Angelo, Milli and Vanilli, and Sweatpea.
Every personality showed up.
The ride into the Sahara was peaceful, steady, and surreal. We reached the dunes just in time for sunset — one of the most breathtaking moments of the trip.
Camp hit us with cold air, camel stew, and drumming that echoed through the night. Tunisia was giving drama, beauty, and storytelling material all at once.
Part 3 is where the Sahara truly humbles us. Stay tuned!
Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure?
If these stories have you imagining yourself climbing canyons, laughing through mishaps, or riding camels at sunset, you’re not alone. Whether you want a curated group trip or a personalized itinerary, I handle the details so you can enjoy the experience.
No stress. No confusion. Just seamless travel.
Contact us to start planning.
Travel is about the experience, not the hassle. We make sure of it.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor