My name is Oscar Scafidi and I love exploring Africa. I have lived, worked and travelled across thirty African countries, including kayaking 1,300km along Angola's longest river.
Between 2019 and 2023 I wrote the Bradt Travel Guide to Tunisia (1st Edition). I also filmed the entire experience, as I drove over 30,000km across all of Tunisia's 24 Governorates to find the best adventure and ecotourism opportunities this country has to offer. Join me on my epic adventure as I explore the country and show you what it's really like to be a professional travel writer!
I also use this channel to share hints and tips on getting into travel writing, exploring the lesser-visited parts of the world, as well as videos from my adventures outside Tunisia!
You can find all my books, films, podcasts, articles, social media and other links here: lnk.bio/ScafidiTravels
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This is excellent!! If I had all the time in the world, I'd definitely go because it looks hilariously awesome. But I don't have all the time in the world so your virtual tour will have to suffice. I absolutely loved it!
Glad you enjoyed it! Are you planning on visiting Tunisia at some stage?
Suivez toute l'actualité de la jeunesse et du sport à Sfax
Hello mr scafidi! I have been browsing through your luxury hotel reviews lately and I have been on par with almost all of your opinions/ratings. Hence I was wondering what you would say to the royal tulip korbous hotel that opened in 2022, but I wasnt able to find a review of yours... I am wondering now if you are planning on making such a review of said hotel since your opinion highly matters to me. Grettings from germany!
I have had friends stay there and say it is excellent! However, it only opened after I had finished doing the research for my Bradt Guide to Tunisia (I submitted the manuscript in 2022 and the guide was published in July 2023). So sadly I didn't review it for the guidebook or film it for my channel. I will definitely visit and review it on my next trip to Tunisia, whenever that might be. I'm glad you're finding the hotel review videos useful! www.bradtguides.com/product/tunisia-1/
Excellente vidéo Welcome to Tabarka welcom to tunisia my friend ✌️🇹🇳
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!
❤❤
Hi, we just returned from Tunisia hammamet area there are 2 puppies aged 6 months we'd like to bring back to the uk currently being looked after by the beach sports guys, their mum and older brother was unfortunately killed by police and they were kean for us to take them back to the uk, is there any advice on who we could get in touch with regarding this or the best way? Thank you
If you have the funds to sort this out yourselves, I'd suggest reaching out to Omar at Tunisia Expat Assistance. He's been through the animal export process before and can help: facebook.com/tunexpatassist If you would like help from a charity, speak to Mission Pawwsible. They do excellent work in Tunisia rescuing, rehousing and exporting cats and dogs: facebook.com/missionpaws
Thanks for the video ❤ Dougga was the first capital of the Numidian kingdom after the fall of Carthage Tunisia 🇹🇳
It was indeed. Fascinating to think that the Libyco-Punic mausoleum near the base of the hill was an ancient relic even at the time the Roman settlers were living there!
Thank you ! I always wanted to see this bunker … left Tunisia over 50 years ago… residing now in California. Thank you so much !!
Great to hear that my channel is helping people worldwide discover the vibrant history and culture of Tunisia!
Thelepte is kinda my hometown, we used to play soccer in the historic areas there, used some of those rocks as goal post. Also a lot of people go there to drink I did not know most of what you said, can't believe it took a guy to come all the way from Europe to tell me about the history of where I live haha
One of the aims of my guidebook is to encourage Tunisians to explore their amazing country more. Glad you found the video interesting!
Unfortunately, because it’s not in the city the government didn’t take care of it
This is a shame. But I am hearing reports of a few more visitors successfully heading out there in recent months, which is great news!
is it in the district of Al Mazzouna, Close to Meknassy.. so please specify the location. Thanks
All locations (including the exact GPS point of the entrance gate) are specified in my guidebook to Tunisia, which was launched worldwide in July 2023. You can even pick up copies in Tunisia, in Librairie Al Kitab! www.bradtguides.com/product/tunisia-1/ www.alkitab.tn/livre/9781784777517-tunisia-oscar-scafidi/ (note the price listed here is incorrect, the real price in Tunisia is 68DT)
Foreign ministry says to reconsider trips to Thugga and Sbeitla's governorates, is it really that dangerous or should i go?
Everyone's attitude to risk is going to be different. Dougga is considered safe, and I am not aware of any foreign government that suggests not heading to that area. Sbeitla is close to the Jebel Chambi National Park, which is an area of military activity, due to an ongoing low-intensity insurgency. However, the archaelogical site itself is well protected. For example, USAID launched their Visit Tunisia Project at the Sbeitla site in February 2022, despite it being on the US State Department's do not travel section of the Tunisia travel advice! I have been to Sbeitla on numerous occasions without incident. However, I suggest that you do your research before going, seek local advice and follow instructions of security forces in the area (if you go).
@@ScafidiTravels i was thinking of going tomorrow, asked 2 tunisians in Tunis and they both said it was safe, i'll definitely do Dougga, Sbeitla will depend on what time it gets once we are there since we will be driving from Tunis to Tozeur and definitely dont want to.arrive after night time, but its basically en route from Dougga so i guess we might as well. Thanks for the reply 😊
Security forces will keep a close eye on you while you're there, and will ask about your onwards travel plans. Very sensible of you to avoid driving at night!
You could see an ambush coming from a mile away in that country.
Yes, it must have been tough for the Tunisians fighting against French colonial forces. Likewise the Allied and Axis forces during World War II...
Hello! Thank you for the video! Quick question, how do I complete the pet health certificates for EU and UK. Or will the vet do it for me?
Your vet needs to do it. It's pretty straightforward. They're basically the same template. Here's the EU one: food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/non-commercial-movement-non-eu-countries_en Here's the UK one: www.gov.uk/government/publications/pet-travel-apply-for-a-gb-pet-health-certificate
@@ScafidiTravels Thank you!
How did you get on in the end Irina?
The Numidians built Dougga
Indeed. We have a temple there linked to Numidian King Masinissa. But it may be even older than that, linked to a local Amazigh population. So fascinating!
@@ScafidiTravels yeah true but we dont know the actual date when it was built But somewhere around 1st century BC The Problem is my Ancestors never wrote anything they didnt care about it So Our History is passed mainly oral
I am originally from Jama, (Zama now) my grandfather was living just in top of the ruins the whole area is still burried undeground, intact and it's very big. no one want to talk about it because of some laws in Tunisia that can send you directly to prison condemned by searching illegally for Treasures. one question here as a local is; if this whole area is burried and no one lived there after 202B.C: why thee's two different type of stones that belongs to two different times!
Fascinating stuff! Theft from Tunisia's archaeological sites is certainly a problem. I believe more needs to be done to protect them, and to involve local populations with their preservation.
How MUCH PER Night
Rooms from around EUR90 per night are being advertised on their official site: www.anantara.com/en/luxury-hotel-offers
@@ScafidiTravels Actually 259€ not 90€
Wow! When I posted it earlier the lowest price was EUR90, but you're right, it's shot up to EUR259...quite the increase!
Thank you for the video. I’m quite sad that the local government is not protecting the Phoenician ruins. It’s a quite rare site and should be even protected by UNESCO.
Absolutely! It is an amazing site. Lots of (hopefully sustainable) tourism potential there.
Film name's ??
The film I cut to in this video is called Patton (1970): www.imdb.com/title/tt0066206/
Sfax sucks! The only time your guidebook really mislead me. The medina is ugly, mostly "modern" buildings, most shops there were closed during my 2 days there (not official holidays), it was like a dead city. The walls were the only impressive sight there. The Hotel Medina was the worst budget place I stayed at in the country. I couldnt wait to leave, Sfax was the only place I wish I had skipped in Tunisia. Kairouan gets my vote for the most atmosphefic media in the country.
Always keen to hear reader feedback, although we'll have to agree to disagree on Sfax. I agree with you that Kairouan also has a very atmospheric medina. I found the old religious buildings in Sfax fascinating (including the two synagogues, the Greek Orthodox Church and the former Church of St Peter and St Paul). Likewise the Commonwealth grave site, with the even older Christian cemetery next door, with 100+ year old colonial graves. I could spend days wandering around the Medina looking at all the specialised souks (although I can understand how this would be boring if all the shops were shut!) Oh, and Dar Salma is one of my favourite Dars in that part of Tunisia. Did you manage to jump on the ferry from Sfax to the Kerkennah Islands? Have you shared a trip report of your visit somewhere? I would love to read it.
You on that wall was giving me vertigo!!!😅How much ive become dependant on handrails,bannisters as we call them!!😅😅
Yes Tunisia's archaeological sites are generally quite undeveloped. Amazing, as you can explore the ruins really well. But you need to watch your step!
@@ScafidiTravels Did you have a look at the mosaics in the Bardo!The finest concentration of these in the world but I know you know this.😁👍👍
It's a bit of a shame that so many of Tunisia's archaeological sites have had their most impressive pieces removed and placed in the Bardo. I saw a lot of gaps out in the field where statues, mosaics and architectural features should have been. But I understand that it is easier to protect them in the Bardo than out in some of the more remote sites in Tunisia, and ultimately it's about preserving as much of Tunisia's cultural heritage as possible.
@@ScafidiTravels It's catch 22.Remove it so its completely out of context or lose it in bits and pieces to criminals! I'm not sure if the house of the Gladiators is in Tunisia but I would imagine it's guarded.😁👍
Fascinating, cheers!😊First thing i would think is not tourists in the other car but Kidnappers!!!😮😮
Not much risk of being kidnapped while exploring Tunisia, regardless of your nationality!
Why isn't it a lake anymore?
Because at some stage a long time ago, water stopped flowing into the lake and evaporation did the rest. I think the jury is still out on the exact formation process, but it is likely that human diversion of water courses in the area played a role in these lakes drying out.
Hello, thank you for posting a definitive review of the drone laws in Tunisia. It is extremely helpful. I have a question though. I have no intention of flying my drone (DJI Mini 4) in Tunisia. However, I will be in Tunis to attend a conference from USA and will be traveling to Europe afterwards where I have the permission to fly the drone. If I declare it at Tunis airport, do I need to worry about getting it back when I depart? Thanks in advance...
I believe I have already answered your question in another forum, but here it is again for the benefit of other readers: Customs will take the drone away from you, for collection when you depart the country. This is a free process. However, it can also be very slow (especially when it comes to collection), and there is a small risk that you get a Customs agent who does not understand the procedure and thinks they have the right to confiscate your drone outright. I would avoid bringing a drone into Tunisia if at all possible.
Def found this useful, thanks for the content man, sent you an IG message wondering what the lawyer cost might be
Just responded, thanks for reaching out!
Where is that tank?
Near-ish Hammamet. Have a look at the dedicated video I made of that trip here on my channel. The video description has some more information for you.
When I climbed atop Mt Washington, that's how it was - you could not see a thing beyond twenty feet. By the way, a speaker of a small tribe in Northern Vermont, told me the Algonquin name for the mountain is Agioqochook. You guys should come climb the mountains of Appalachia. Come in buddy pairs because there are hostile predators occasionally.
I would recommend the hike down the canyon. You can see the exact point where R2D2 was kidnapped by the jawas and the place where Indiana Jones faces the Nazis with a bazooka. The hike is very easy and the best of the region. Thanks for having written this gide. It is very informative.
I went and stood on the point where Indiana Jones threatens to blow up the Ark of the Covenant. However, I didn't go down onto the canyon floor. Certainly looks like a beautiful spot for a hike, a little like Selja Gorge over in Gafsa Governorate. Glad you are enjoying the guidebook! Please consider leaving a review on Amazon or GoodReads if you have found it useful: www.amazon.co.uk/Tunisia-Bradt-Travel-Guides-Scafidi/dp/178477751X www.goodreads.com/book/show/89573560-tunisia
El Kobba is my father's workplace and back in the day I used to stay there from time to time. It's a beautiful place and the best part about it that no tourist knows is that there's an unexplored underground basement system that goes pretty deep under the museum and it's inaccessible to tourists. But the bad thing about the museum as a whole is that it's abandoned by the municipality which means it rarely gets any maintenance and another thing that you mentioned is the lack of information about the rooms which is true but back in the day there used to be a guide there (my mom) that explains to you everything about the museum's contents but that's no longer because she left and works for the municipality now. Otherwise you could've asked my father for any information about it and he'll be happy to answer your questions. Anyways good video and I hope that you enjoyed these visits!
Oh wow, thanks for reaching out! It is an incredible space, and as you say, a shame the local government does not offer more support in maintaining it. I definitely enjoyed all the visits. So many hidden gems in Tunisia's various medinas. Here is the fruit of my labours: www.bradtguides.com/product/tunisia-1/
Sfax Commonwealth Cemetery is where My late Mothers Brother lies. Pte George Keir Age 20 , 7th Bt. Black Watch, Royal Highlanders ( Scotland) he died in WW11 . 06/04/1943 I've been researching my Late Uncles Army History and your site came up in my search , and I cant believe how i was taken aback , you showed the up to date Cemetery with great clear commentary. Thank you so much . Georges grave has never been visited and his family have all now passed, for Years I have longed to visit , although I've been very fortunate to have travelled world wide , I've somehow always been a bit wary being a tourist in Tunisia without being part of a tour so to speak. Although I've been to Goa , Arizona , Cyprus, NZ, America etc without a tour operator. I really wanted to thank you for this great information , and I can see the War Graves are well attended to , that gives my heart peace . 💐🌺🌹
Thanks for sharing Phyllis! You could absolutely visit Tunisia independently. No tour group required. It is safe. It is a small country with a great road network, easy to drive around in a rental car, and the Commonwealth cemeteries are easy to find. Suggested itineraries as well as the GPS locations of the grave sites (and further background historical information) can be found in my Bradt Guide to Tunisia, which is available worldwide as a print or instant-download e-book: www.bradtguides.com/product/tunisia-1/
Suivez toute l'actualité de la jeunesse et du sport à Sfax
Love this video ahah especially the cats will be going in July can’t wait 😊💖
Great stuff, glad you enjoyed my video! For hints and tips on what to do in Djerba (and beyond), be sure to take along a copy of my Bradt Guide to Tunisia! www.bradtguides.com/product/tunisia-1/ (Also available on Amazon as both a book and e-book).
can I do this as a foreigner
Yes. You wouldn't need a Carte de Séjour as a Tunisian citizen.
thank you for the video, i visited this city many time , at anytime i feel is the first time i'm there, it is incredible, i don't kmow why the world don't give value for something unique like Sbeitla very huge and interesting, it is the biggest romain city in the world , im not sure but i didn't see any one more huge then Sbeitla...this city had rich history, it was the capital of many civilization in the past...in the past it was like a pradise in green area and near river with fresh air for this they choose it as strategic location
Yes you're right, Sbeitla archaeological site is absolutely amazing! No idea why it is not more prominent, both for domestic and international tourists.
Not Rommel's Kubelwagen. Besides I see so many things wrong with this KW... for example single wiper without engine... gaz tank seems to be missing... etc I couls make a long list. Looks like a replica or very bad restoration.
I am pretty sure it is a replica.
Scafidi is a Sicilian, apparently a Palermitan, surname. One wonders whether Mr. Scafidi had family living in Tunisia during the colonial era.
Yup, I had a lot of family in Sicily! In fact, I think my father was the first generation of our family born in mainland Italy, as opposed to Sicily. No idea if we have historic links to Tunisia though...
Going in June 🌞 was this room booked as pool view or partial sea view?
I am not sure! Looking at the reservation email, it just says "1 King Bed, 34 square metres m2 soundproofed room with a balcony." No mention of the situation with the views (it was booked via the Hotels.com App).
Magnifique hôtel 🫶🎉💐🌺🌹
Oui!
Why do you throw the books over your shoulder like that? That hurts a booklovers heart!🙈
For comedic effect. Don't worry, they landed in very long grass. No books were harmed in the making of this video!
😉😊😊🥲🤭I'm relieved. @@ScafidiTravels
Hey is this still valid?
Yes it is, although some of the tax exemptions relating to certain company structures have now gone. Get in touch with Hajer Hmila (contact details in the video) for more information.
Hi Oscar, I am making my way through your book and videos. One thing I cannot find (on google or social media either) is where to hire a 4x4 car from? I can find hire companies, but none with 4x4s. Can you shed any light on this please because I have spent hours searching and I'm coming up with nothing. Many thanks in advance. :-)
Hi, I think I may already have responded to your question via other social media channels, but for the benefit of other readers: I bought my 4x4, I did not hire it. Hiring a 4x4 in Tunisia is quite tricky, and most rental agencies will not give you one without a driver too, as they worry you'll lose it in the Sahara! I would recommend speaking to Omar over at Tunisia Expat Assistance. He has good relationships with various rental agencies in Tunis and will likely be able to help: facebook.com/tunexpatassist/
Thank you man for making this video and finally proving this video wrong kzread.info/dash/bejne/a4eg0syeZq_FdLA.htmlsi=m8btQ0PQG41I3q5N
The debate over whether the Battle of Zama actually happened seems to be a lively one, especially amongst Tunisians!
@@ScafidiTravels yep only biased 🇮🇱 archaeologists always disprove Romans 🙄
Thanks for the video. We too plan to stay overnight at Camp Zmela, hope we can get there from Ksar Ghilane with our touring bike. I made a reservation for a tent, with dinner and breakfast. We chose this one over the hotels at Ksar Ghilane having in mind the idea that is more remote and natural and less touristy, so we can enjoy the desert in peace. Did you like the camp averall? I mean conditions, food, vibes...is it worth the effort of driving there?
Yes, it is more remote. It is actually a few kilometers out in the desert, as opposed to on the outskirts of town like many others. The camp is clean and I like the vibe, yes. It is recommended as an Author's Favourite in my Bradt guidebook! You can drive there or you can get them to send a 4x4 to collect you from where the road ends in Ksar Ghilane. You will be able to get there on a touring bike as long as you follow the correct track!
@@ScafidiTravels Thanks! Looking forward to it!
Were you able to rent your vehicle there? I'm struggling to find a rental with 4-wheel drive.
No, sorry, I lived there for three years and owned my 4x4. However, speak to Tunisia Expat Assistance about long-term vehicle rentals (including 4x4s): facebook.com/tunexpatassist/
Or if you want to buy a decent 4x4, then speak to Big Truck Garage in La Soukra, Tunis: facebook.com/BigTruckGarageShop/
Parfait
Merci!
The lettuce (gift you received) it's a typical product of the region.. They keep their authentic paesan seeds and they gave you a precious symbol of their struggle against the seeds industry!!
That's awesome, thanks for clarifying!
Welcome @@ScafidiTravels.. Wish you always a special authentic trips <3
I am going to Tunisia in 6 weeks. Where do i book to get on this train?
I am not sure if it is up and running during the winter period. I suggest reaching out to this group. Think summer 2024 is when it is slated to restart: facebook.com/le.lezard.rouge/ But if you want to go and find the actual train, the location details are available in my Bradt Guide to Tunisia, which I suggest you pick up in print or e-book formats before heading to Tunisia! www.amazon.com/Tunisia-Oscar-Scafidi/dp/178477751X/
@@ScafidiTravels thank you. Let me check!
@@Dented_Battle_Armor I have also asked my followers on Twitter (twitter.com/BradtTunisia) and on Facebook (facebook.com/BradtTunisia/). Follow along to see if they respond with anything useful!
@@ScafidiTravels thank you very much sir
They should deffo open up more to nomads etc. I wouldn't consider myself a nomad but I can wfh for large chunks of the year & like spending entire an month across Europe usually due of the Airbnb monthly discounts. It's a great way explore/meet new people. Booked a month in Hammanent via 1 of the mainstream British holiday agents (never done a package holiday before bar with my parents as a kid) for a bargain £700-£800 (off-season) half board for 1 month in a great resort. Was blown away by the people, how cosmopolitan it is & as someone who loves deserts, the south. Morroco's nice but it's so mainstream & busy that I've literally bumped into several people from my small hometown there. Tunisia was a pleasant surprise, 3 hour flight, perfect timezone & likes of easyjet have expanded a lot both in terms of flights & holiday packages.
Totally agree. If they made it easier for people to get a residency permit (Carte de Séjour), perhaps even introducing a specific work visa category for digital nomads, I don't see why it wouldn't fill up with remote workers from Europe. It's such an amazing location, and conveniently close to major European hubs. I explain the process to get a How to get a Carte de Séjour (residency permit) as freelancer / self-employed person in Tunisia in this video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eYaIl8icYKnTZLA.html
Hi Oscar, the video is very interesting, is there a chance you can forward the position of the communed post as I am heading to tunisia this christmas and love to see both Rommel sites please.
Hello, all of the GPS locations for the (real) Rommel site and the other Mareth Line locations of interest are listed in my Bradt Guide to Tunisia, which is available to download instantly as an e-book, or from Amazon / direct from the Bradt website: www.bradtguides.com/product/tunisia-1/
Did you manage to get to these sites in the end? Hope it was a good trip!
Hi@@ScafidiTravels Yes I did, took me 5 hours there and 5 hours back as I was based in north Tunisia, spend an hour in the bunker, then I went to the museum and spend another hour there. its very interesting. I also been to Rommel's grave in 2010 in Herrlingen, but what I missed was Villa Lindenhof. Maybe next time when I shot off to Europe by car I surely pass through Herrlingen again.
@@homeriuk2569 Amazing, glad you managed to get to it!
Hey! My partner and I fell in love with a Tunisian cat when we were feeding the cats everyday at the marina. She lives outside the national guard and they were very friendly people, even brining us cakes after day four :)! We are now back in east anglia and are thinking how we could adopt her. Do you know any companies who would help to keep the cat for the four months whilst we get this ready!? 👌🏻😊
You should speak to Mission Pawssible in Tunis. They might be able to rescue it and get it fostered if you agreed to take it eventually: facebook.com/missionpaws/
Hello everyone i am from mareth and i spent my whole life here and i Can speak English, if you need any help i Can assist you
Hopefully you get a few more visitors, now that the line is mapped and publicized in my guidebook: www.bradtguides.com/product/tunisia-1/