If you’re looking for trails with a difference, the recently-opened TransTunisia Trekking Trail (4T) might be a perfect fit.
With 200km of trails in northern Tunisia, 4T is an eco-tourism initiative designed to showcase the stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Tunisia. Funded by the European Union and BMZ under the Tounes Wijhetouna Programme, and implemented in partnership with GIZ Tunisie, the mission is to develop a world-class trekking trail that attracts adventure tourists from around the globe.
A website and hiking app dedicated to the trail can be found here.
The app works in a similar way to many hiking apps – with a list of trails and a map showing each of the individual smaller trails that includes national parks and lakes. Each hike page includes highlights, distance and duration information, altitude changes, maps, and, importantly for a warm country like Tunisia, current temperatures, wind speed, and the times of dawn and dusk.
Another useful section, headed ‘actors,’ gives links to companies associated with the trails, such as lodging, food or experiences like ziplines, kayaking or a visit to an olive oil facility. The organisers of the trail intend for it to be eco-friendly, and also to offer opportunities to local residents and companies.
While the 200km of trails aren’t necessarily connected, the goal is to create several long-distance trails in the future. One of the app trails, from Beni Metir to El Moula Dam, is a three-day 55km trek.
Some of the hikes start in Zaghouan, about 1 hour by car, or a combination of train and taxi, from the capital, Tunis.
