Tunisia - Orchids, Butterflies & Dragonflies

Summary

This unique 11-day holiday provides the rare chance to search for the orchids, butterflies and dragonflies of Tunisia and can be enjoyed back-to-back with our general natural history 'Tunisia' tour for a comprehensive study of this fascinating country's flora & fauna!

Our holiday begins with a 2-night stay in the coastal city of Hammamet, known for its sandy beaches and charming medina. Our excursions from here will target the Cap Bon Peninsula, including Korbus and El Haouaria, to search for such striking orchids as Pink Butterfly Orchid Anacamptis papilionacea subsp. grandiflora and Woodcock Orchid Ophrys scolopax subsp. scolopax plus butterflies including Austaut’s Grayling. The day concludes with local cuisine and hospitality at Hammamet.

Continuing north, we move into the Mogods Mountains, for excursions including Sejnane and Nefza. These areas host the aromatic Bug Orchid Anacamptis coriophora and such dragonflies as Algerian Clubtail. The lush, hilly landscapes of the Khroufa Natural Reserve and the Kroumirie mountains offer a perfect backdrop to discover orchids like Violet Limodore while enjoying the tranquil countryside near Bou Salem.

Heading south, using a flight from Tunis to the island of Djerba, our itinerary transitions to the arid yet striking landscapes of Douz, the ‘Gateway to the Sahara’. Visits to desert pools highlight specialised species such as Desert Bluetail and Desert Darter. A stop at Bouhedma National Park will further our semi-arid species and Tunisia’s ecological range. The cultural richness of Kairouan and El Jem, with its iconic Roman amphitheatre, adds a historical dimension to the itinerary before a final stop at Metbassta Wetlands.