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After we began wanting into doing a Star Wars tour in Tunisia, we instantly discovered an organization that shall stay anonymous (however is well google-able) providing Star Wars excursions by Tunisia for a really bonkers amount of cash. This firm expenses round $2900 USD ($4600 AUD!!!) per individual for a 6 day journey!
That signifies that it will’ve price Dad and I over $9000 AUD for the journey and there was simply completely no manner we have been going to half with that kinda money after I was so certain that we may do a DIY tour for a fraction of the price.
After doing a bit of little bit of analysis on renting a automobile or reserving a non-public information I ended up deciding to do the latter. We had had such a optimistic expertise with our native information after we visited Syria and thus it simply felt like the correct choice. I discovered quite a few glowing suggestions in a distinct segment Fb group that I’m part of for a information named Jamel and wasted no time in contacting him on Whatsapp.
I informed him that we needed a Star Wars based mostly tour, gave him our dates and inside 24 hours we had booked! Jamel charged us $1620 USD complete for a 7 day journey (though this worth didn’t embrace lodging) which appeared like an absolute cut price.
I’ll record his contact particulars in ‘The Lowdown’ on the finish of the publish, however for now, let’s get into the itinerary!
Variety of Star Wars filming places: 3
Full disclosure, we spent our first day in Tunisia driving from Tunis to Djerba through El Jem. In case you are quick on time or just simply need to see Star Wars issues and have little interest in different Tunisian marvels then I’d suggest flying instantly into Djerba to begin your journey. Nonetheless, in case you are a sucker for an amazingly nicely preserved Roman damage then the journey to El Jem is nicely price it – click on right here to examine that journey.
Sidi Jemour aka Tosche Station – Episode IV
The primary of three spots you’ll go to on today is Sidi Jemour Mosque, which was used to movie the Tosche Station deleted scene in Episode IV: A New Hope. Although this scene didn’t make it into the ultimate lower of the movie, it’s nonetheless nicely price a go to and you may watch the deleted scene on Youtube.
Ben’s Home – Episode IV
Used to shoot the exteriors of Obi-Wan’s dwelling on Tatooine, this deserted constructing was as soon as a spot of worship and is now used as shelter for fisherman who cross by. Regardless of its lack of repairs and upkeep, it appears to be standing the take a look at of time comparatively nicely.
The Cantina – Episode IV
The third and final Star Wars filming website for the day is the Cantina in Ajim village. Sadly, this website has fallen into full disrepair due to an absence of upkeep by the native governate. Although it’s fairly actually plagued by litter (say that thrice quick) it was nonetheless price a quick go to.
Variety of Star Wars filming places: 2 + one disputed website
Day two is all in regards to the slave quarters scenes in Episode I: The Phantom Menace. These scenes have been filmed throughout quite a few places and after leaving Djerba you may go to all three as you make your manner in the direction of town of Tataouine.
Ksar of Medenine – Episode I
Additionally generally known as Ksar Ommarsia, the Ksar of Medenine is centrally situated within the bustling metropolis of Medenine. This Ksar was initially a fortified Berber granary relationship again to the seventeenth century. It’s free to go to however there are just a few gents who nonetheless function their retailers out of this website and in case you are seeking to buy a memento I do know that these males would very a lot admire your corporation.
Ksar Hadada – Episode I
One other Ksar used to shoot the scenes set at Slave Quarters Row! That is the one one of many three ksars to essentially embrace the Star Wars vibes – there may be memorabilia throughout the place and you may even get your self a Yoda stamp. This website has been was an lovely resort however on the time I visited the house owners hadn’t get obtained the permits to truly open and host visitors – as soon as that is up and working I believe it will be such a cute place to remain!
Ksar Ouled Soltane – Episode I*
Okay, so there’s a lotta dispute about this specific ksar. Some individuals do imagine that this website was used for some background pictures in Episode I however it’s extra possible that this was a location that was scouted however by no means really utilised. Regardless of this, it’s nonetheless a vibe and half. Positioned very a lot off the vacationer monitor, this specific ksar is in attractive situation and aside from just a few artists that promote their work right here, you may just about assure that you just’ll have all of it to your self.
Oh, and it’s undeniably attractive.
Variety of Star Wars filming places: 1 (however she’s an epic one)
Resort Sidi Driss – Episodes II + IV
Resort Sidi Driss (additionally generally written as Resort Sidi Idriss) was the filming location for the interiors of the Lars dwelling. A lot of the unique set remains to be in place and it’s simply one of the iconic Star Wars spots in all of Tunisia.
We visited early within the morning and had the complete place to ourselves – totally pleasant!
Variety of Star Wars filming places: 5
Sidi Bouhlel – Episodes I + IV, additionally used to movie Raiders of the Misplaced Ark!
Sidi Bouhlel (also referred to as Star Wars Canyon or Maguer Gorge) is an unassuming gorge that’s well-known because of the truth that it was used to shoot plenty of scenes from Star Wars and in addition to movie some scenes in Raiders of the Misplaced Ark!
Accessing the gorge requires a brief however uneven stroll by an unmarked ravine to the opening of the gorge. There are two shrines within the space, principally simply don’t comply with both of the apparent paths to those shrines and you need to discover it with out challenge.
Ong Jemel – Episode I
This rocky outcrop and normal desert flat space was used to movie some time bunch of the pod racing scenes from Episode I – it’s a stunning spot and simply visited whereas heading onwards in the direction of Mos Espa.
Mos Espa – Episodes I + II
In case you don’t learn about Mos Espa what are you even doing right here?! This objective constructed set is situated in the midst of the desert exterior of Tozeur and is sort of probably one of many coolest deserted set items on the planet.
Accessing Mos Espa requires a 4×4 and somebody able to driving up and down some critical sand dunes, alternatively it may be accessed by dune buggy or by some motorbikes.
Entrance to the positioning is free however there are fairly just a few males which have arrange store spruiking their wares on this spot and they are often fairly persistent.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – Episode IV
These sand dunes have been used to movie the scene in A New Hope the place C-3P0 and R2-D2 crash land into the planet of Tatooine. As sand dunes are dynamic and ever altering you may’t go to the very same spot or dune the place this was filmed however the normal space remains to be price a glance, even when only for the dune bashing that ensues.
Lars Homestead – Episode IV
Your Star Wars adventures by Tunisia will hit an plain peak once you go to the Lars Homestead. Positioned in the midst of a salt flat, this igloo was used to shoot the exteriors of Luke Skywalker’s dwelling on Tatooine and it’s undeniably iconic.
If you wish to drive in, a 4×4 can be required, alternatively you would park on the highway and hike the 1km or so into the flat to achieve it.
I extremely suggest visiting at sundown for max wow issue!
By this level all of the Star Wars websites to see can have been seen, however you can find your self fairly a methods away from any worldwide airport. I extremely suggest driving from the Tozeur space to Kairouan the place you may discover the Kairouan Medina which is the place all of the scenes set in Cairo in Raiders of the Misplaced Ark have been filmed!
I additionally extremely suggest stops at Chebika Oasis, Zawiya of Sidi Sahib and the Nice Mosque of Kairouan.
- While you change international foreign money into Tunisian Dinar be sure that to ask for a receipt and hold it! The money change counters at Tunis airport will refuse to change Dinars for different foreign money with no receipt. Moreover, it’s unlawful to export any Tunisian cash from the nation, which suggests in case you are left unable to change your cash you’ll basically be compelled to throw it away.
- Tunisia is among the extra progressive nations within the North Africa area (abortion is authorized till 12 weeks gestation) however homosexuality remains to be criminalised and anti-sodomy legal guidelines and nonetheless enforced. As a homosexual lady I opted to archive all proof of my spouse from my social media pages earlier than I landed in Tunisia and opted to as an alternative discuss with her as ‘my husband’ – one thing I resent having to do however hey, within the title of security and all that.
- Drones are tremendous unlawful to import into Tunisia. I used to be actually nervous earlier than arriving as somebody I comply with on socials had all her digital camera gear confiscated at Tunis airport and was stripsearched and sexually harassed there. I late came upon that whereas she had an analogous quantity of digital camera gear to me, she was additionally carrying a drone which is probably going what led to her being detained and being subjected to such terrible remedy. She was completely not at fault for what occurred, no one must be subjected to such an expertise, however to minimise the probability that this occurs to you, depart the drone at dwelling.
- Bargaining is predicted with shopping for trinkets and souvenirs, but when the value appears affordable to start with contemplate whether or not you really want/need to haggle the value down additional – the common earnings in Tunisia isn’t precisely excessive and these individuals are simply attempting to make a residing!
- The principle languages in Tunisia are Arabic and to a lesser extent, French. Boning up on just a few key phrases earlier than your go to will make your travels rather more relaxed.
Excursions by Jamel: We completely cherished our journey with Jamel and actually couldn’t have requested for a greater information. We booked our journey with Jamel instantly through whatsapp messages, you may contact him by whatsapp on +216 98 202 283 or try his web site by clicking right here
Keep in mind: Tunisia could be very progressive in comparison with lots of its surrounding nations and ladies are free to put on no matter they need… however I nonetheless would suggest masking your knees and shoulders to keep away from attracting undesirable consideration
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