8-Day Volunteering Itinerary in Tunisia

  • Day 1: Tunis Medina
    15 minutes (4.6 miles) from Tunis-Carthage International Airport

    Start your trip with a visit to the Tunis Medina. This historic marketplace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to traditional Tunisian architecture, markets, and the Al-Zaytuna Mosque.

  • Day 2: Dar Sebastian
    1 hour (35 miles) from Tunis Medina

    On this day, visit Dar Sebastian, a cultural center that focuses on music, arts, and ecology. This center is run by volunteers and is a great place to learn about Tunisian culture and meet other like-minded travelers.

  • Day 3: Kairouan
    2 hours (95 miles) from Dar Sebastian

    Kairouan is considered the fourth holiest city in Islam and is a great place to volunteer at local organizations such as schools and orphanages. While you're there, visit the Great Mosque, which is one of the most important mosques in Tunisia.

  • Day 4: Sfax
    2.5 hours (110 miles) from Kairouan

    Spend your day in Sfax, a coastal city known for its traditional markets and historical medina. Volunteer at a local university or community center and make some new local friends.

  • Day 5: Djerba
    4 hours (150 miles) from Sfax

    Travel to the island of Djerba and volunteer at a turtle conservation center. The island itself is known for its beautiful beaches and the El Ghriba Synagogue, a Jewish pilgrimage site.

  • Day 6: Matmata
    2.5 hours (90 miles) from Djerba

    Visit Matmata, a small Berber town that gained fame for its unique underground homes. Here, you can volunteer at local schools and learn more about Berber culture.

  • Day 7: Dougga
    4 hours (170 miles) from Matmata

    Dougga is a well-preserved Roman city and one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Tunisia. Volunteer at the nearby archaeological museum or help with the preservation of the Dougga ruins.

  • Day 8: Sidi Bou Said
    2 hours (70 miles) from Dougga

    End your trip with a visit to Sidi Bou Said, a picturesque blue and white village overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Volunteer at a local animal shelter or take a cooking class and learn to make traditional Tunisian dishes.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tunis Medina (2-3 hours, free)
  • Dar Sebastian (3-4 hours, free)
  • Kairouan (3-4 hours, free)
  • Sfax (3-4 hours, free)
  • Djerba (4-5 hours, volunteer fees apply)
  • Matmata (3-4 hours, free)
  • Dougga (4-5 hours, free)
  • Sidi Bou Said (2-3 hours, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: Volunteer fees apply in some locations

Transportation

While some locations may be reachable by public transport, it is recommended to rent a car to have more flexibility and independence when traveling between cities. Car rental prices average around $35 per day, and the total cost for transportation during the eight-day trip would be approximately $280.

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Sahara Desert or the Ksours of Tataouine. If you have less time, shorten the itinerary and focus on one or two cities. Remember to dress conservatively, especially when volunteering in schools or mosques, and practice common sense safety precautions when traveling alone at night.

Airports

Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN) is the primary airport in Tunisia, located in the capital city of Tunis. It is only 15 minutes (4.6 miles) from the Tunis Medina, making it a convenient entry point for this itinerary.

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