The Storror Guide to… travelling Tunisia
We spent 11 days in Tunisia with no plans, no accommodation, and not knowing anyone. Despite the constant depiction of North Africa and the countries surrounding Tunisia as dangerous and volatile, it’s an incredibly friendly place. The people we met there were the best hosts we’ve ever had, bar none. The Islamic culture means they value guests massively, and treat you far too well! You might get some funny looks being pale (especially if you’re blond too) but it’s just intrigue, as tourism off the beaten track isn’t common.
Who should I meet?
There is an established community in Tunisia, it’s not huge, but exists. You should look up Tunisian Parkour Family if you’re thinking of visiting.
The guys are always happy to meet fun and interesting people, and to show you the best spots in their home towns. Speak to…
Ayoub Guezguez (Msaken)
Ben Saber (Sousse)
Salim Yamakasi (Hammamet)
Houssem Bougaddouha (Sousse)
Muhammed Parkour (Hammamet)
Where to train?
Tunis
The capital city is great for training, although you might have to catch a train and go out of the city centre. There is a great wall spot a ten minute train journey out. The spot follows the hill down the side of a block of flats, and seems to go on for ever. It’s a good walk from one side to the other. Full of catpasses, strides and plyos.
Hammamet
This is where we found the incredible roof spot featured in ‘Tunisia – a Spontaneous Storror Adventure’. Although Benj broke his ankle here, the spots are incredible. Get off the bus at the main souk, there is a walkway at the back where you can climb up. The majority of these roofs are super sturdy and safe, just be sure to check where you’re jumping. Generally the locals don’t mind, although you might get shouted at when running across the mosque. Definitely be aware that you are running in people’s gardens and living rooms so be considerate – lol.
Sousse
Another incredible unlimited roof spot. The souk in Sousse is massive, and their rooftops are the ultimate playground. The gaps are more spaced out than in Hammamet, so it’s less intense but still a great experience. You can literally go on for ever running and jumping, just make sure you remember the way back! We did get chased on these roofs at one point by an angry local so be careful. When doing the jump onto the roofs from the city wall, make sure you can do the jump back, as it’s bigger and harder!
Monastir
Monastir wasn’t incredible for training, but there is a cool castle to play on if you can avoid security. The real pull here is an epic cliff diving spot at the end of the beach, tonnes of different jumps ranging from around 3m to 6m. Nothing gigantic, but great fun for trying airtime flips.
What’s the weather like?
Fucking hot. You will be boiling.
What should I eat?
Tunisian street food is amazing, and unfathomably cheap. You can expect to have lots of different things wrapped in pizza.
If you want to experience real Tunisian culture, staying with locals is the best bet. There’s is a lot of couscous, and it’s generally quite spicy. Definitely have ‘Bric’.
Honey bread is questionable – personally I found it far too rich and disgustingly sweet, although others found it pleasant.
Stay away from the gone-off milk, which is apparently a delicacy but thoroughly horrible for us europeans.
