The Reptiles & Amphibians of Tunisia

Summary

Following the great success of our 'Reptiles & Amphibians of Morocco' holiday, we are delighted to announce a new herpetology-focused tour to North Africa – created in partnership with in-country herpetologists – to search for Tunisia's diversity of reptile and amphibian species.

From the lush Mogods Mountains to the arid dunes of Jebil National Park, we have the chance to observe a wide array of species in their fascinating North African habitats. Led by experienced guides, this holiday provides opportunities for night-time discoveries and immersive cultural experiences, ensuring a rewarding adventure for naturalists of all levels of experience in herpetology tour participation.

The holiday begins with an arrival in Tunis and a transfer to Nefza, where we base ourselves for an exploration of the Mogods Mountains. Here, we can expect to encounter Mediterranean species such as Mediterranean Painted Frog alongside specialities including Algerian Ribbed Newt and North African Ocellated Lizard plus many others. The following days focus on the Kroumerie Chain and the forests around Ain Draham, rich in species diversity including Western Snake-eyed Lizard and such snakes as False Smooth Snake and Eastern Montpellier Snake.

As the journey heads southward, we will explore desert and semi-arid ecosystems, including Bouhedma National Park and the iconic Chott el Djerid. These locations offer the chance to find such sought-after species as Egyptian Cobra, Moorish Viper, North-east African Carpet Viper, North African Spiny-tailed Lizard, and several gecko and skink species. Jebil National Park and its surroundings, explored by 4WD, promise some fine wildlife-watching, and we will search keenly for Desert Monitor here, with nocturnal searches highlighting such fantastic species as Desert Horned Viper and Sahara Sand Viper. Basing ourselves here for two nights in the remote Tembain fixed-camp further enhances the desert adventure, combining stunning vistas and night skies with our expert-led exploration.

The tour concludes with visits to Tataouine and Guermessa introducing more desert-adapted species, including the rare Peters' Banded Skink and Werner's Diadem Snake. Cultural landmarks like the Ksar Ghilane Oasis enrich the journey, bridging the natural and human heritage of Tunisia. After a final night on Djerba, an island off the east coast of Tunisia, known for its Mediterranean beaches and picturesque whitewashed houses, it will be sadly time to return home.

• Search for the incredible Cerastes vipers; Desert Horned and Sahara Sand
• Moorish Viper and North-east African Carpet Viper are a real possibility
• Search for Algerian Ribbed Newt, one of the continent's few caudate species
• A great opportunity to find the sought-after Desert Monitor
• Exciting mammals and birds likely to include Scimitar-horned Oryx, Greater Hoopoe-lark, Maghreb Wheatear and Cream-coloured Courser
• Led by an expert local naturalist and Naturetrek herpetologist