Djerba, Tunisia
Horses
Type of horses:
Barb, Arab or Mogode pony
Nature of horses:
Calm but energetic
Height of horses:
13 - 16hh
Weight limit:
80kg
Tack type:
English
Weather
Current Conditions:
Partly Cloudy, 27 C
Forecast:
Fri - Sunny. High: 29 Low: 22
Sat - Sunny. High: 29 Low: 23
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Djerba Tour
2010 price: Based on shared accommodation
Full board:
January – April: £651 per person
May – September: £688 per person
October – December: £651 per person
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Tuition and explore
2010 price: Based on shared accommodation with full board accommodation with either 10, 15 or 20 hours of riding.
1) Ten hour programme per person:
January – April: £507
May – September: £548
October – December: £507
2) Fifteen hour programme per person:
January – April: £589
May – September: £631
October – December: £589
3) Twenty hour programme per person:
January – April: £672
May – September: £713
October – December: £672
Please contact office for adjustments for single occupancy.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Described by Simone de Beauvoir as the most silent place on earth Djerba's beauty is relentless. Surrounded by golden sandy beaches and encircled by the warm Mediterranean sea, Djerba is a small fertile island which whisks visitors back to ancient times with it’s unique architecture and untouched countryside.
Djerba is a small island off the coast of Tunisia. It is joined to the mainland by 3.6 miles of causeway built on Roman foundations. It is a flat island, surrounded by golden sandy beaches and encircled by the warm Mediterranean sea. The island is filled with lush vegetation, making it into a huge oasis. As well as it’s many flowers and trees, there are olive groves, fields of apricots, carobs, figs, grapes, grenadines, lemons mandarins, oranges and pomegranates covering almost every space. This wonderful array of flora gives the warm air a sweet scent. Djerba has 145,000 residences mostly of Berber origin. The architecture of the island is unique: dazzling white houses, with blue cast iron trimmings, and white domes surround courtyards filled with trees and flowers. These houses dazzle like jewels amongst the green countryside. They are also home to some 200 ancient mosques on the island. Some of the buildings are clustered into small traditional villages.
This unique riding club is in the south of Tunisia, and also the only club approved by the Tunisian Equestrian Federation. Located on Flamingo Bay, the club offers a safe and enjoyable way of exploring Djerba on a horse riding holiday. With an emphasis on enjoyable and safe riding, the club offers a five day tour of the island. You will be riding along a trail, however each night you will be returned to your chosen private accommodation.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Enjoy a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere. Your hosts offer attractive and well equipped villa options just a short walk from the beach and the the tourist areas nearby. Each villa has it's own private swimming pool, open plan kitchen, living room, bedrooms, bathroom, BBQ, terrace and veranda.
For couples and smaller groups there is also a double room available at the riding club. You have the convenience of living right next to the riding stables.
Tunisian food is savoury and spicy. Like many countries in the Mediterranean basin, the food is based on olive oil, tomatoes, spices, sea food and lamb. Cous cous is the national dish of Tunisia and is known as the best cous cous in North Africa.
On the tour, picnic lunches will be brought out to you each day, and in the evenings you will be free to explore the many delicious restaurants and cafes on Djerba.
Activities
There is plenty do explore and experience on Djerba during your spare time and for non-riders in your gruop.
The beautiful golden sandy beaches and the amazing flora of the island begs to be explored. Hikers can take long walks along the beaches and wind their way for hours through the countryside, passing through small villages along the way. Or if you prefer not to walk, you bicycles can be rented on the island. The simple unique architecture of the island can be explored, as well as visiting some of the 200 mosques enclosed within the white walls of the buildings. Shoppers will admire the bedouin silver jewelry, and enjoy haggling the markets. After a long days horse riding you will be able to relax your muscles in the turkish baths.
Further Details
Languages: English, Arabic, French, German
Health requirements: Fit and healthy
Age limit: No age limit as long as the rider meets the necessary riding ability
Tuition: Yes
Included: All riding, experienced guide, airport transfers
Not included: Flights, some meals (depending on accommodation), insurance
Travel Information
Djerba-Zarzis Airport is the international airport on the island. It is located close to the riding club and we will arrange a transfer from Djerba airport.
Flight options:
1) The cheapest way to get to Djerba is by flying from the UK to Paris. From Paris you will need to fly from Paris Orly Sud (ORY) to Djerba, this can be done with: www.transavia.com
UK to Paris flights:
1a) AirFrance, from: Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton.
1b) Easyjet, from: Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London Luton, Newcastle.
1c) Flybe, from: Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Isle of Man, Jersey, Kirkwall, London Gatwick, Manchester, Southampton.
2) The other option is to fly from the UK to Tunis airport and then take a connecting flight from Tunis to Djerba. We will arrange your transfer from Djerba.
UK to Tunis flights:
2a) KLM airlines, from: Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Edinburgh, London Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton.
2b) British Airways, from: London Gatwick
2c) AirFrance, from: Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton.
Tunisair has begun a twice weekly Gatwick service to the island flying via Monastir. Flights leave on Mondays and Thursdays.
Airport: Djerba-Zarzis Airport
Alternative Airport: Tunis (Carthage International Airport)
Programmes
Djerba Tour
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This tour of Djerba allows you to explore the natural beauty of the island on horseback. You will ride along sand tracks and beaches, avoiding the towns and man made roads so that you can experience the true essence of Djerba's beauty. Each day you will ride up about 20km. Lunch will be provided and transport between the end of the days ride and your hotel/villa. Day 1: After arriving and settling into your chosen accommodation you will meet the other riders, horses and guides and the club. Over a drink and a local pastry you will discuss in detail the weeks itinerary. Next you will be matched up with a suitable horse, and go for a short ride to become accustomed to your horse. Lunch will be served on the sea view terrace, then you will begin your tour. At the end of the day you will be transported back to your accommodation, leaving the horses behind, ready for the next days ride. Day 2 - 4: Your days will be spent riding along sand tracks, amongst small villages, through palm trees and olive groves, passing large cactuses, watching shepherds herding their sheep and onto enormous sandy beaches, perfect for infinite gallops and taking your horses into the water. Nature lovers will marvel at the incredible variety of bird life, and history lovers will enjoy wondering around the many ancient mosques. Day 5: On the final day your lunch will be served in a rare spellbinding hotel in the historical quarter of Djerba. The afternoon will be spent wondering round one of the oldest village on the island and explore an ancient synagogue, followed by a 10km ride taking you back to the club. The last night of the trip will be celebrated together with a barbecue and music on the terrace of the club. |
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| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 7 |
| Ability description: | Strong Intermediate (An intermediate rider in good physical condition, who is comfortable in the saddle for at least 5 hours per day, independent seat, and soft hands and capable of handling a spirited horse in open country) |
| Type of ride: | Day long trails |
| Total riding time: | Average five hours per day over five days |
| Departure dates: | Dates to suit from 20 September - 1st January 2011 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Tuition and explore
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The riding club offers ten, fifteen and twenty hour riding packages tailor made to suit the needs and ability of each individual rider. These programmes provide both the complete beginner and experienced rider with the perfect setting for developing skills through tuition, stable management and trails. Special programmes are offered to children from the age of seven years old, making the centre ideal for both families as well as single travelers. Riders can design their own itinerary, choosing the number of lessons and trails they go on during their stay. Lessons are offered daily in the outdoor arena: For the complete beginner, or those with a little riding experience, the lessons provide a thorough grounding in basic horsemanship. Riders will learn the correct position, along with the control and balance needed to further their riding skills confidently and safely. For the more experienced rider, they can consolidate their skills and focus on areas for personal improvement on the flat and/or over fences. With experienced and sympathetic tutors and an emphasis on safety and pleasure, beginners and nervous riders will easily develop their skills and gain confidence. Parents can be assured that their children will enjoy their experience whilst receiving expert tuition tailored to each individual rider. Trail rides are offered: Allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the island on horseback avoiding the towns and manmade roads so that you can experience the true essence of Djerba's beauty. You will ride along sand tracks, amongst small villages, through palm trees and olive groves, passing large cactuses, watching shepherds herding their sheep and onto enormous sandy beaches, perfect for infinite gallops and taking your horses into the water. Nature lovers will marvel at the incredible variety of bird life, and history lovers will enjoy wondering around the many ancient mosques. Less experienced riders can also take pleasure in shorter, but still slightly challenging rides exploring the beautiful surrounding areas with our team, while continuing to build on the skills learnt in the arena. Not forgetting the incredible sundown the island offers in summer months, riders can choose at least one of their promenades to be arranged at this time where they can just relax with their horse and watch the sun melt into the Mediterranean sea. Also during your stay, photographs and a video can be made to chart progress, giving you a unique souvenir to take home. For those travelling with friends or family, who wish to join the riders, lunch can be arranged and served for all at a designated rest brake. Also for the friends or family non riders, promenades on horse drawn carriages or camels can either be pre-booked or arranged during the week. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 6 |
| Ability description: | Beginners - Experienced |
| Type of ride: | Lessons and trails |
| Total riding time: | Riders choose between 10, 15 and 20 hour riding packages |
| Departure dates: | To suit, all year round |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |