#1: [20-Sep-06]

30-Sep-2006 -- With a weekend off in Tunis and a Confluence not too far away, I rented a car on Friday evening and planned to leave for the 33N 11E confluence early on Saturday morning.

The drive to the south of Tunisia from Tunis is very scenic and the roads are in a really good condition. Driving with the sun rising, the morning fog dissipating, and not to many people on the road was really relaxing and peaceful. I headed south from Tunis via Bin `Arūs and then forked off the main highway at al-Nafīḍa (Enfida), headed through al-Qayrawān (Kairouan) and onwards to al-Ṣukhayra (Skhira), where I got my first glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea for the day. From there, I headed onwards to Qābis (Gabès), Mārith (Mareth), Madanīn (Médenine), and finally to the small town of Bin Qirdān (Ben Guerdane) where I headed southwest. I traveled on this narrower road for about 18 kilometers and then turned off onto a dirt road and past a couple of dwellings.

The terrain in the area is flat and easily negotiated, the only hazard being the many deep sand drifts, if you are not in a 4X4 as I found out! After half an hour of digging I managed a self-recovery and continued on my way, much to my relief!

The Confluence is very easily attainable and I only had to walk the last 200-odd meters. In the wādiy there were a couple of camels that had been taking a drink, but these moved on as I approached the area, obviously camera shy.

I took the necessary pictures and then headed for the Île de Djerba where I spent the night. The island is a popular tourist destination and with a bit of effort (and resources), I am sure that the secondary confluence 34N 11E can be easily attained, as it lies only 14 kilometers offshore. There are many resorts that have boats for diving and parasailing and I'm sure that the right proposition would yield success! Unfortunately, I was pushed for time, otherwise I would have put in the effort!

My plan for Sunday was to see if I could get to the 35N 11E confluence on my return journey to Tunis.