Today I take a trip to the theme park “Djerba Explore Park,” which is very close to the TUI BLUE Palm Beach Palace on the Tunisian holiday island Djerba.
An exciting mix of culture, history, leisure, and adventure awaits me in the modern amusement park.
The modern Djerba Explore Park is divided into five different adventure areas: The village is built in the typical Tunisian architectural style and offers many leisure and entertainment options, while the Lalla Hadria Museum offers Islamic art spanning 13 centuries. Up to 400 different Nile crocodiles can be admired on the crocodile farm, and finally, get to know Djerban traditions and lifestyles in the open-air Djerba Héritage Museum.
That’s what I call a genuine contrast programme to a day lounging on the beach or at the pool. Discover how I experienced my day at the Djerba Explore Park now.
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My visit to Djerba Explore Park
Djerba Explore Park is located in the middle of Midoun’s tourist zone, just ten minutes by car from the TUI BLUE Palm Beach Palace hotel.
On more than 20,000 square metres, amidst palm, olive, and banana trees, you can playfully discover the various handicrafts of Tunisia. And the best part is: The park is open every day, all year round.
At the TUI BLUE Palm Beach Palace, the tour to Djerba Explore Park is offered as an organised half-day excursion. All information about the excursions and tours can be found in the BLUE App or directly on-site in the TUI BLUE hotel. Of course, you can also visit the theme park on your own.
Once arrived at Djerba Explore Park, I immediately make for the village streets just beyond the entrance gates, where numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants can be found. In the streets and alleys, various handicrafts are presented and showcased: From weaving and textile art to ceramics, basketry, and spice preparation – here, you can get a true insight into Tunisian art and the Arab world writ large. And in the boutiques, the handicrafts are offered for sale by Tunisian artists and artisans.
The village is the starting point for all other main attractions in Djerba Explore. The second stop is the Museum Square.
The impressive Lalla Hadria Museum of Local History
The Lalla Hadria Museum, which focuses on the local history of Djerba and Tunisia, exhibits collections of Islamic art from various genres such as clothing, pottery, painting, or weapons. More than 1000 exhibits in 15 halls represent the centuries-old art and exciting history of the Arab-Islamic world.
In the galleries and glass exhibits, you can admire glittering Berber robes, the parchment of the Koran of Kairouan, valuable jewellery sets, and old doors, ceramics, and pottery. I was particularly impressed by the parchment of the Koran of Kairouan and the remains of ancient calligraphy and holy writings. In the museum, you can also take part in a guided tour to learn more interesting insights and stories about the exhibited pieces and writings.
Crocodile rock – Watching 400 Nile crocodiles
Now the highlight of the Djerba Explore Park awaits me: The largest crocodile farm in the Mediterranean, home to 400 Nile crocodiles. Even from the entrance of the farm the atmosphere enchants me: The crocodile farm is located in an impressive fortress, which is modelled on the local desert architecture. North African music accompanies me to the tropical greenhouse. The Nile crocodiles live in the palm-fringed lagoons. Some of them grow up to three metres in size. You can watch the animals dozing and lounging on the banks or in the water. In the crocodile village there is even a crocodile nursery, where you can find super cute, button-eyed baby crocodiles.
My tip: Visit the crocodile farm in the afternoon, because then you’re right on time for feeding time and can see firsthand how the wild adult reptiles fight for pieces of meat and snap up their meal.
Djerba Héritage – Preserving Djerbic Cultural Heritage
Like me, do you want to know more about the life of the locals on Djerba? Return to a time of the traditional “Menzel” farmsteads and discover detailed construction techniques that are perfectly adapted to the lifestyle of the island.
The open-air Djerba Héritage Museum brings a traditional Djerban farm to life. Visit the faithfully restored premises of a residential building. These include the typical “houches,” the pottery workshops, weaving mills, and an oil mill. Here you can get a perfect insight into the way of life of the islanders in days gone by.
An exciting and fascinating day full of new insights and impressions is coming to an end. For me, that means it’s time to head back to the TUI BLUE Palm Beach Palace.
My conclusion: The Djerba Explore Park is an ideal spot to learn more about the Tunisian culture and heritage of the country. In addition, there are many attractions to experience and marvel at. Become a Djerba expert too 😉