Discover the Hidden Gem of Oued Bagga, Mahdia
Located about 25 km from the city of Mahdia, in the delegation of Sidi Alouane, lies the Oued Bagga area, where fertile land meets the pure morning sun, and its rays carry the aroma of history.
Narrow roads lined with tightly packed olive trees, whose leaves sparkle under the golden light of the sun, characterize the area. The soil is notable for its black color, sometimes tending towards red. Far from the hustle and bustle, noise, and overcrowding of cities, the first rural residence in the region, currently under construction, welcomes you to break away from the stereotypical and traditional image of tourism in the Mahdia governorate. This residence offers visitors the opportunity to experience harmony between nature and culture, in a calm and serene atmosphere.
A Unique Rural Residence
The project owner, Mohamed Nasser Ben Khedher (70 years old), stated that the construction of the rural residence has reached 70% completion, with a total capacity of 10 eco-friendly rooms and a kitchen in the middle of a farm featuring olive trees, fruit trees, and domestic animals. He estimates that it will be ready within the next five years.
Ben Khedher explained that "this residence is an ideal destination for immersing oneself in a simple way of life, rooted in the traditions of Tunisian rural hospitality, allowing guests to enjoy a comfortable stay in a space reflecting traditional architecture, and to participate in daily agricultural activities, from olive harvesting to bread preparation and tasting local dishes."
Preserving Heritage and Promoting Tourism
He also emphasized that he is implementing the project with his own funds, after deciding to transform his father's house into a reception space for visitors, in order to preserve the heritage of his region and promote it in a modern way. The goal is for tourism in the Mahdia governorate to not be limited to beach tourism in the summer, but to become a year-round destination for all ages.
Challenges and Opportunities
Regarding the main challenges he faces, Ben Khedher revealed that they include the degradation of some agricultural paths leading to the lodge, as well as the lack of potable water supply in the area and limited transportation means, which requires partnerships with travel agencies to attract visitors.
He specified that the project will create direct and indirect jobs, particularly by employing neighboring residents and encouraging young people in the region to stay and work in their area.
Ben Khedher also praised the support of local and regional authorities, intervening structures, and components of civil society for the project.
Promoting Alternative Tourism
On his part, Tarek Ben Khedher, a civil society activist and Secretary-General of the Regional Federation of Travel Agencies of the Center and the Sahel, mentioned that the main objective of creating such residences is to promote the Mahdia governorate as a destination for alternative tourism, stating: "The Mahdia governorate has become a distinguished beach and thalassotherapy destination, charming with its beaches. Today, we seek to make it a destination for alternative tourism throughout the year, thanks to the richness of its rural areas that extend throughout the governorate."
He continued: "A Roman tourist route will be created, starting from the city of Mahdia and passing through Salakta, El Alia, Sidi Alouane, and Oued Bagga, to arrive at El Jem, which will require a rest stop for the visitor at the mentioned rural residence, to taste traditional dishes, olives, and figs, and to taste honey, while enjoying archaeological monuments and visiting the Punic necropolis and the El Jem amphitheater."
He explained that the Oued Bagga area has more than 100 families, which will create various jobs and allow for the promotion of traditional heritage, as it houses a unique workshop specialized in textile manufacturing.
