Southern Tunisia Tour: Desert and Culture

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This Southern Tunisia tour offers an opportunity to discover the captivating landscapes, genuine culture, and ancient history of this iconic Tunisian region. Starting from Tunis, this multi-day journey leads you into the enchanting desert realm, lush oases, traditional ksour, and essential heritage sites.

Duration: 6 days

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Tunis - Kairouan - Sbeïtla - Gafsa

Kairouan - Begin your southern Tunisia tour with an early morning departure from Tunis, heading to Kairouan, a city rich in history and spirituality, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kairouan is esteemed as the fourth holiest city in Islam, following Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. During your visit, explore the magnificent Grand Mosque of Kairouan, an architectural marvel from the 9th century, along with the Aghlabid basins and the charming medina, featuring local markets and artisans.

Sbeitla - After a morning in Kairouan, continue to Sbeïtla, a city abundant in Roman relics. Visit the archaeological site of Sbeitla, home to the impressive ruins of three Roman temples dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. This historic site offers a deep dive into Roman civilization, showcasing monuments like the triumphal arch and Christian basilicas.

Gafsa Governorate - In the afternoon, proceed to Gafsa, the gateway to southwestern Tunisia. Gafsa is an ancient, strategically located city in the heart of its namesake oasis. Upon arrival, relax and enjoy a visit to the Gafsa palm grove, a serene area where dates are cultivated and several natural springs are found. Gafsa also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding desert landscapes. Spend the night in Gafsa, absorbing the peaceful ambiance of this oasis city, before continuing your adventure the next day. This first day, blending history, culture, and nature, sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through southern Tunisia.

Gafsa - Chebika - Tamaghza - Mides - NGO Jmel

Chebika - On the second day, depart early from Gafsa to explore the mountain oases of southern Tunisia, natural gems with breathtaking scenery and stunning views.

Chebika
Your first stop is Chebika, a picturesque oasis village at the base of the Atlas Mountains. Enjoy a short hike in this oasis, known for its streams and waterfalls that weave through the mountains. The village offers spectacular views of the surrounding arid landscapes, with its lush palm groves beautifully contrasting the rocky mountains’ ocean hues. Chebika is also renowned for its ancient Berber constructions and cave houses, dwellings carved into the rock.

Tamaghza - 2. Tamaghza
Continue to Tamaghza, a nearby village equally fascinating. Discover a unique blend of tradition and nature, with typical cave dwellings and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Tamaghza is also noted for its natural springs that nourish the oasis, providing a striking contrast to the surrounding arid desert.

Mides Valley - Then, head to Mides, another iconic village in the region. Mides is perched on the sides of Jebel Mides and is famous for its deep, impressive gorges that wind through spectacular rock formations. These gorges have served as settings for several films, including scenes from Star Wars. Stroll along mountain trails to admire the breathtaking scenery and, if desired, take a moment to relax in the local oasis.

Ong Jmal - Conclude your day with a visit to the NGO Jmel, located in a remote valley in the heart of the desert. This site is particularly famous for being a Star Wars filming location, depicting the village of Tatooine, Luke Skywalker’s home planet. Discover the famous rock-carved cave houses used in the film and explore the impressive traditional Berber architecture. The atmosphere here is magical, especially as the sunlight sets over the surrounding dunes. At the end of the day, return to your accommodation for a peaceful night, lulled by the desert’s sounds. This second day offers a full immersion into the wild beauty and cinematic history of this unique region of Southern Tunisia.

Tozeur - Visit of the medina - Horse-drawn carriage ride in the palm grove - Chott El Djérid - Douz

Tozeur - On the third day, travel to Tozeur, a captivating city and a true gateway to the Tunisian desert. After a hearty breakfast, embark on a day filled with discoveries, blending history, nature, and culture.

Visit the medina of Tozeur
Your first stop is the Medina of Tozeur, a genuine open-air museum. This historic district, with its narrow alleys and earthen brick facade houses, exemplifies traditional architecture in southern Tunisia. Discover monuments like the city mosque and the market square, where artisans and traders gather in a lively, colorful atmosphere. Don’t miss strolling through the medina’s souks, where local handicrafts, such as Berber carpets, pottery, and traditional jewelry, are available.

Golf Oasis Tozeur - 2. Horse-drawn carriage ride in the palm grove
Next, enjoy a carriage ride through Tozeur’s palm grove, one of Tunisia’s largest. With thousands of date palms, this lush oasis seems straight out of a fairy tale. The ride reveals the striking contrast between the green palm trees and the vast desert stretching endlessly. Along the way, admire the old ksour (fortified villages), remnants of the oasis’s former inhabitants.

Chott El Jerid - 3. Chott El Djérid
After this immersive palm grove experience, head to Chott El Djérid, a vast, spectacular salt lake offering a uniquely beautiful landscape. This large expanse, with its shiny white surface, resembles an icy desert. During your visit, observe the mirages, a typical phenomenon of these arid regions, where the horizon transforms into optical illusions. It’s a perfect spot for memorable photos and to enjoy the desert’s serenity.

Douz - 4. Douz
Finally, arrive in Douz, often called “the desert gate,” an iconic village ideally located at the Sahara’s entrance. Douz is known for its strong Bedouin tradition and historical role in caravan trade. Immerse yourself in desert culture and discover nomadic life. Visit the Desert Museum, which explains the Sahara’s history and culture and its inhabitants. For those interested, a camel ride in Douz’s dunes can be arranged (surcharge payable on site), offering an unforgettable desert experience. At the end of the day, settle into your Douz accommodation for a peaceful night, soothed by the desert winds. This third day immerses you in Southern Tunisia’s natural beauty and historical heritage, offering a glimpse of desert life.

Douz - Ksar Ghilane - Ksar Hadada - Chenini

Ksar Ghilane - In the morning, after a hearty breakfast, depart for Ksar Ghilane, a true desert oasis about 100 km south of Douz. Ksar Ghilane is perfect for those seeking an authentic desert experience, away from tourist crowds. This site is renowned for its hot springs that nourish a green oasis. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the thermal waters or explore the surrounding oasis. If desired, a camel or quad ride (optional and payable on site) in the surrounding dunes offers a magical, contemplative moment in the Sahara’s heart.

Ksar Hadada - From Ksar Ghilane, continue to Ksar Hadada, an ancient Berber ksar worth visiting. This well-preserved site is known for its impressive architecture, including stone and earthen fortified attics. Ksar Hadada also served as a Star Wars filming location, making it even more fascinating for movie enthusiasts. Explore the cave structures and secret rooms of this fortified village, and uncover the intriguing history of the Berber populations who inhabited this area for centuries. The ksar’s calm, timeless atmosphere transports you to another world, that of desert nomads.

Chenini - In the afternoon, continue to Chenini, one of Southern Tunisia’s most iconic and picturesque villages, located on Jebel Dahar’s slopes. This Berber village is a hidden treasure, with cave houses carved into the mountains and steep alleys winding through rocky cliffs. Chenini is ideal for discovering traditional Berber life and their ingenious adaptation to the desert environment. Visit the Chenini ksar, a multi-level fortified village surrounded by terraced farmland. The valley and surrounding mountains offer breathtaking views, and the village’s colors harmonize with the mountains’ ochre hues, creating a magical atmosphere, especially at sunset. Return and overnight in Chenini.

Chenini - Ksar Ouled Dabbeb - Matmata

Tataouine - Begin your day with a departure from Chenini, enjoying the village’s spectacular views and surroundings. Then, head to Ksar Ouled Dabbeb, another fascinating example of southern Tunisia’s traditional architecture. This ksar is known for its fortified granaries, once used to store crops and protect the community from attacks. The village also served as a Star Wars filming location, including sets for Anakin Skywalker’s home on Tatooine. The largely abandoned site creates a mysterious, calm atmosphere. Explore the deserted alleyways and discover buildings carved directly into the rock, admiring panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. This site offers an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a contemplative break before continuing your journey.

Matmata - Continue to Matmata, a village globally famous for its cave houses, real underground dwellings carved into the hills. This Berber village, located in the Jebel Dahar Mountains’ heart, exemplifies adaptation to the arid desert environment. Upon arrival in Matmata, visit one of the traditional cave houses. These rock-dug dwellings offer maximum comfort in extreme desert conditions. In summer, they remain cool due to the earth’s natural insulation, and in winter, they stay warm. Discover an ancient way of life that has endured through the centuries. In the late afternoon, enjoy Matmata’s tranquility, a place where time seems to stand still.

Matmata - El Jem - Tunis

El-Jem - After a leisurely breakfast in Matmata, head towards El Jem, about 2 hours north. This city is renowned for its Roman amphitheater, one of the world’s best-preserved and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The El Jem amphitheater, dating from the 3rd century, could accommodate up to 35,000 spectators. Its size and grandeur are impressive, remaining one of the largest Roman Empire remnants in North Africa. Explore the galleries and imagine the gladiatorial shows and events that once took place there. Besides the amphitheater, visit the El Jem Museum, housing exceptional archaeological collections, including ancient mosaics and everyday Roman period objects. The El Jem site offers a journey back in time, providing a close look at the Roman Empire’s history.

Tunis - After exploring El Jem and enjoying its ancient ambiance, travel to Tunis, the country’s capital. Depending on your arrival time, choose to visit Tunis’s iconic sites or relax in the city before concluding your tour. If time permits, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Medina of Tunis, with its picturesque alleys, lively souks, and historical monuments like the Zitouna Mosque. You can also visit the Bardo Museum, featuring an impressive collection of Roman mosaics, including those from Carthage.

What's Included