Things to do in

Ksar Ghilane

Get off the beaten track and discover the oasis of Ksar Ghilane. Enjoy scenic views as you travel along the Roman road, and keep an eye out for flocks of sheep and even camels. Visit local villages and savor a freshly made tea at a local's home. After pickup at your hotel, leave the island of Djerba and travel to Ksar Ghilane. Upon arrival, take a swim in the thermal spring nestled amid a grove of date palms. Relax completely in water that's warm enough to be utterly soothing yet still offers respite from the desert heat. Next, enjoy some free time to take a walk on the dunes, go for a camel ride, or explore the dunes on a quad tour before sitting down to a local meal around the hot spring. After lunch, return to the jeep and head to the Berber village of Matmata. Stop in the village of Tamazret, a village flooded in 1969 where only a few families still live. Continue to discover a troglodyte home where your Berber host will welcome you with a warming tea of rosemary, olive oil, and honey that he has prepared himself. After this meeting, make your way to Djerba with a final stop at Toujane, a Berber village of ocher color hidden discreetly between two mountains.

Day 1: Your tour will begin as you depart from your hotel to Tataouine. You will then begin by crossing Roman Road, the structure that connects the island to continental Africa. You will then take a break at the salt lake of Chahbania to enjoy the view and to take photos. Following this, you will enjoy a 40-minute stroll in the streets of Tataouine's market to discover the Berber products and spices for sale. You will then head to the village of Chenini, where you will enjoy a walk to discover it with a local guide. At midday, you will taste the flavors of a local meal in a Berber restaurant. Following lunch, you will cross the Erg (or the desert of rocks) and head to Ksar Ghilane. Upon your arrival you can enjoy a swim in its natural water spray, in an area located between the greenery of the oasis and the yellow color of the sand dunes. Whilst at this location there will also be the possibility of taking a camel ride tour or a quad-bike tour of the dunes (not included). By the end of the day, you will go to your camp to enjoy one of the best sunsets of Southern Tunisia. At the camp, you will have a tent, be able to take a shower, and can also experience the preparation of "sand bread" just before dinner. Following dinner, you will enjoy free time to admire the starry sky in the silence of the desert. Day 2: Following breakfast, you will head to Matmata, the troglodyte village. Your first stop will be to the Berber village of Tamazret, where you can taste an "amandes" tea. Following the break, you will visit a Berber family at their underground house, where you will enjoy an authentic local lunch. Following lunch you will head to Sidi Idriss, a troglodyte hotel where some scenes of the Star Wars film had been shot, and where we can still find some film decor. The final visit of the day will be to the Berber village of Toujane, which is hidden between two mountains and famous for handmade carpets and honey. At the end of the day, you will be returned safely to your hotel with a head full of great memories.

Your tour will begin as you depart for the Roman Road, which is 7 kilometers long and is one of two access points to the continent. You will drive down this road in the direction of the city of Medenine. After a while, you will take your first short break for a coffee partnered with an explanation of your program. You will gradually move away from the big cities and cross some of the smaller villages of Beni kheddach, before the asphalt road eventually ends. The track then starts in the middle of a desert of pebbles, which will provide you with a photo break in the middle of the rocky desert (which provides a view that dominates the plain of Djeffara). Your tour will then continue towards the oasis of Ksar Ghilane, which is located in the middle of the fine sand dunes and is where the great eastern erg begins. After your arrival in Ksar Ghilane, you will have free time to admire the oases around the hot water spring, and can also take a camel ride or swim in the spring itself. Lunch will be at approximately 1:30PM, after which you will depart for the mountains. You will later arrive in Ksar Hallouf, where you will visit a local collective attic. At the conclusion of your tour, you will be dropped off back at your accommodation.

Escape the cities and take in the contrasts of Ksar Ghilane oasis on this 10-hour excursion. In the afternoon, leave the island of Djerba and head by 4x4 with your driver to the desert, a trip that will take about 2.5 hours. It will pass quickly though, as you cross the mountain and stony tracks to the oasis of Ksar Ghilane. This place is known for being one of the gates of the Tunisian Sahara desert, inhabited by families of nomads and Berbers. Once you’ve arrived, your first activity will be a 1-hour camel ride through the dunes. While you’re enjoying the sandy landscapes from atop these tall, slow animals, your driver will be setting up the table. A bottle of wine, appetizers, and some fruits await you when you return from your camel ride. As you eat, enjoy the sunset and the changing colors of the sky. After your meal, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in the natural hot spring. Ksar Ghilane oasis is fed by a source of hot water that you can swim in and is said to have healing properties. Afterwards, return to Djerba and stop to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Following a pickup from your accommodation, start the day tour by leaving the island of Djerba through the historic Roman road. The first stop will be at the top of the Ain El Anba mountain that overlooks the plane of the Jeffara to enjoy the panoramic view. Next, travel across the stony tracks towards Ksar Ghilane, an oasis at the edge of the Sahara Desert. It is also a well known for its hot springs and ruins of a Roman fort. Here you can enjoy a 1-hour camel ride in the dunes or a quad ride (extra) then take time to relax and have a dip in the hot water springs. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in a restaurant opposite the dunes before departing for Guermassa, a completely deserted Berber village located at the top of a mountain. Walk with your guide who will share their local knowledge. Visit attractions including the hollow houses in the walls of the mountain, the village mosque, and the granaries. Then you’ll head to a berber Ksar, one of the best-preserved ksour (North African term for Berber castle) in Tataouine and the memorable location of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. End the day with a comfortable drop-off back at your accommodation.

Day 1 Departure from your accommodation via the Roman road, direction Tataouine. Photo break at the famous salt lake of Chahbania and explanation of the program. Continuation towards the city of Tataouine, free time at the very colorful market then direction the mountainous village of Chenini. Passage by the Ksar Ouled Soltan or similar, collective granary used in the past for the storage of provisions Visit of the dwellings dug horizontally in the mountains in the village of Chenini; Berber village encrusted in the side of the mountain which goes back to the 11th century. Typical lunch at the local restaurant In the afternoon we fasten our belts in the 4x4 for a departure by the sandy tracks "the reg" to reach the oasis of Ksar Ghilane, an exotic oasis; magnificent with its camps and its water source. Possibility of a camel or quad ride (optional and payable on site) on the sand dunes "Erg" to watch the sunset and see the old Roman fort. On the way back, visit of the hot water spring with possibility of swimming (don't forget your bathing suit and towels) continuation in 4x4 to the camp located at the foot of the dunes . Arrival; to attend the sunset installation under tent, dinner and Saharan evening. Day 2 Wake up gently, breakfast, then departure for the mountainous Berber village of Tamezret. Small photo stop and continuation for the village of Matmata known for its houses dug under the ground. We admire its superb lunar landscape (Star Wars movie sets) and visit a family in a troglodytic house. Lunch In the afternoon we take the road back to the village of Toujane, from where we have a panoramic view. Return to the hotel

Embark on an unforgettable journey with a night spent in wilderness bivouac amidst the desert. It's an invitation to fully immerse yourself in nature, behold the vastness of the desert, and be mesmerized by a dazzling night sky. Here's what to expect during this adventure in wilderness bivouac: Choice of Location: You'll have the freedom to select your own camping spot, based on the beauty of the landscape and desired tranquility. Whether perched atop a sand dune for panoramic views or near an oasis to relish the surrounding greenery, the choice is yours. Enchanting Sunset: Let yourself be captivated by the spectacular desert sunsets, painting the sky with hues of red, orange, and purple. Witnessing this spectacle from your campsite will be a magical experience like no other. Starry Night: Immerse yourself in stargazing, far from any light pollution. The desert sky will reveal its splendor with brilliant constellations, shooting stars, and perhaps even the Milky Way. Serene Atmosphere: Enjoy the soothing tranquility of the desert to relax, meditate, or simply bask in the surrounding silence and serenity. Friendly Campfire: Warm yourself around a campfire, share stories and friendly moments with your fellow travelers in a cozy and comforting atmosphere. Cuisine Under the Stars: Indulge in meals prepared under the stars by local camel drivers. This authentic gastronomic experience will add an extra dimension to your adventure. Night Under Tent or Open Sky: Choose between sleeping in a comfortable tent or under the open sky for a complete immersion in nature. It's essential to respect the environment by leaving the bivouac site untouched, taking all waste with you. Additionally, ensure to follow the guidelines of your guide for a safe and responsible experience. Whether you're traveling solo or in a group, a night in wilderness bivouac in the desert offers a magical opportunity to reconnect with nature, rejuvenate, and create unforgettable memories. Departure and Return Location: Unusual Dunes Camp, Sabria

Day 1: Depart the island of Djerba via ferry and travel for about 20 minutes until you reach the mainland. Continue to Matmata and visit a Berber family who will open their doors for you to visit their house. Be welcomed with home-made bread, olive oil and honey, typical of Berber hospitality. Continue to Tozeur crossing the largest salt lake in northern Africa, the famous Chott Djerid. This salt lake covers an area of more than 5000 square kilometers and is known for its phenomenon of mirages. Enjoy a photo stop to capture the vastness of the area. Stop at the mountain oasis of Chebika. A popular destination for many filmmakers, Chebika has a unique charm with its ancient village, palm groves, and its source of water that springs from the side of the mountain. Take a walk for about 40 minutes with a local guide who will help you discover the village and learn of its stories. Travel to Tamerza, enjoy a hearty meal, and visit the famous waterfalls.  In the afternoon, get ready for adventure and adrenaline, as your driver will take you through the old Dakar Rally track, crossing the sand dunes and salt lake of Chott El Gharsa. Visit some of a filming location of the Star Wars original trilogy, the village of Mos Espa on Tattoine. Enjoy a colorful sunset before travelling to the village of Tozeur, where you will spend your first evening. Enjoy tea and dinner, before settling in at the four-star hotel for the night. Day 2: After breakfast, head to the old medina of Tozeur. With your guide, stroll in its alleys and discover its architectural and historical characteristics with some free time to enjoy the palm groves. Depart from Tozeur and travel towards Douz. Enjoy free time to visit its local market and lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, head towards Ksar Ghilane, an oasis where green palm trees grow amongst the dry desert offering a unique setting. Bask in the hot spring and enjoy a 1-hour camel ride in the dunes, if option selected. Head to your overnight camp and enjoy another spectacular desert sunset. Enjoy a typical Berber dinner and a free evening to relax and sleep under the stars. Day 3: Enjoy breakfast at the camp and then travel to the city of Tataouine. Visit the famous Berber village of Chenini, which you will explore with your guide for about 40 minutes. Discover the various landmarks of the village including the mosque, oil mill, granaries, and houses dug in the walls of the mountains. Enjoy some couscous for lunch in a local restaurant. After the meal, visit Ksar Hadada, a shooting location for Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. After this, return to Djerba to complete your three-day excursion.

We will pick you up from your hotel in Djerba early in the morning and leave towards Ksar Ghilane via the Roman road. Along the route you will see the very beautiful semi-desert landscapes of the Berber region, you can stop wherever you want to take photos, breaks are planned. We will start with the salt lake of Zarzis, a very amazing place with changing colors. Then we will visit Chenini, an ancient Berber village, then Guermassa, where we will have lunch. Then direction Ksar Ghilane where the stone desert gives way to the ocher sand desert. At Ksar Ghilane, you can take a camel ride or by quad, (Optional). We arrive at the comfortable camp, organized around the restaurant – bar, with Saharan tents, the toilets and the kitchen are worthy of a 3-star hotel. You will attend the ceremony of baking bread in the sand, then after a good dinner, you can walk in the dunes, in the silence of the desert and admire the starry sky if the weather is clear, then night in your private tent . The next day, after breakfast and free time in the desert, we will head towards Matmata where scenes from the Star Wars film were filmed. We will have lunch in the village of Tamezret. After these 2 busy days, return to Djerba and drop off at your hotel PROGRAM Day 1 Departure from your place of stay in Djerba OR Zarzis by 4x4 towards Tataouine. Visit to the Tataouine spice market. Guided tour of the Berber village of Chenini. Lunch. Road to Ksar Ghilane, an oasis surrounded by immense sand dunes. Possibility of riding a camel or quad (Optional). Bathing in the hot spring, Settling into camp at Ksar Gilaine Dinner and night in private tents. Day 2 Breakfast and free time in the dunes. Departure for Matmata via Berber village of Tamezret Visit a troglodyte house and discover the lunar landscape that the region offers Lunch at Toujene. Return to your place of stay in Djerba or Zarzis

Embark on an exhilarating desert adventure with our one-day excursion to Ksar Ghilane, departing from Djerba! From the enchanting island of Djerba, our journey takes you through stunning landscapes, from the picturesque 'Jfara' plain to the breathtaking Sahara, until you reach the oasis of Ksar Ghilane, known as one of Tunisia's southernmost gems. Your experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, along with a knowledgeable guide and experienced driver to ensure a seamless journey. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring Berber couscous and local delicacies, included in the package. Immerse yourself in the oasis's natural hot springs and indulge in optional activities like camel rides or quad biking to the Roman fort of Tisavar, offering sweeping views of the endless dunes. Please note that drinks and personal expenses are not included, along with extra activities and tips. After savoring your desert adventure and exploring 'Ksar El Hallouf', a historic site perched atop a hill amidst an oasis valley, it's time to return to Djerba, filled with memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey into the heart of Tunisia's majestic landscape!