From Djerba: 4-day Southern Tunisia Tour – Chenini, Hot Spring, Mountain Oases & Troglodyte Village
About this tour
Discover the very essence of Southern Tunisia with our exclusive 4-day, 3-night private tour. Immerse yourself in the heart of fascinating landscapes and ancestral cultures – from the Berber villages of Chenini, Douiret, and Toujane, to the heavenly oasis of Ksar Ghilane with its natural hot spring and a night in a desert tent. Explore the vast expanses of Douz, feel the magical atmosphere of Tozeur and its old medina, and marvel at the mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides with their waterfalls and canyons. Cross the Chott El Djerid salt lake, experience the Star Wars sets of Ong Jemal and Mos Espa on the old Dakar Rally track, and visit the intriguing troglodyte village of Matmata – including Sidi Driss hotel and a Berber family home (rosemary tea, olive oil, honey). This tour also features the three types of desert in Tunisia: the sparkling Chotts, the arid plains of the Reg, and the majestic dunes of the Erg. Perfect for those with limited time who want the ultimate southern Tunisia experience.
Activities included
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Djerba, Tunisie to Ksar Ghilane, Tunisie
Day 1 – The Ksours and Night in a Tent Breakfast and departure to Tataouine via the Roman road. Salt lake of Chahbania – First stop for photos. Tataouine market – Colorful market, free time to explore (the city that gave Tatooine its name). Then, head to Chenini , the Berber village that dominates the mountain. Take time to visit with a local guide who will show you with the eyes of both a local and a Berber. Lunch in a typical restaurant. After the meal, fasten your seatbelts to head to Ksar Ghilane – the oasis in the middle of the desert where the greenery of palm trees embraces the ochre color of the dunes. Walk in the dunes (optional quad or camel ride, extra cost) and enjoy a swim in the hot spring. At the end of the afternoon, head to the camp for a night in a tent. Dinner at the camp and overnight under the stars. Accommodation: Zmeela Camp or similar (desert tent)
Day 2: Douz, Tunisie to Tozeur, Tunisie
Day 2 – Discovery of Djerid and the Old Medina Wake up gently, breakfast, and departure for Tozeur via the town of Douz. Douz market – Free time to stroll through this colorful market ("Gateway to the Desert"). Crossing of Chott El Djerid – Lake of antiquity, sea of chimeras, and disturbing fairyland by its mirages where, according to legend, entire armies disappeared forever. Arrival and installation at the hotel (Ksar Rouge or similar). Afternoon visit of the old town of Tozeur (The old Medina). Optional activities (extra cost): Horse-drawn carriage ride in the wonderful palm grove of Tozeur Visit to the magnificent museum of traditional art Dar Chéraït Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Accommodation: Ksar Rouge or similar (4-star equivalent)
Day 3: Tozeur, Tunisie
Day 3 – Mountain Oases and Star Wars Settings After breakfast, departure to visit the superb mountain oases : Chebika – A true suspended paradise, known for its Berber village and water sources springing from the mountain side. Tamerza – Famous for its large waterfall. Mides – Famous for its canyons. Lunch in a typical restaurant with locals to enjoy a Tunisian menu. In the afternoon, leave behind civilization and go on an adventure in the dunes of Ong Jemal via the old Dakar Rally track to discover the Star Wars sets and the village of Mos Espa. On the way to the hotel, stop at the Corbeille de Nefta (Nefta's Basket) for a visit. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Accommodation: Ksar Rouge or similar
Day 4: Matmata, Tunisie to Djerba, Tunisie
Day 4 – In the Underground House and Return to Djerba After breakfast, departure to Matmata , the troglodyte village. Tamazret (Berber village) – Coffee break and photos. Matmata – Visit a local home where you will be welcomed with good rosemary tea, bread prepared by your host, accompanied by olive oil and honey. Lunch. After the meal: Visit the famous Sidi Driss hotel – filming location for some scenes from Star Wars (Luke Skywalker's home). Visit the Berber village of Toujane – famous for handmade "Margoum" carpets and rosemary-based honey. After the break in Toujane, take the road to Djerba and end of services.
What's included
Private air-conditioned vehicle for 4 days Multilingual guide (Arabic, French, English, German, Italian) Professional driver Fuel for the entire journey Pick-up and drop-off from Djerba, Zarzis, or Tataouine (other cities at extra cost) Accommodation (3 nights): Night 1: Desert tent at Zmeela Camp (or similar) Night 2: Ksar Rouge hotel (or similar) Night 3: Ksar Rouge hotel (or similar) Meals: Day 1: Breakfast, Lunch (typical restaurant), Dinner (at camp) Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (at hotel) Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch (typical restaurant with locals), Dinner (at hotel) Day 4: Breakfast, Lunch (after Matmata visit) All visits as per itinerary: Day 1: Chahbania salt lake, Tataouine market, Chenini (with local guide), Ksar Ghilane (hot spring, dunes), night at desert camp Day 2: Douz market, Chott El Djerid crossing, Tozeur old medina Day 3: Chebika, Tamerza, Mides (mountain oases), Ong Jemal, Mos Espa (Star Wars sets via Dakar track), Corbeille de Nefta Day 4: Tamazret (photo), Matmata (Berber family visit: tea, bread, olive oil, honey), Sidi Driss, Toujane All entrance tickets to mentioned sites Tour approved by the Tunisian Tourist Office Travel insurance
Optional activities: Camel ride at Ksar Ghilane (Day 1) Quad bike ride at Ksar Ghilane (Day 1) Horse-drawn carriage in Tozeur palm grove (Day 2) Dar Chéraït Museum entrance (Day 2) Beverages during meals Personal expenses (souvenirs, etc.) Tips and gratuities (guide, driver, local guides, Berber family) Pick-up from cities other than Djerba, Zarzis, or Tataouine (additional cost)
Languages spoken
What to know
Booking & Confirmation Confirmation is immediate upon booking. Pick-up Information Pick-up from Djerba, Zarzis, or Tataouine included. Other cities possible with additional cost. Departure time: 8:30 a.m. Physical Requirements Moderate walking (Chenini village, mountain oases, dunes). Comfortable walking shoes recommended. What to Bring Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat Swimsuit and towel (for Ksar Ghilane hot spring) Comfortable walking shoes Camera (Star Wars sets, landscapes, Berber villages) Cash for optional activities, beverages, souvenirs, and tips Warm layers for desert night (can get cold) Desert Camp Night (Day 1) Zmeela Camp: Basic tent accommodation. No luxury facilities – embrace the wilderness. Dinner and breakfast included. Ksar Ghilane Hot Spring Changing area provided. Natural warm water, therapeutic properties. Berber Family Visit (Day 4) Don't forget to leave a small tip for the family. Star Wars Locations Day 3: Ong Jemal, Mos Espa (old Dakar Rally track). Day 4: Sidi Driss (Matmata – Luke Skywalker's home).
Route & locations
Djerba, Tunisie to Ksar Ghilane, Tunisie