From Djerba: 5-day Sahara Camel Trek – Bedouin Caravan, Starry Nights & Ksar Ghilane
About this tour
Camel trekking in the desert of Tunisia is a journey through time to discover the spirit of caravans. With arrival in Djerba, Tozeur, or Tunis, we provide experienced men born with sand in their eyes, who have grown up in this endless sea of dunes. These men know and perfectly master the laws that govern the desert – its fascinating sides and its dangers. They will offer you both protection and security while making you live unforgettable moments behind the scenes worthy of a film like The Queen of the Desert, under a clear, starry sky where the Milky Way seems close at hand. No experience is comparable to a camel trek in the heart of the Sahara, to the rhythm of the rhythmic steps of our faithful dromedaries. Over 5 days, you will walk between 4 and 6 hours daily, with days punctuated by sunrise and sunset – two absolutely unique moments to live in full consciousness. You will sleep in wild bivouacs under the stars, prepare your own meals over a wood fire, bake sand bread in embers, and be guided by expert camel drivers. The trek ends with a swim in the hot spring of Ksar Ghilane and a visit to the troglodyte village of Matmata with a Berber family (rosemary tea, olive oil, honey). This is the ultimate authentic desert immersion.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Djerba, Tunisie to Douz, Tunisie
Day 1 – Towards Your First Wild Bivouac Our team picks you up from your hotel around 8:00 a.m. in a private 4x4, tracing the footsteps of the Bedouins as you journey through the majestic dunes of the Sahara. Around midday, stop in Douz for a traditional lunch to savor local flavors. Continue toward Bir El Haj , the gateway to the vast desert. Around 3:00 p.m., you meet the camel drivers – your guides for the next leg of your adventure. The camel drivers greet you warmly. You get acquainted with your new environment and your loyal companions, the dromedaries. Embark on a serene camel trek, swaying gently with the movements of these majestic creatures as you traverse the golden sands. As the sun begins its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, you assist in setting up camp in the middle of nowhere where silence is king. Pitch traditional tents, gather firewood, and light the campfire. Together, prepare dinner – including the famous sand bread baked in sand and embers. Evening under a blanket of stars – share stories, enjoy the tranquil ambiance, marvel at the Milky Way. Accommodation: Wild bivouac under the stars
Day 2: Douz, Tunisie
Day 2 – Immersion in the Desert Awaken gently as the first rays of sunlight warm the dunes. Gather around the fire as the Berber guides prepare a traditional sand-baked bread for breakfast. With the caravan ready, set off on the journey to the next camp. For 2-3 hours, walk at a leisurely pace, soaking in the vast desert landscapes and shifting sands. Whenever you feel weary, your trusted dromedary kneels to carry you onward. Midday: well-deserved lunch break in the shade. After lunch: another 2 hours traversing golden dunes as the sun begins its descent. Late afternoon: reach the bivouac spot nestled between towering dunes. Set up tents as the sun sets. Evening: soft sounds of the desert, punctuated by melodic songs of the camel drivers and captivating tales under the starry sky. Journey time: 4-6 hours Destination: Hdif El Boom Accommodation: Traditional Berber tents
Day 3: Douz, Tunisie to Ksar Ghilane, Tunisie
Day 3 – El Biben, the Gateway to the Desert Wake with memories of the previous evening and a face probably covered in sand! The camel drivers have already lit the fire and prepared a delicious breakfast. Follow the rhythm of the caravan, walking alongside your faithful camels through the dunes. A light lunch is served along the way before continuing the trek toward the campsite. Upon arrival at El Biben , help set up the tents and participate in preparing dinner – gather firewood or learn to cook traditional desert dishes. After dinner: a Saharan evening under the stars , followed by a peaceful night. Journey time: 4-6 hours Stage: El Biben Accommodation: Traditional Berber tents
Day 4: Ksar Ghilane, Tunisie
Day 4 – Towards Zmela (The Big Dune) Wake with the first rays of sunlight gently caressing you. By now, you have picked up the pace and become familiar with the morning routines: setting up breakfast on the dunes, baking sand bread, gathering around the fire. Follow the well-established pace of the camels – today the walk is a bit faster as you make your way to the camp, where a refreshing shower awaits. By sunset, you reach Zmela camp , nestled in a stunning setting between fine sand dunes. Settle into your tents, take your showers, have dinner, and enjoy another Saharan evening under the stars. Journey time: 6-8 hours Stage: Zmela Accommodation: Zmela Camp
Day 5: Matmata, Tunisie to Djerba, Tunisie
Day 5 – The Hot Spring and the Troglodyte Village After breakfast, bid farewell to the camel drivers as they begin their return journey. Hop into a 4x4 vehicle. First stop: Ksar Ghilane oasis . Enjoy free time among the palm trees and a swim in the natural hot spring. Optional quad ride through the dunes (extra cost, payable on-site). Continue toward the famous troglodyte village of Matmata , with a photo stop at the Berber village of Tamazret along the way. Upon arrival in Matmata, be welcomed into a local home with rosemary tea, olive oil, and honey offered by your host. A typical lunch is served at the homestay, allowing for deeper cultural immersion. After the meal, return to Djerba. End of services.
What's included
Private 4x4 transfer from Djerba, Zarzis, or Tataouine to Douz (Day 1) Camel trek for 5 days with experienced camel drivers / Berber guides All camping equipment (traditional tents, bedding) All meals as per itinerary: Day 1: Lunch (Douz), Dinner (campfire + sand bread) Days 2-4: Breakfast (sand bread), Lunch (light on trail), Dinner (campfire) Day 5: Breakfast (camp), Lunch (homestay in Matmata) Sand bread baking demonstration and participation Wood-fire cooking experience 4 nights accommodation: Night 1: Wild bivouac under the stars Night 2: Traditional Berber tents Night 3: Traditional Berber tents Night 4: Zmela Camp (showers available) Daily camel trekking (4-8 hours depending on terrain) Sunrise and sunset viewing each day Evening campfire with stories and songs from camel drivers Ksar Ghilane oasis: hot spring swim (Day 5) Visit to Matmata troglodyte village: Photo stop at Tamazret Berber family visit (rosemary tea, olive oil, honey) Traditional lunch at homestay 4x4 transfer from desert to Matmata and Djerba (Day 5) Tour approved by the Tunisian Tourist Office Travel insurance
ptional activities: Quad bike ride at Ksar Ghilane (Day 5 – payable on-site) Beverages during meals Personal expenses (souvenirs, etc.) Tips and gratuities (camel drivers, 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: 6:30 a.m. (Day 1 pick-up around 8:00 a.m.) Physical Requirements Significant physical fitness required – Daily walking of 4-8 hours in desert terrain. Participants should be comfortable walking in sand and heat. Not recommended for those with mobility issues or serious health conditions. What to Bring Comfortable walking shoes (broken-in, suitable for sand) Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat (essential) Lightweight, breathable clothing (long sleeves/pants recommended for sun protection) Warm layers for cold desert nights Swimsuit and towel (for Ksar Ghilane hot spring) Headlamp or flashlight Personal toiletries and medications Camera (for sunsets, starry skies, Milky Way) Power bank (limited charging options in desert) Cash for optional activities, beverages, souvenirs, and tips Reusable water bottle (water will be provided) Desert Conditions Days: hot and sunny; Nights: can be very cold (especially in winter). Sand will get into everything – embrace it as part of the experience. The camel drivers are experts in desert survival and will ensure your safety. Meals Sand bread is baked fresh daily in embers. Meals are simple but authentic: couscous, vegetables, bread, tea. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice. Showers Showers available only on Night 4 (Zmela Camp). Nights 1-3: no showers (wet wipes recommended). Camping Nights 1-3: wild bivouacs (no facilities, just you and the desert). Night 4: Zmela Camp (basic facilities including shower). Berber Family Visit Don't forget to leave a small tip for the family.
Route & locations
Djerba, Tunisie to Douz, Tunisie