2-Day Sahara Desert Adventure in Tunisia with El Jem and Matmata

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the El Jem Roman Amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• 02 Discover Berber culture and troglodyte houses in Matmata, including Star Wars filming locations
• 03 Experience Douz and spend a night in a traditional desert camp with a Bedouin dinner and campfire
• 04 Admire Chott El Jerid salt lake and visit the scenic Chebika mountain oasis

Experience southern Tunisia on this immersive 2-day Sahara adventure, combining Roman history, desert culture, and scenic oases. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage El Jem Roman Amphitheatre, explore Matmata's troglodyte houses and Star Wars filming locations, and travel to Douz, the gateway to the Sahara. Enjoy an overnight stay at a desert camp, witness traditional sand bread preparation, admire Chott El Jerid salt lake, explore the Chebika mountain oasis, and end with panoramic views of Kairouan on the return journey for an unforgettable cultural and natural experience.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage El Jem Roman Amphitheatre, explore Matmata's troglodyte houses and Star Wars filming locations, and travel to Douz, the gateway to the Sahara.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kairouan, Hammamet, Sousse, Tunis, Matmata, Douz, El Djem

Languages English, French, German, Italian

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

El Jem, Matmata, Douz and Desert Camp

• Early morning pickup from your hotel in Tunis, Hammamet, or Sousse, then depart southwards.
• Visit the El Jem Roman Amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Roman coliseums in the world.
• Continue to Matmata and visit the Sidi Idriss Hotel, famous as a filming location for Star Wars.
• Visit a local Berber family in their traditional troglodyte house to discover their lifestyle and architecture.
• Travel to Douz, known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert.
• Optional activities in Douz include a camel ride or quad tour at an additional cost.
• Transfer to the desert camp and settle into your tent.
• Observe traditional sand bread preparation.
• Enjoy a Bedouin-style dinner and an evening around the campfire.
• Free time for stargazing and an overnight stay in a desert tent.

2

Day 02

Chott El Jerid, Chebika, Kairouan and Return

• Breakfast at the desert camp before departure towards northern Tunisia.
• Stop at Chott El Jerid, Tunisia's largest salt lake, for photos.
• Visit the Chebika mountain oasis with natural springs and scenic landscapes.
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
• Make a panoramic stop at the Great Mosque of Kairouan for an outside view.
• Return to the original drop-off location in Tunis, Hammamet, or Sousse in the evening.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Professional licensed guide
• Entrance fees to the mentioned sites
• Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
• Lunch on Days 1 and 2 at a local restaurant
• Overnight stay in a desert tent
• Highway, fuel, and parking fees
• Our services and assistance 24/7
• Blankets and everything you need at the camp

What's Not Included

• Drinks and personal expenses
• Optional camel ride or quad tour in Douz
• Single room fees (mandatory if you are a solo traveller)
• Tips and gratuities (optional)

What to bring

• Comfortable clothing and walking shoes
• Warm clothes for the desert night, especially in winter
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Small backpack
• Camera or phone for photos
• Personal toiletries
• Walking shoes
• Pocket money

Know before you go

• This tour involves long driving distances but offers diverse landscapes.
• Desert camps provide shared or private tents depending on availability. If you are a solo traveller, single room fees are mandatory.
• The program order may vary slightly due to weather or operational conditions.
• Suitable for travelers seeking a short but immersive Sahara experience.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

For Tunis, the meeting point is in front of Hotel El Hana International. For Sousse, the meeting point is in front of Sousse Palace Hotel. For Hammamet, pickup is at your hotel.

Tour start

Route Mahdia, El Jem, Tunisie

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.