2-Day Sahara Desert Tour in Tunisia with El Jem, Matmata and Douz

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the El Jem Amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved Roman arenas in the world
• 02 Discover the troglodyte village of Matmata and its unique underground dwellings
• 03 Experience Douz and the Sahara Desert with an overnight stay in a traditional desert camp
• 04 Admire the Chott El Djerid salt flats and explore the scenic Chebika Oasis

Experience southern Tunisia on this immersive 2-day Sahara adventure combining Roman history, desert culture, and oasis landscapes. Visit the El Jem Amphitheatre, explore the troglodyte village of Matmata, and travel to Douz, the gateway to the Sahara. Spend a memorable night in a traditional desert camp, witness sand-baked bread preparation, admire the Chott El Djerid salt flats, explore the Chebika Oasis, and enjoy panoramic views of Kairouan on the return journey.

Stop for photos at Chott El Djerid, the vast salt flats known for their mirror-like reflections and desert scenery.

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 a Night in the Desert

• Pick up from your hotel in Tunis, Hammamet, or Sousse in the morning and begin the journey southwards.
• Visit the El Jem Amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest and best-preserved Roman arenas in the world.
• Continue to Matmata to explore its famous troglodyte village and traditional underground dwellings.
• Drive onwards to Douz, known as the Gateway to the Sahara Desert.
• Arrive at the desert camp and enjoy free time to take part in optional activities at an additional cost.
• Take part in an optional camel ride or quad adventure across the sand dunes.
• Witness the preparation of sand-baked bread, a traditional Berber culinary experience.
• Spend the evening in Bedouin style around the campfire, followed by stargazing under the clear desert sky.
• Enjoy dinner at the camp and retire to your tent for an overnight stay in the desert.

2

Day 02

Chott El Djerid, Chebika Oasis, Kairouan and Return

• Enjoy breakfast at the desert camp before departing towards northern Tunisia.
• Stop for photos at Chott El Djerid, the vast salt flats known for their mirror-like reflections and desert scenery.
• Continue to the Chebika Oasis, set among dramatic cliffs, palm groves, and natural springs.
• Make a panoramic stop in Kairouan, Tunisia's spiritual capital, to admire the cityscape and historical landmarks.
• Return to your hotel in Tunis, Hammamet, or Sousse in the evening, marking the end of the tour.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Tunis, Hammamet, or Sousse
• Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional licensed guide
• Guided visit to El Djem Amphitheatre
• Traditional overnight desert tent stay in Douz
• Traditional breakfast and dinner at the camp
• Sand-baked bread experience
• Optional evening stargazing

What's Not Included

• Flights
• Cancellation and repatriation insurance
• Drinks during meals
• Optional camel ride or quad adventure (extra cost)
• Entrance fees to El Jem
• Personal expenses and tips
• Any services not explicitly mentioned in "What's Included"

What to bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light, breathable clothing suitable for desert temperatures
• Warm clothing for the desert night (it can be cold)
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Modest clothing for visits to cultural sites (shoulders and knees covered)
• Bottle of water
• Camera or smartphone for photos

Know before you go

• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Light, breathable clothing suitable for desert temperatures.
• Warm clothing for the desert night (it can be cold).
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Modest clothing for visits to cultural sites (shoulders and knees covered).
• Bottle of water.
• Camera or smartphone for photos.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

El Hana International, Avenue Habib Bourguiba, Tunis, Tunisia

Tour start

El Jem, Tunisia

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.