2-Day Ksar Ghilane Desert Excursion with Chenini and Star Wars Site

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Discover Chenini village with a local guide
• 02 Enjoy the oasis atmosphere of Ksar Ghilane with free time in the hot thermal springs
• 03 Witness a breathtaking desert sunset at Zmela camp
• 04 Spend the night in a desert camp under the stars and in the extraordinary silence of the desert
• 05 Explore the iconic Star Wars filming location at Sidi Idriss in Matmata

This 2-day tour from Djerba or Zarzis takes you through southern Tunisia's striking desert and mountain landscapes, with stops at Chahbaniya Salt Lake, Tataouine's souk, and the village of Chenini. At Ksar Ghilane, enjoy the oasis atmosphere, free time in the hot thermal springs, and optional activities in the dunes before an overnight stay at Zmela camp under the stars. The journey continues through Tamezret, Matmata's troglodyte houses, and the famous Star Wars filming site of Sidi Idriss, with magnificent panoramic views along the way.

Settle into your camp tent for a night under the beautiful stars and in the extraordinary silence of the desert.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Tatouine, Matmata, Djerba, Chenini

Languages Arabic, Dutch, English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Djerba or Zarzis to Tataouine, Chenini and Ksar Ghilane

• Departure from your hotel in Djerba or Zarzis towards Tataouine by private vehicle.
• Stop at Chahbaniya Salt Lake to enjoy the panoramic view and take photos.
• Continue to the city centre of Tataouine for free time and a stroll through the souk.
• Then arrive in Chenini and visit the village with a local guide.
• Lunch in a local restaurant serving traditional Tunisian dishes.
• After lunch, depart for the oasis of Ksar Ghilane, crossing desert landscapes along the way.
• Arrival at Ksar Ghilane, with the possibility of taking part in an optional activity payable on site, such as a quad bike or camel ride in the dunes.
• Free time to bathe in the hot thermal springs of Ksar Ghilane.
• Head to Zmela Camp or a similar camp to admire the sunset and watch a demonstration of bread baked in the sand.
• Settle into your camp tent for a night under the beautiful stars and in the extraordinary silence of the desert.

2

Day 02

Ksar Ghilane to Tamezret, Matmata and Toujane

• After breakfast at the camp, depart for the village of Matmata via the village of Tamezret to enjoy a panoramic view and take photos.
• Arrive in Matmata and visit a troglodyte house to discover the inhabitants' way of life.
• Lunch with locals to taste the local cuisine.
• After lunch, visit Sidi Idriss, the famous site used in the filming of Star Wars.
• Then depart for Djerba or Zarzis, with a stop in Toujane, a village offering a magnificent panoramic view.
• Return to your hotel in Djerba or Zarzis late in the afternoon.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Comfortable private vehicle throughout the excursion

Professional guide and driver approved by the Tunisian National Tourism Office

Accommodation at the camp with half-board

Lunch on the 1st and 2nd days

Visit to Sidi Idriss (Star Wars filming site in Matmata)

What's Not Included

• Drinks
• Optional activities (camel ride, quad ride, etc.)
• Tips
• All other personal expenses

What to bring

• Sports sneakers for ease of hiking during the visit to the ancient village of Chenini
• Bath towels
• Bathing clothes for swimming in the hot springs
• Sunscreen

Know before you go

• Accompanying animals are prohibited.
• Please inform us if any group members participating in the activity follow a particular diet, so that we can inform our kitchen to prepare a dish that suits their diet.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Djerba or Zarzis

Tour start

Djerba, Tunisia

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.