Tunisia · Desert Adventure

5-Day Tunisia Desert and Cultural Journey with Tozeur and Djerba

5 Days Round trip from Djerba Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the Old Medina of Tozeur and experience traditional brickwork and local life
02 Discover the mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza, and Midès with waterfalls and palm groves
03 Experience the Sahara Desert with optional camel rides or quad biking and an overnight stay in a Bedouin-style camp
04 Visit Matmata's troglodyte houses, Berber villages, and Djerba's artisan towns and historic sites

Embark on a 5-day journey through southern Tunisia, exploring the Sahara Desert, mountain oases, and cultural treasures. Wander the Old Medina of Tozeur, discover the oases of Chebika, Tamerza, and Midès, and cross the surreal Chott El Jerid salt flats. Experience the desert with optional camel rides or quad biking, sleep under the stars in a Bedouin-style camp, stay in a troglodyte house in Matmata, and visit Djerba's artisan villages and historic sites for an immersive Tunisian adventure.

Wander the Old Medina of Tozeur, discover the oases of Chebika, Tamerza, and Midès, and cross the surreal Chott El Jerid salt flats.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Matmata, Douz, Tozeur, Djerba

Languages Arabic, English, French, Italian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Djerba to Tozeur and Old Medina Discovery

Morning departure from Djerba toward Tozeur.
Arrival around midday and lunch at a local restaurant.
Check in at the hotel and rest.
Afternoon stroll through the Old Medina of Tozeur to admire its traditional architecture and alleys, and experience local life.
Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 02

Mountain Oases and Ong Jemel Desert Adventure

Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart by 4x4 to explore the mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza (Tamaghza), and Midès.
Lunch in a palm grove in Tamerza.
Afternoon 4x4 desert adventure to Ong Jemel, including the Star Wars Mos Espa film set.
Return to Tozeur for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Chott El Jerid Crossing and Desert Camp Stay

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel.
Drive toward Douz, crossing the Chott El Jerid salt flats with photo stops.
Arrive in Douz, the "Gateway to the Sahara".
Free time to explore the local souk (market).
Optional quad biking and sunset over the dunes are available at extra cost.
Transfer to a Bedouin-style desert camp and check in.

Dinner under the stars and an overnight stay in the desert.

Day 04

Sunrise Desert Moments and Berber Villages

Early breakfast at the camp.
Optional sunrise camel ride across the dunes is available at extra cost.
Depart for the Berber village of Tamazret, then continue onward to Matmata.
Check in at a troglodyte house/cave hotel.
Lunch and leisure time to rest or explore.
Afternoon walk in Matmata's surroundings and visit Toujane village for panoramic views and Berber heritage.

Dinner and overnight at the troglodyte hotel.

Day 05

Djerba Island Heritage Tour and Departure

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel.
Drive toward Djerba for a half-day island tour.
Visit Guellala for its pottery museum and artisan workshops.
Visit the Ghriba Synagogue, one of North Africa's oldest.
Explore Houmt Souk, the main town and its old quarters.
Lunch in Djerba.
Return to the final drop-off point for onward travel or departure.
End of the 5-day adventure.

Where this trip takes you

Chott El Jerid salt flats, Chebika oasis, Tamerza mountain oasis, troglodyte Matmata

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Djerba 4 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation by private minibus or van
4x4 excursions on Day 2 and the desert drive
Accommodation: 2 nights in a hotel (Tozeur), 1 night in a desert camp, and 1 night in a troglodyte house (Matmata)
Meals: 4 dinners, 4 breakfasts, and 5 lunches
Guided visits and excursions as per the program
Local guides and driver assistance

What's Not Included

Drinks during meals
Optional activities (quad biking, camel ride, etc.)
Personal expenses and tips
Travel insurance

What to bring

Comfortable, breathable clothes for daytime (light cotton or linen)
Warm layers for the evening and desert nights (it can get cold, especially in the camp)
A light jacket or fleece (especially in fall/winter)
A scarf or shemagh (for sun and sand protection)
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals
Flip-flops or slip-ons for the desert camp
A swimsuit (some hotels may have pools)

Know before you go

This tour covers long distances with early departures. Be prepared for several hours of travel each day, with beautiful scenery and cultural stops along the way.
The itinerary includes desert, mountains, and small villages, so facilities may vary from place to place.
The experience is semi-adventurous and may include rustic environments, especially in the desert camp.
Daytime is usually warm to hot, especially from April to October.
Nights can be cool or cold in the desert, especially from October to March.
Always check the forecast before departure and pack layers accordingly.
Desert camps are basic but comfortable, with shared or private tents depending on your package.
Electricity may be limited; some camps run on solar power or generators.
Bring a flashlight or headlamp and warm clothing for the night.
Toilets and showers may be shared.
Some activities are not included in the base price and are payable on-site, such as camel rides at sunrise or sunset.
Quad biking in the dunes.
Entrance to certain museums or sites.
Bring cash in Tunisian dinars, as cards may not be accepted in remote areas.
Most packages include breakfasts and dinners.
Lunches may be included or optional depending on your package.
Meals are typically local Tunisian cuisine. Vegetarian options are available; inform your guide in advance.
A Tunisian ID or passport is required for hotel check-ins.
Tips for local guides and drivers are not mandatory but are highly appreciated.
Recommended: 5-10 TND per person per day, or as you feel appropriate.
Phone signal is available in most towns but can be very limited in the desert.
Some hotels and camps offer Wi-Fi, but do not rely on high-speed internet.