Douz & the Sahara

Douz, south of Kebili, is the “gateway to the Sahara”: an oasis town of more than 400,000 palm trees from which tracks lead into the Grand Erg Oriental. Beyond the last palm groves, the dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. It is the classic destination for a first night in a tent, a camel ride or a 4x4 excursion to the Ksar Ghilane oasis.

Things to see and do

• The big dunes south of town and the “desert gate”, for a memorable sunset.
• Camel, quad or 4x4 ride in the dunes, from one hour to a full day.
• A night in a Bedouin tented camp: dinner by the fire, starry sky, sunrise.
• Thursday market: deglet nour dates, leather, camels and sheep.
• The Sahara Museum, on nomadic traditions.
• Ksar Ghilane: isolated oasis, hot spring and the Roman fort of Tisavar, 100–120 km along the track.
• The International Sahara Festival, late December.

How to get there from Djerba

Houmt Souk to Douz: about 230 km, 3.5 to 4 hours by road via the Jorf–Ajim ferry or the El Kantara causeway, then Medenine and Kebili. A return trip in a day is possible, but the two-day option with a night in a tent is far more comfortable and lets you enjoy sunset and sunrise. Our tours include a driver and hotel pick-up.

When to go

October to April: mild days, cool to cold nights (pack warm clothes for the tent). May and September remain possible with an early start. In high summer, the heat makes the desert hard by day.