Tunisia’s southwestern desert offers an extraordinary adventure for travellers seeking an authentic cultural immersion. This journey provides an in-depth exploration of the Sahara, combining expert-guided cultural insights, historic landscapes, and unique encounters with local Berber communities. Designed for adventurers who approach new experiences with an open mind and genuine curiosity, the journey demands a willingness to step beyond familiar boundaries, unveiling the timeless magic of the desert.

Day 1: Tozeur – The Gateway to the Desert

Welcome to Tozeur, the gateway to the mesmerizing Sahara.
Adel, our Berber guide, and Christel will welcome you to the airport. After a short transfer to your hotel, we’ll explore the 14th-century medina (Ouled El Hwadef), paying particular attention to its architecture. We’ll also visit the souk (market) offering a chance to engage with local craftspeople and merchants and observe daily rhythms before enjoying a traditional dinner. We’ll spend the night in Tozeur.

Day 2: Oasis, Star Wars, and Desert Magic

After breakfast, we’ll begin our day in Nefta’s palm groves. Here, Adel will unveil the secrets of traditional date production, a cornerstone of the region’s culture and economy.

Our journey continues to Mos Espa – the iconic Star Wars film location where young Anakin Skywalker’s journey began. Relive your favourite moments from the beloved saga amidst the surreal desert landscape.

After lunch in Tozeur, we’ll cross the Chott-El Jerid, the Sahara’s largest salt pan, stretching an impressive 250 km, to reach Douz where the 4x4s will take us to our first desert camp. We’ll be greeted by our Berber team and enjoy a traditional dinner served around a campfire, with the option to sleep in a tent or under a starry sky.

Days 3-6: Unveiling the Wonders of the White Desert

Over the next four days, we will immerse ourselves in the rhythms of desert life. We’ll walk 4-5 hours daily at a comfortable pace, traversing the breathtaking Grand Erg Oriental (the sand sea).

For those seeking a deeper connection with the local culture, there will be opportunities to try your hand at making a “galette,” the traditional desert bread cooked in embers and sand, to gather wood for the evening fire (wood in the desert I hear you say? Yes, there are bushes where we can collect dead wood), assist in meal preparation, and bond with the gentle camels that accompany our journey.

Our guide will lead us on treasure hunts for geological curiosities like sand roses and neolithic artifacts dated between 10,000 and 2,000 BC. Accommodation alternates between comfortable tents and sleeping directly under the Milky Way, allowing you to choose based on your comfort level.

Day 7: From Desert Solitude to Berber Hospitality

After lunch, we will bid farewell to the White Desert as our 4×4 vehicles take us to our B&B in Douz for a refreshing shower. We’ll spend a few hours in the afternoon exploring local shops, perhaps picking up aromatic spices, or unique souvenirs. In the evening, we’ll share a traditional Berber meal lovingly prepared by Adel’s sisters in their family home. A genuine cultural experience

Day 8: Farewell

On our final morning, after breakfast, it’s time to say our goodbyes to our Berber friends. The memories of this unique adventure will remain with you long after you return home.

This holiday is operated by Christel at North View Adventures and your booking is directly with her. Please check the terms and conditions for this trip before making your booking as they differ from Her on a Hill’s conditions. More information:

TUNISIA DESERT EXPERIENCE