Mellita in 1 Day for Friends - Visit troglodyte cave houses in Matmata (Luke Skywalker filming site)
In Collaboration with TRAVEL EST TUNISIA. Updated on February 23, 2026.
A full-day guided excursion through southern Tunisia visiting Matmata, Ksar Hadada, Chenini and Ksar Ouled Soltane. Experience traditional troglodyte homes, fortified ksour and Star Wars filming locations, with a traditional lunch in the Tataouine area. Private transport and an official guide are included. Not wheelchair accessible.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with TRAVEL EST TUNISIA, inspired by the tour Star Wars Day Trip from Jerba with Lunch.. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Visit troglodyte cave houses in Matmata (Luke Skywalker filming site)
- Explore the earth-built ghorfas of Ksar Hadada (The Phantom Menace exterior)
- Panoramic hilltop village of Chenini and its ksar
- Ksar Ouled Soltane — recognizable Star Wars architecture
- Traditional complete lunch in the Tataouine area
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup in Djerba or Zarzis and a clockwise route through Matmata, Ksar Hadada, Chenini, lunch in Tataouine, finishing at Ksar Ouled Soltane. Transport, guide and site fees for listed stops are included.
Pickup from Djerba / Transfer to Matmata
Meeting and pickup from central Djerba pickup points (or agreed pickup in Zarzis). Private vehicle transfer to Matmata to start the visits.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your exact pickup point and phone contact the evening before to avoid delays.
- Have a light layer handy for the cooler morning sea breeze on the transfer from Djerba.
- Keep small items (camera, passport) easily accessible — the guide will ask for a headcount before departure.
Matmata — Troglodyte Cave Houses & Star Wars site
Guided walk through Matmata's cave houses. See traditional underground chambers, inner courtyards and the exterior of the house used in the original Star Wars film. Opportunity to visit the small Star Wars museum inside the Luke Skywalker house (if open) and speak with local residents about traditional construction.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear closed, stable shoes; pathways and interior chambers have uneven stone and low steps.
- Ask permission before entering homes or photographing people; some houses remain inhabited.
- Carry small-denomination cash for museum donations or local souvenirs — card machines are rare.
Drive to Ksar Hadada
Scenic drive across southern plains toward the ksar complexes used in Star Wars: Episode I. Time allocated for transit and short comfort stop if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this transfer time to refill water bottles; shops are limited between villages.
- Restroom stops will depend on availability at service points — plan accordingly.
- Keep sunscreen and a hat handy; interior shade can be limited once you disembark.
Ksar Hadada — ghorfas and Star Wars exteriors
Walk around the historic ghorfas (storage chambers) and courtyard areas. Learn about traditional Berber architecture and the ksar's role as a storage and refuge site; see the exteriors used as a filming location in The Phantom Menace.
Tips from local experts:
- Respect restricted areas — some parts of the ksar may be closed for safety or private use.
- Bring a camera with a wide-angle option for exterior courtyard shots; light changes quickly.
- Low light inside some passages — a small flashlight on your phone can help.
Drive to Chenini
Short transfer up to the hill village of Chenini with views across palm groves and desert landscapes en route.
Tips from local experts:
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions for short winding roads up to the village.
- Windows are recommended open briefly for photos; hold small items steady on your lap.
- Aim to travel light between stops — the guide will help store larger bags in the vehicle.
Chenini — Hilltop Village & Ksar
Guided visit to Chenini. Walk limited distances to viewpoints and ksar ruins while your guide explains Berber settlement patterns and the role of ksour in local life.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable footwear for short uneven climbs to viewpoints; keep a steady pace.
- Carry water and a sun hat; shaded seating is limited at some viewpoints.
- Follow the guide’s route to avoid narrow, privately owned paths that can be hazardous.
Traditional lunch in the Tataouine area
A traditional complete Tunisian dish served in a local restaurant in the Tataouine area. Dishes can be adapted for notified dietary restrictions made at booking.
Tips from local experts:
- Inform the operator of dietary restrictions at booking time to ensure alternatives are prepared.
- Drinks are not included; bring a refillable bottle if you prefer water between courses.
- Expect communal-style serving in some local restaurants — ask staff for individual portions if preferred.
Ksar Ouled Soltane — Final visit
Visit Ksar Ouled Soltane to see its successive rows of ghorfas and the exterior locations used in The Phantom Menace. Short guided walk and photographic opportunities before concluding the trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at the ksar prepared for bright sun and uneven ground; sunglasses and stable shoes help.
- Respect local property — some ghorfas are private or used for storage and may be closed.
- If planning more photos, ask your guide for the best angles and quieter times to shoot.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Meal |