Night excursion to the desert and Berber village from Djerba
Two-day guided excursion from Zarzis/Djerba to the Tataouine region: visit Ksar Ouled Soltane, Chenini, Ksar Hadada, relax at the Ksar Ghilane oasis with an overnight in a desert camp (Zmela or similar), then visit Matmata troglodyte houses, Sidi Driss (Star Wars filming site), Tamazret and a panoramic stop at Toujane before return to Zarzis/Djerba. Includes private transport, guide, meals (lunch,
In Collaboration with TRAVEL EST TUNISIA. Updated on March 6, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with TRAVEL EST TUNISIA, inspired by the tour Night excursion to the desert and Berber village from Djerba . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Ksar Ouled Soltane (Star Wars filming site)
- Chenini Berber village
- Ksar Hadada
- Ksar Ghilane oasis and hot spring
- Overnight in a desert camp (Zmela or similar) under the stars
Explore all itineraries in Zarzis.
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup from Zarzis/Djerba early morning. Drive into the Tataouine region to visit ksours and Berber villages, end day at Ksar Ghilane oasis; dinner and overnight at the Zmela desert camp.
Pickup and drive into the Tataouine region (start from Zarzis/Djerba)
Group pickup from your accommodation in Zarzis or Djerba and transfer by private vehicle toward the Tataouine region. Travel time includes short comfort stops en route.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in your hotel lobby 30 minutes before the scheduled pickup time; the guide will confirm the exact pickup point the evening before.
- Bring a small daypack with water, sun protection, and any personal items you want during daytime visits.
- Keep passports and any required IDs with you during transfer; the driver can hold larger luggage for the overnight camp.
Visit Ksar Ouled Soltane (Tataouine)
Walk around the impressive ghorfas (storage rooms) of the 15th-century ksar and learn about their role as collective granaries; this site was used as a filming location for Star Wars.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes for uneven stone steps and narrow passages.
- Bring a hat and water—there is limited shade among the ghorfas.
- Ask your guide about the architecture and the best vantage point for photos of the ghorfa rows.
Visit Chenini Berber village
Explore the cliff-top Berber village of Chenini: narrow lanes, cave houses and panoramic desert vistas. Short walking sections over stone paths.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect short uphill and downhill sections; use steady shoes and take it slow if needed.
- Carry bottled water and a light scarf — wind and sun exposure vary on the ridgeline.
- Follow your guide on the safer pedestrian routes through the village to avoid unstable ledges.
Visit Ksar Hadada
Short visit to Ksar Hadada, a fortified village of mud buildings and watchtowers; noted for its traditional architecture and use as a Star Wars filming location.
Tips from local experts:
- Watch for narrow alleys and uneven ground when moving between buildings.
- Sun protection is important; there is limited shade around the ksar structures.
- If you need quieter photo spots, ask your guide for a recommended angle away from the main entrance.
Arrive at Ksar Ghilane oasis — thermal spring and free time
Arrive at the southern oasis of Ksar Ghilane. Free time to relax beside the hot thermal spring and walk among the dune edges. Time reserved for sunset viewing over the dunes before camp.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to bathe in the thermal spring; drying facilities are limited at the oasis.
- Keep valuables in a small dry bag; areas near the spring can be sandy and wet.
- Plan to be at the dune edge about 30–45 minutes before sunset for the best light and cooler temperatures.
Dinner at the camp (dietary options available)
Dinner served at the camp; the operator can prepare vegetarian or other diet-specific dishes if requested in advance.
Tips from local experts:
- Inform your guide of any dietary requirements at booking and again on pickup to ensure the kitchen can prepare suitable dishes.
- If you have food allergies, notify the guide clearly — local kitchens use nuts and dairy in traditional dishes.
- Keep a small flashlight or headlamp handy for the walk between tents at night.
Note: special-diet options (inform camp staff)
Short briefing at camp about dietary needs and meal arrangements (duplicate agenda note kept as per program).
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm any last-minute dietary requests with the camp manager at dinner briefing.
- If you require packed breakfasts for an early departure, request this the night before.
- Keep any personal snacks you may need overnight; camp meals follow local schedules.
Overnight at the Zmela desert camp (one night in a tent)
Sleep under the stars in a traditional-style tent at the desert camp. Basic but comfortable tent accommodation; quiet desert environment away from light pollution.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light sleeping layer; desert nights can be cool even after a hot day.
- Charge cameras and phones during dinner when camp charging points are available.
- Keep toiletries in a small bag; camp facilities are simple and may be shared.
Day 2
Breakfast at camp, then visit Matmata troglodyte dwellings, Tamazret viewpoint, Sidi Driss (Star Wars site), stop in Toujane. Return to Zarzis or Djerba in the evening.
Breakfast and depart camp
Early breakfast at camp followed by packing and departure toward Matmata.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a light breakfast at camp; request a packed snack if you prefer to eat later during transfers.
- Confirm your preferred drop-off (Zarzis or Djerba) with the guide before departure.
- Keep warm layers accessible; mornings can be cool after the desert night.
Drive to Matmata (troglodyte villages)
Transfer from Ksar Ghilane to Matmata with time for rest stops en route; arrival in the Matmata area to begin troglodyte visits.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring motion-sickness remedies if you’re sensitive—the road has winding sections.
- Use the transfer time to charge devices; some remote areas have limited charging points later.
- Carry a light jacket for cooler highland breezes approaching Matmata.
Panoramic stop at Tamazret
Short photo and panorama stop at Tamazret to enjoy wide desert and mountain views.
Tips from local experts:
- Step carefully on rocky viewpoints; footwear with grip is recommended.
- Sunrise/sunset colors are strongest; for midday visits, bring sun protection.
- Keep camera batteries warm in cooler weather to preserve charge during long shoots.
Visit Matmata cave houses and lunch with local family
Explore the troglodyte cave houses of Matmata and enjoy a home-cooked lunch with local hosts to taste traditional dishes.
Tips from local experts:
- Respect household customs during the home lunch; remove shoes if requested and accept hospitality politely.
- If you have dietary restrictions, remind the guide before the meal so hosts can adapt dishes.
- Bring a small gift (e.g., local sweets) only if you wish—this is appreciated but not required.
Visit Sidi Driss (Star Wars filming site)
Short visit to Sidi Driss (the troglodyte house used in Star Wars filming) — exterior and accessible interior where allowed.
Tips from local experts:
- Follow the guide’s instructions about permitted interior areas—parts of Sidi Driss are private or restricted.
- Photography is usually allowed; ask before photographing inside private spaces.
- Wear comfortable shoes for small stairways and uneven floors inside the troglodyte structure.
Departure toward Djerba or Zarzis with stop at Toujane (panoramic)
Drive toward the coast with a planned stop in Toujane for a panoramic view and photos, then continue to your drop-off point (Zarzis or Djerba).
Tips from local experts:
- Decide with your guide earlier in the day whether you prefer drop-off in Zarzis or Djerba to allow timely arrival.
- Keep a small bottle of water and a light snack for the final drive.
- Allow flexible time for traffic and road conditions; evening arrival times can vary slightly.
Note: special-diet reminder (duplicate agenda note)
Brief confirmation of any remaining dietary needs before final drop-off (duplicate agenda note kept as per program).
Tips from local experts:
- If you requested a takeaway or packed meal for the transfer, confirm with the guide before departure.
- If you had specific dietary requests for lunch, note anything important for future arrangements.
- Carry any personal snacks for late evening if you anticipate arriving after typical mealtimes.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 12 |
| Total Places | 15 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Experience, Meal, Hotel |
