3-Day South Tunisia Tour: Tozeur, Star Wars & Ksar Ghilane
Overview
Embark on an immersive 3-day adventure into the heart of the Tunisian Sahara. Departing from your hotel in Djerba, this exclusive circuit takes you to the lush mountain oases of Tozeur, the golden dunes of Ksar Ghilane, and the ancient Berber heights of Chenini.
Whether you are a fan of the Star Wars saga (visiting Ong Jemel and Ksar Heddada sets) or a lover of raw nature (Chott el Djerid salt lake), this balanced itinerary offers authentic Berber culture and breathtaking desert landscapes. All excursions are led by a guide licensed by the O.N.T.T. to ensure a high-quality, professional experience.
1. Tozeur: Gateway to the Sahara
Tozeur is famous for its unique yellow-brick architecture and its massive palm grove of over 200,000 trees. It serves as the ultimate base for exploring the deep Tunisian south and the Saharan dunes.
- External Link: Discover Tozeur on the Official Tunisia Tourism Website
2. Chebika: The “Jewel of the Desert”
This stunning mountain oasis is nestled at the foot of the Djebel el Negueb mountains. It features a natural spring, a waterfall, and a lush palm grove that creates a dramatic contrast with the surrounding arid rock.
- External Link: Learn about Chebika and Tamerza Oases
3. Ong Jemel & Mos Espa (Star Wars Sets)
Ong Jemel (“Camel’s Neck”) is a rock formation offering panoramic views of the desert. Nearby lies Mos Espa, the iconic filming location where George Lucas built the spaceport hometown of Anakin Skywalker for the Star Wars prequels.
- External Link: Explore Star Wars Locations in Tunisia
4. Chott El Djerid: The Great Salt Lake
Spanning over 5,000 square kilometers, this endorheic salt pan is the largest in the Sahara. It is world-renowned for its shimmering salt crystals and natural mirages that appear during the hot summer months.
- External Link: Chott El Jerid on UNESCO’s Tentative List
5. Ksar Ghilane: The Saharan Oasis
A remote paradise located on the eastern edge of the Grand Erg Oriental. It is best known for its natural thermal hot spring where travelers can bathe while surrounded by orange sand dunes.
- External Link: Ksar Ghilane and the Grand Erg Oriental
6. Chenini: Ancient Berber Hillside Village
Chenini is a spectacular 12th-century troglodyte village perched on a ridge. The white-washed mosque sitting between the two peaks of the mountain is one of the most photographed religious sites in the region.
- External Link: The History of Chenini and Berber Culture
7. Ksar Heddada: The Fortified Granary
This ancient Amazigh granary consists of hundreds of “Ghorfas” (stacked storage rooms). Its otherworldly architecture made it the perfect choice to represent the Slave Quarters of Mos Eisley in Star Wars: Episode.
- External Link: Ksar Heddada Star Wars Film Site Details
What’s Included
- Transportation: Round-trip transfers from Djerba in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
- Professional Guide: Services of a guide licensed by the O.N.T.T.
- Accommodation: * 1 night in a 3* hotel in Tozeur.
- 1 night in a Saharan camp in Ksar Ghilane.
- Full Board: All meals included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) from Day 1 lunch to Day 3 lunch.
- Sightseeing: Entrance to all sites mentioned in the program.
What’s Not Included
- Drinks: Beverages during meals and personal bar bills.
- Optional Activities: Camel rides, Quad, or Buggy tours in the dunes.
- Personal Expenses: Tips, souvenirs, and travel insurance.