South Tunisia & Sahara Desert Journeys: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Itinerary

Ksar Ouled Soltane

South Tunisia journeys explore Berber villages, the Dahar mountain range, mountain oases and salt lakes.

Desert journeys focus on the deep Sahara: the towering dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental and authentic nomadic-style bivouacs.

This guide explains the landscapes, key stages, durations, differences and practical advice to help you design the ideal journey.

Understanding the Difference Between a South Tunisia Journey and a Sahara Desert Experience

– South Tunisia itineraries focus on inhabited regions, villages, mountain landscapes and oases

– Sahara journeys focus on deep sand dunes, the Grand Erg Oriental, caravan routes and nomadic life

South Tunisia is one of the most captivating regions in North Africa.

Its thousand-year-old Berber villages, green oases, dramatic canyons and lunar plateaus offer an exceptional concentration of landscapes and cultures.

Desert journeys take you into the heart of the Grand Erg Oriental, far from any inhabited area.

These are two completely different experiences – in atmosphere, intensity and scenery.

Yet many travellers often confuse “South Tunisia” with “the Tunisian desert”.

This guide explores both worlds in depth:

• What a South Tunisia itinerary truly includes

  
  

• What a Sahara journey offers

  
  

• 3-, 4- and 5-day route options (or longer)

  
  

• How to choose the right experience

  
  

• The best places to explore

  
  

• How to prepare for a memorable trip

South Tunisia: Diversity of Landscapes & Living Culture

South Tunisia’s Landscapes – Guermassa

A South Tunisia journey explores inhabited regions: the Djebel Dahar mountain range, Berber villages, mountain oases, palm groves, chotts (salt lakes) and semi-desert areas.

It is a cultural and geographical adventure, ideal for a first discovery of southern Tunisia.

Iconic Landscapes of South Tunisia

The Dahar Mountains

The Dahar is a major mountain range of southern Tunisia.

The panorama reveals the Dahar’s rocky ridges, arid plateaus and almost lunar landscapes, home to villages such as:

• Matmata, famous for its troglodyte homes carved into the rock

  
  

• Tamezret, a traditional Berber village perched on the hills

  
  

• Toujane, overlooking a spectacular mountain cirque

  
  

• Chenini and Douiret, dramatic cliff-top settlements seemingly suspended in time

  
  

• The many Berber “ksour” (granaries), including the iconic Ksar Ouled Soltane

  
  

Mountain Oases: Chebika, Tamerza and Midès

Mountain Oases- Chebika

The mountain oases are among Tunisia’s most striking landscapes.

• Chebika, an ancient Berber village where a spring emerges at the foot of the cliffs

• Tamerza, known for its large waterfall and panoramic gorges

• Midès, a dramatic canyon near the Algerian border

These places, near Tozeur, are not “desert”, but mountain oases where water, rock and vegetation coexist in harmony.

The Chotts: Southern Salt Lakes & Mirages

The Chott El Djerid

The most famous chott stretches over more than 5,000 km².

Depending on the sunlight, it shifts from bright white to soft pink, sometimes covered by surreal mirages.

It is an essential stop in any South Tunisia discovery journey.

Douz: Between Palm Groves and Dunes

Douz is often called the gateway to the Sahara.

This quiet town, surrounded by palm groves and sand, marks the transition from inhabited South Tunisia to the first Sahara dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental.

Many South Tunisia journeys include time in the dunes of Douz without entering the deep desert.

Sahara Desert Trip: Immersion in the Grand Erg Oriental

The immense dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental define the true Sahara experience.

Unlike South Tunisia routes, Sahara journeys venture into remote zones far from settlements.

They allow travellers to experience:

• The absolute silence of the desert

• Star-filled nights under a vast sky

• Endless dune landscapes

• Ancient nomadic routes

• Encounters with Saharan guides

• A profound sense of space and disconnection

A Sahara journey is not “harder”, but offers a unique feeling of emptiness, calm and infinity that only exists in the deep desert.

3-Day, 4-Day and 5-Day Itineraries: What to Expect

3-Day Journeys: Perfect for a First Taste

South Tunisia – 3 Days

Possible highlights:

• Matmata

• Douz and its dunes

• Toujane or Chenini

• Chott El Jerid

• Tozeur (if time allows)

Sahara – 3 Days

A 3-day desert experience usually includes:

• Discovery of the Grand Erg Oriental dunes

• One or two nights in a Saharan camp or nomadic bivouac

An excellent introduction to desert life

4-Day Journeys: The Ideal Duration

This is the recommended duration to fully enjoy the villages, mountains, oases and dune landscapes.

South Tunisia – 4 Days

A balanced route including:

• Matmata

• Berber villages

• Mountain oases

• Tozeur

• Douz

• Chott El Jerid

• One night at Ksar Ghilane

This is the most complete and harmonious journey between Djerba and Tozeur.

Tea time in Tunisian desert

Sahara – 4 Days

A deeper immersion into the dunes:

• Sand-dune crossings by 4×4

• Exploration of remote areas

• Two nights in the desert– A sustained but rewarding pace

An excellent balance for a truly authentic adventure.

5-Day (or Longer) Journeys: Depth and Authenticity

South Tunisia – 5 Days

Ideal for travelling without rushing:

• Remote Dahar villages

• Berber granaries (ksour)

• Lesser-known oases

• Cultural detours

• Encounters with local inhabitants

Perfect for travellers interested in culture, photography and heritage.

Sahara – 5 Days

The full Saharan expedition:

• Long crossings into the heart of the Grand Erg Oriental

• Access to zones impossible to reach on shorter trips

• Multiple bivouacs

• Complete immersion in nomadic life

• Silence, isolation and intensity

A rare experience, sought by travellers looking for true authenticity.

How to Choose the Right Journey

Choose a South Tunisia journey if:

• You enjoy culture and traditional villages

• You want varied landscapes

• You prefer hotel comfort

• You are travelling with family

• It’s your first time in the region

Choose a Sahara journey if:

• You seek something more pure and elemental

• You dream of endless dunes

• You want to sleep under the stars

• You enjoy disconnection

• You want an immersive, meaningful experience

Best Starting Points

Djerba: Best access to Matmata, Toujane and Douz

Zarzis: Similar to Djerba, slightly closer to Tataouine

Gabès: Direct access to Dahar and Matmata

Tozeur: Ideal for mountain oases and chotts

Conclusion: Two Complementary Worlds

4×4 on the desert tracks of southern Tunisia during a private Sahara journey

South Tunisia and the Sahara are two distinct universes.

South Tunisia offers diversity, living culture, villages, mountains and oases.

The Sahara offers purity, silence, dune landscapes and unforgettable desert nights.

They can be enjoyed separately or combined.

What matters most is choosing the journey that matches your pace, your interests and your sense of adventure.

FAQ – South Tunisia & Sahara Desert Journeys

What is the difference between a South Tunisia journey and a Sahara desert experience?

A South Tunisia journey explores inhabited regions: Berber villages, the Dahar Mountains, mountain oases, chotts (salt lakes) and rocky plateaus.

A Sahara desert experience focuses on the deep Sahara: the dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental, desert tracks and nomadic-style bivouacs.

What are the best tour for a first discovery?

A 3- or 4-day South Tunisia trip is ideal: Matmata, Chenini, Douz, Chott El Jerid, the mountain oases and Tozeur. These itineraries offer a perfect balance between culture, landscapes and exploration.

How many days are needed for a true Sahara experience?

A minimum of 3 days offers a first immersion.

To reach deep into the Grand Erg Oriental, 4 or 5 days are recommended.

What is the budget for a desert experience in Tunisia?

The price depends on several factors:

• Duration (3 to 7 days)

• Type of overnight stay (wild bivouac or comfort camp)

• Number of participants (private trips become more cost-effective when shared)

• Departure point (Djerba, Douz, Tozeur, Gabès, etc.)

For a private desert experience, expect approximately:

• For a 3-day / 2-night journey: between €440 and €665 depending on group size

• For a 4-day / 3-night journey: between €650 and €1,015 depending on group size

Most professional operators include a full service package:

Private 4×4, driver-guide, meals, bivouac equipment, water, assistance vehicle, fuel…

Can a South Tunisia journey and a desert experience be combined?

Yes, it is possible to combine Berber villages, oases and one night in the Sahara.

This blended itinerary is very popular when departing from Djerba or Gabès.

Are South Tunisia journeys suitable for families?

Yes. South Tunisia itineraries are accessible, varied and easy to adapt to the pace of children.

Desert experiences are still possible but may require small adjustments.

What is the best time of year for a desert experience in Tunisia?

• October → April: ideal season

• December – February: colder nights but exceptional starry skies

• March – April: mild weather, beautiful light and ideal colours

• Summer: not recommended in the deep desert

What types of accommodation are offered during these journeys?

Depending on the itinerary:

• Boutique hotels

• Troglodyte houses

• Berber guesthouses

• Saharan camps

• Nomadic bivouac (for desert experiences)

Are the journeys private?

Yes, the company offers exclusively private and tailor-made experiences, allowing you to adjust the pace, stops and activities according to your wishes.

How to choose between a 3-, 4- or 5-day journey?

• 3 days: a quick introduction to South Tunisia

• 4 days: a complete and well-balanced itinerary

• 5 days: deeper immersion, comfortable pace and more diverse landscapes

Discover here all our experiences and journeys departing from Djerba.

Text written by Grand Sahara Aventures – South Tunisia & Sahara guide 2026