Kairouan, Douz, & El Djem 2-Day Tour

Explore El Djem, Matmata, Chebika, Kairouan, and Douz during this tour of the Sahara Desert, finishing off with a night spent in a cozy desert camp beneath a canopy of stars. This journey promises to be a memorable experience.

Tour Overview

Day 1: Sousse - El Djem - Matmata - Douz

Our adventure starts with pickup from your hotel in Sousse. Once onboard, we’ll leave the vibrant Mediterranean behind and venture into the interior of Tunisia.

After approximately an hour of travel, we will arrive at the El Djem Amphitheatre, famed for being one of the finest Roman coliseums worldwide. Here, we’ll explore its impressive grandstands, capable of accommodating up to 35,000 people, as we imagine the excitement of ancient gladiatorial games.

Our next destination is Matmata, an area known for its unique, crater-like terrain, where the Berber community has dug underground dwellings to shield themselves from extreme weather conditions.

During our visit, we will enter one of these troglodyte homes and stop by the renowned Sidi Idriss Hotel, recognized for its appearance in a Star Wars film. A delicious lunch awaits us at the hotel’s dining area.

Post lunch, we’ll continue for roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes towards Douz, the entryway to the Sahara. On reaching our destination, we’ll check into a desert camp, where you can enjoy the breathtaking sunset or opt for an additional camel ride to experience the tranquil rhythm of ancient desert routes.

The day concludes with a delightful Bedouin dinner around a fire, accompanied by traditional music and the enchanting backdrop of a starlit sky, before settling into your tent for the night.

Day 2: Douz - Chott El Djerid - Chebika - Kairouan - Sousse

We’ll begin our day with an early breakfast before departing towards Chott El Djerid, the largest salt flat in Tunisia. Be captivated by the impressive mirages and the unique rosy surface of this spectacular salt lake in the Maghreb.

Next, we will head to the verdant Chebika Oasis, a site that once served as a Roman retreat, now flourishing with palm trees and gushing water—a true oasis in the desert. Prepare for about an hour of hiking through this enticing terrain.

After enjoying lunch at a local eatery, our journey continues to Kairouan, a city established in 670 AD and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Great Mosque, with its beautiful marble courtyard and remarkable columns, as well as meander through the quaint streets.

Finally, we’ll make our way back to Sousse, where we expect to reach your hotel by around 5:30 pm.

Accommodation Details

Your experience includes 1 night in a desert camp located in Douz. The tents come equipped with electricity for charging devices and are accompanied by a communal bathroom area featuring toilets and showers.

Every tent will be solely for your use. Options suitable for singles, couples, triples, or families are available, with an extra charge for solo bookings. Children aged 1 to 12 must share accommodation with their parents or guardians in a rollaway bed.

Food Options

• Day 1 Lunch: Brik (a fried pastry filled with meat, tuna, or vegetables seasoned with spices), couscous, salad, and fresh fruit.
• Day 1 Dinner: Brik, traditional meat prepared in a gargoulette, salad, and seasonal fruit.
• Day 2 Breakfast: Eggs, dates, butter, jam, cheese, bread baked in sand, milk, coffee, and juice.
• Day 2 Lunch: Chicken or turkey escalope, with salad and seasonal fruit.

Vegetarian options are also available. Be aware that beverages are not included and need to be purchased on your own.

New Year's Eve Celebration in the Sahara Desert

On December 31st, join us for a New Year’s celebration set against the backdrop of the desert. The evening's festivities will commence with a display of knights and camels, reminiscent of the historical caravan routes.

Savor a cocktail under the stars before indulging in a New Year’s Eve dinner featuring Berber-inspired dishes. Traditional music and a DJ will energize the night, culminating in a fireworks show illuminating the desert sands as we usher in 2026.