Kairouan, Douz & El Djem 2-Day Trip

Embark on an unforgettable 2-day expedition through the Sahara Desert, where we will explore El Djem, Matmata, Douz, and Kairouan, witnessing the unique troglodyte dwellings and serene oases scattered across the dunes. Enjoy a night camping under the stars in a desert camp!

Tour Overview

Day 1: Tunis - El Djem - Matmata - Douz

We'll begin by picking you up from your hotel in Tunis, embarking on a journey of approximately 2.5 hours southward, where the landscapes shift beautifully, heralding the start of an authentic Sahara journey. Let’s set off!

Following a brief breakfast stop in Hammamet at your leisure, our next destination is the impressive El Djem Amphitheatre. This Roman architectural marvel will be the focal point of our visit for about an hour. Did you know it ranks as the third-largest amphitheater globally? Strolling through its ancient corridors unveils centuries of rich history.

We will then proceed with a drive of roughly 3 hours to Matmata, renowned for its distinctive troglodyte homes sculpted into the earth, still inhabited by local Berber families. We’ll enter one of these fascinating homes to learn about everyday life and visit the notable Sidi Idriss Hotel, famous as a filming site for Star Wars. Here, a savory lunch will be served to reenergize us.

After approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes spent in Matmata, we will head onward to Douz, known as the entrance to the Sahara. We'll settle into your desert camp and watch a breathtaking sunset over the shimmering dunes. The vistas are truly mesmerizing!

If you wish, a camel ride is available for a more authentic experience of the Sahara. Our day will culminate with a delightful Bedouin dinner beneath the starlit sky, featuring traditional music and a demonstration on baking bread in the sand.

As the night falls, we’ll retire to our tents, enveloped by the tranquil ambiance of the desert. Sweet dreams await!

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

After savoring breakfast, we'll gear up to visit Chott El Djerid, located 1.5 hours from Douz and home to Tunisia's largest salt lake. The extraordinary mirages and shifting colors create an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Legend has it that a submerged palace rests beneath its surface!

After a brief 20-minute exploration, we will advance to Chebika Oasis for an invigorating 1-hour hike. Here, we will discover a stunning landscape where water flows from the dry, mountainous terrain, giving rise to a lush haven of palm trees and waterfalls.

Midday will be marked by a lunch break at a local restaurant to recharge. Afterwards, we move on to Kairouan, recognized as the first holy city of the Maghreb and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our visit, we will admire the facade of the Great Mosque, an architectural landmark that symbolizes the evolution of Islamic architecture in North Africa.

The day will conclude with a scenic 2-hour drive back to Tunis, arriving at your hotel around 6 pm.

Accommodation Details

This experience includes 1 night in a desert camp in Douz.

The tents are equipped with electricity for charging devices, and guests will have access to shared bathrooms that are divided for women and men, featuring toilets and showers. You will not share tents with other guests unless you choose to. Options include single, double, triple, and family tents, with single reservations incurring an additional fee. Children aged 1 to 12 must stay with their parents or guardians in an additional bed.

Dining Options

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

Vegetarian options are available upon request. Please note that beverages are not included; they will need to be purchased separately.

New Year's Eve in the Sahara

On December 31, join us for a unique New Year celebration in the magical desert. The evening will kick off with a spectacular display of knights and camels, reminiscent of the fabled caravan journeys.

Additionally, guests will enjoy an apéritif at the camp before indulging in a special New Year's Eve dinner, presented in authentic Bedouin style. Folk music will provide the backdrop for festivities, and a DJ will invite everyone to dance beneath the stars.

The grand finale will feature a fireworks show illuminating the dunes, a perfect way to usher in the New Year.

Private Tour Option

If you would prefer a personalized experience with an English-speaking guide exclusively for your group, consider booking our 2-day private tour.