Things to do in Tozeur

Tozeur is an oasis town in south-west Tunisia, between the salt flats of Chott el Djerid and Chott el Gharsa. Tours in Tozeur are mostly desert routes, and most of them run for several days. The town itself is where they start and end.

The oasis

Hundreds of thousands of date palms grow here, and dates, above all Deglet Nour, are a main export. Tozeur-Nefta airport serves the town.

• The old quarter. Ouled el-Hadef is built of yellow-brown brick, laid in geometric patterns across the facades.
• The palm groves. The oasis that gives the town its living.
• A camel ride. The short outing is an hour on a camel, with a guide. Hotel pick-up is not included.

Mountain oases and film sets

The 4x4 loop from Tozeur takes a day. It is folded into the longer routes.

• Chebika, Tamerza and Mides. Green pockets in the hills near the Algerian border, with gorges and waterfalls.
• Chott el Gharsa. The smaller of the two salt flats.
• Ong Jemel and Mos Espa. Film sets from the Star Wars films, out on the sand.

Longer routes from Tozeur

Longer routes swing through the south and east. They differ in the nights spent in the dunes and in how far they go.

• Three days. Matmata's cave houses, a desert camp, the hot spring at Ksar Ghilane, a night in a Berber ksar and the hill village of Chenini.
• Four and five days. A camel ride at Douz and the crossing of Chott el Djerid are added. The five-day route also takes in Ksar Ouled Soltane near Tataouine and the amphitheatre at El Djem.
• The trek. A private four-day camel trek from Douz into the Grand Erg Oriental, camping in the dunes.

Practical

• Weather. January averages 12C and July 33C, and the record is 49C. Rain totals about 96 mm a year.
• Season. Spring and autumn are the comfortable months.
• Nights. Pack a warm layer for the cool desert nights.
• Sun. A hat, sunscreen and plenty of water are essential.
• Fitness. Expect moderate activity: camel rides and some walking.