TOZEUR
Many people will stop off in Tozeur on a desert safari through Tunisia's great south. However, it is well worth taking the time to explore the town centre with its ornate brickwork and huge oasis. The unusual activities and places of interest in the surrounding area make Tozeur an unforgettable destination. The summer months can be dizzyingly hot, but winter sunshine is practically guaranteed!
Sand surfing, go-carting, quad-biking off-road four wheel drive adventures, camel ride and camel racing, Surf on the sand dunes, Sand Rose Quest, hot air ballooning over the dunes and full of other activities in the Tunisian Sahara are all available.
More traditional activities include lazing around the luxurious hotel swimming pools or souvenir hunting in the Medina. There are also plans to build golf courses.
Cultural Events & Festivals:
International Oasis Festival in Tozeur (November) . |
DOUZ
An oasis town known as the 'Gateway to the Sahara'. Douz, where the dunes stretch on and on reminding us of the frailty of our defences against this great expanse of sand.
The village, gateway to the Sahara, clings proudly to its traditions and during the Sahara Festival in December extends a welcome to visitors to share the excitement of the camel races and fantasias - Arab horsemen racing their richly adorned desert thoroughbreds over the sands, Berber songs and dances, traditional marriage ceremonies and the famous desert-bred "Slougui" (Greyhound) races.
Long before its "discovery" by visitors Douz has been the outpost of the desert and each Thursday, the market day, nomads arrive for the customary trading and barter of camels, horses, bringing crafts, minerals "desert roses", woven blankets, richly adorned saddles and silver Berber jewelry. From here the Saharan safaris and meharees depart for the Great Erg Oriental in the Tunisian Sahara. For a memorable and genuine experience of desert life specialized tourist agencies and Douz Voyages offer a week long safari on camel back and on foot.
Cultural Events &Festivals:
- Tourism Saharan Day (12 November)
- Sahara Douz Festival (November/December) |
NEFTA
Nefta, just a few kilometers from Tozeur, spreads out like a green carpet on a stark and harsh plateau eroded by sandstorms. Here one can truly imagine the utter joy of the Saharian traveller as he beholds this pearl of the Djerid on the horizon. Hundreds of thousands of palms and fruit trees thrive in the blessings of hundreds of springs. At the northern end of this lovely oasis lies the principal spring with gently running waters and a breathtaking view of the oasis |
