Ksar Ghilane oasis

Ksar Ghilane Oasis lies on the eastern limit of the Grand Erg , in the Great South of Tunisia. It is reputed to be the southernmost of the Tunisian oases and one of the gateways to the Tunisian Sahara desert. This oasis is fed by a hot spring with thermal properties, where visitors can bathe and relax.

Ksar Ghilane was long difficult to access. Today, an asphalt road connects it to Douz (80 kilometers to the north) and Matmata. All-terrain vehicles, private cars, or rental cars can easily reach it. The oasis serves as a refuge for about fifty nomadic families. They make their living from date palms, goat and sheep breeding, and increasingly important tourist activity. Several activities are available: quad biking, motorcycling, horseback riding, or camel treks through the stunning desert landscapes.

Ksar Ghilane Oasis : Accommodation and Attractions

For those wishing to stay overnight, the region offers three camps with Berber tents. A luxury hotel with around sixty air-conditioned tents is also available. Additionally, a guest house and a ranch with private rooms provide comfortable lodging. Several cafes and a restaurant are located around the spring, in addition to those in the camps. Visitors can enjoy the sandy landscapes while benefiting from the relative freshness of the oasis and the comfort of bathing in a hot spring.

As its name suggests (ksar is an Arabic word meaning “castle”), the site houses a fort dating from Roman times, Tisavar. It is located on the limes that follows the edge of the desert. The Tunisian government proposed the site on February 17, 2012, for future classification on the UNESCO World Heritage List. One kilometer to the east stands a stele, the column of General Leclerc. It testifies to the passage of his army in 1943 during the battle of Ksar Ghilane. The inscription reads: “Here, from February 23 to March 10, 1943, General Leclerc and Force L, coming from Chad, victoriously supported the assault of the enemy forces, inflicting severe losses on them.” Ultimately, Ksar Ghilane Oasis offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Tunisia’s Great South.