Nefta’s Basket

Nefta’s Basket (La Corbeille de Nefta) is a unique natural depression in the oasis town of Nefta, near the Algerian border . This deep, palm-filled gully resembles a basket and measures almost 1 km across at its widest point, about 40 meters deep . It once hosted 152 springs that irrigated the entire palm grove of Nefta, one of the largest collections of date palms in the world . However, in the 1980s, the springs dried up one after another, causing great concern. The same phenomenon affected El Hamma, Degache, and finally Tozeur.

The oasis was sustained by a system of underground water channels known as qanats . By standing on the edge of the basket, visitors enjoy a beautiful panorama of the city and the surrounding desert landscape. This arrangement strikingly highlights the contrast between the arid desert and the lush oasis. The best views are from the northwestern side .

Nefta’s Basket : Rehabilitation and Challenges

The drying up of the springs resulted from over-extraction. Digging wells to irrigate new palm groves lowered the water table. Consequently, new wells for old oases have a limited lifespan. If nothing changes, all the old oases of the Djerid region could disappear. A rehabilitation project, funded by Monaco, transformed the basket into an ecological space. The development includes a swimming pool, a stream, waterfalls, and huts, creating a small paradise. Below the cafes, a large spring-fed concrete pool is a popular swimming spot for local children . Ultimately, Nefta’s Basket offers an unforgettable glimpse into Tunisia’s oasis heritage.