Ksar Ghilane Matmata Trip
Description
The Ksar Ghilane Matmata excursion is the most requested and sold among the desert day trips from Djerba. This journey through time takes you from the bustling tourist town of Djerba to the serene desert gate.
During this extraordinary adventure, you will traverse the stony tracks of the Tunisian Reg, pause on the Jeffara plain to marvel at a panoramic view, and discover the famous oasis of Ksar Ghilane.
Upon arrival, you’ll have time to soak in the natural hot spring nestled in a lush palm grove. You’ll be captivated by the ocher sands embracing the greenery of the palm trees and have the chance to enjoy a quad or camel ride in the heart of the desert!
This desert excursion immerses you in local life, meeting Bedouins and camel herds, and savoring a delicious traditional Tunisian meal.
About the Ksar Gilane Matmata trip
- Duration : 1 Day
- Departure Time : 6h30 a.m
- Pick up : Djerba and Zarzis (our team picks you up wherever you are in Djerba or zarzis)
- Confirmation : immediate
- Guide : Arabic – French – English – German – Italian
- Type of transport : Air-conditioned tourist vehicle
- This trip is approved by the Tunisian Tourist Office
- Cancellation : See Terms and conditions
Highlights
- Take advantage of pick-up at your address in Djerba or Zarzis
- Cross the stony tracks and discover the Tunisian Reg in 4 * 4
- Go on an excursion to the desert and discover the oasis of Ksar Ghilane
- Bathe in a natural hot spring in the heart of the desert
- Enjoy a camel or quad ride in the middle of the desert
- Walk the sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see
- Go off the beaten track and experience nomadic life
- Explore local life and eat Tunisian
- Discover the Berber villages of Tamazret and Toujane
- Discover the troglodyte village of Matmata and the famous Sidi Driss, filming location of the famous Star Wars saga.
Program
At 6:30 AM, our team will pick you up from your location in Djerba or Zarzis for an adventure in the Tunisian desert.
Leave the island via the Roman road and head to the mainland. At a café amidst olive fields, your guide will brief you on the detailed program of your desert excursion and show your route on the map.
Proceed to Ain El Amba, where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Jeffara plain—perfect for photos.
Next, conquer the stony tracks of the Tunisian Reg in a 4×4, experiencing the abrupt change of landscape and the thrill of off-road travel.
In the middle of nowhere, take a brief photo stop, appreciating the unique silence. With luck, you might encounter a Bedouin with a herd of goats, sheep, or camels.
Around 11:00 AM, arrive at the oasis of Ksar Ghilane, a unique place where the greenery of the palm grove merges with the desert dunes. Your guide will show you where to change, and you can enjoy a swim in the natural hot spring, which also irrigates the surrounding palm groves.
Nearby, you can book a quad or camel ride to explore the dunes and visit the Tisavar fort (optional activities paid on-site with local providers).
At 1:00 PM, enjoy lunch with traditional Tunisian cuisine in a typical setting. The menu usually includes a starter, a main course (Tunisian couscous), and seasonal fruit for dessert.
After lunch, depart for the troglodyte village of Matmata.
Take a coffee break in the Berber village of Tamazret and taste a special tea (rosemary tea with almonds).
Visit a troglodyte house and Sidi Driss, a filming location of the Star Wars series.
Explore the Berber village of Toujane, taking time for photos before heading back to Djerba via the famous Ksar Hallouf. This collective attic, used to store the tribes’ harvest, features several Ghorfas.
Discover the unique architecture and enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding palm groves.
Return to Djerba or Zarzis with your heart light and your head full of beautiful memories, a perfect end to an unforgettable adventure.
Good to know
Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit and towel.
It is better to wear sneakers to walk in the sand
Tunisian cuisine is quite spicy, if you don’t eat spicy, please let us know.
If you have any food allergies, please let us know.
The camel ride in the dunes lasts 1 hour and costs around 10 euros per person
The quad ride takes about 40 minutes and costs about 30 euros per person.
Do not hesitate to take pocket money if you want to buy some souvenirs (sand roses, a cheche or something else) or give tips
The price of drinks on site is about 3 dinars per drink (about 1 euro)
Ksar Ghilane Matmata in pictures
The excursion in video
Itinerary
Price
90€
This price is based on at least 4 persons. Other people may join you.
- The provision of a privatized 4*4 during the day
- The services of a guide and a driver approved by the ONTT
- Lunch (excluding drinks)
- Our services and support
DrinksPersonal expensesAccess to museums and sitesOptional walksTips for the guide and the driver