Kairouan, Douz & El Djem 2-Day Trip

Tour Details

Day 1: Tunis - El Djem - Matmata - Douz

We'll pick you up from your hotel in Tunis city and begin a 2.5-hour journey south, crossing ever-changing landscapes that signal the start of a true Sahara adventure. Let’s go!

After a stop in Hammamet for breakfast on your own, we'll continue to the El Djem Amphitheatre, a Roman masterpiece that we’ll explore for about an hour. Did you know it’s the third-largest amphitheater in the world? You'll love wandering among its walls and centuries of history.

Next, we'll travel about 3 hours to Matmata, famous for its unique troglodyte homes carved into the rock, still inhabited by Berber families. We’ll step inside one of these homes to see daily life and visit the iconic Sidi Idriss Hotel, a filming location for Star Wars. Lunch will be served there to recharge your energy.

After spending approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes in Matmata, we'll head to Douz, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. We'll settle into a desert camp and watch a magical sunset over the golden dunes. You won't believe the beauty of the landscape!

If you wish, you can take a camel ride to experience the Sahara more authentically. The day will end with a Bedouin dinner under the stars, accompanied by traditional music and a demonstration of how to bake bread in the sand.

Finally, we'll go to sleep in the tents, embraced by the infinite silence of the desert. Good night!

Day 2: Douz - Chott El Djerid - Chebika - Kairouan - Tunis

After breakfast, we'll prepare to head to Chott El Djerid, 1.5 hours away, where Tunisia's largest salt lake is located. Its mirages and changing colors will make us feel like we are in another world. Legend has it that a sunken palace lies beneath its waters!

After a 20-minute visit, we'll head to the Chebika Oasis for 1-hour long hike. We'll discover a spot where water springs forth from arid mountains, creating a lush landscape of palm trees and waterfalls. 

At midday, we'll stop at a restaurant for lunch to recharge. Afterwards, we’ll head to Kairouan, the first holy city of the Maghreb and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we’ll visit the Great Mosque, a majestic temple that marked the beginning of Islamic architecture in North Africa.

Finally, we'll take a 2-hour drive back to Tunis, arriving at your hotel around 6 pm.

Accommodation Info

This tour includes 1 night in a desert camp in Douz.

The tents have electricity for charging devices and a shared bathroom block with toilets and showers. Under no circumstances will you have to share the tents with strangers. Options include single, double, triple, and family tents. Single bookings incur a supplement. Children aged 1 to 12 must share a room with their parents or guardians in an extra bed.

Meal Plan

• Lunch on Day 1: Brik (fried pastry filled with meat, tuna, or vegetables with spices), couscous, salad, and seasonal fruit.
• Dinner on Day 1: Brik, meat cooked in a traditional gargoulette, salad, and seasonal fruit.
• Breakfast on Day 2: Eggs, dates, butter, jam, cheese, sand-baked bread, milk, coffee, and juice.
• Lunch on Day 2: Chicken or turkey escalope, salad, and seasonal fruit.

Vegetarian options are available. Drinks are not included and must be purchased separately.

New Year's Eve in the Sahara Desert

On December 31, we'll celebrate the New Year in a magical desert setting. The evening begins with a show of knights and camels, evoking the legendary caravan routes.

In addition, we'll enjoy an apéritif at the camp before savouring a special New Year's Eve dinner in true Bedouin style. Music from a folk group will set the tone for the celebration, and a DJ will invite us to dance under the stars.

The highlight will be a fireworks display that will light up the sea of sand, perfect for welcoming in the New Year.

Private Tour 

If you prefer to enjoy the same itinerary with an English-speaking guide just for your group, we recommend booking our 2-day private tour.