Douz

The oasis town known as the 'Gateway to the Sahara', with camel rides on the great dunes and nights in desert camps; to the east lies the hot spring oasis of Ksar Ghilane.

Douz is in Kebili Governorate in southern Tunisia, southeast of Chott el Djerid and on the northern edge of the Grand Erg Oriental. Known as the 'Gateway to the Sahara', it is the easiest place in Tunisia to reach the true desert. Surrounded by vast date palm groves, the town was originally home to the nomadic Mrazig tribe, and its Thursday market and the International Festival of the Sahara in late December still preserve a strong nomadic culture. There are three parts to a visit: the town center has the market and the Sahara Museum; right behind the hotel zone south of town are the great dunes, where you can ride a camel or take a 4x4 to watch the sunset; and further afield are the Zaafrane dunes and camps, the old town of Kebili about 30 km north, and, some 90 km southeast and reachable only by 4x4, the hot spring oasis of Ksar Ghilane with its Roman fort ruins. The best season is October to April, with warm days and cold nights—bring a heavy jacket for a night in a desert camp; in summer, daytime temperatures often exceed 40°C, so dune activities are only advisable in the early morning and evening. Getting there: the nearest airports are Tozeur (about 120 km) and Djerba (about 250 km); from Tunis it's about 7–8 hours by long-distance bus or private car. More commonly, visitors join a southern Tunisia tour that combines Douz with the troglodyte dwellings of Matmata, Chott el Djerid and Tozeur. Stay 1–2 nights: one in a hotel in town and one in a desert camp. Tips: agree in advance on what's included in the price of camel rides, 4x4 trips and camps; go deep into the desert only with a licensed guide, and never drive into the sand sea alone; local customs are conservative, so dress modestly.

Top sights

• Great Dune of Douz (Ofra) – The starting point of the Grand Erg Oriental at the southern edge of town, where camel or four-wheel-drive rides up the dunes to watch the…
• Ksar Ghilane Oasis – A small oasis on the edge of the Grand Erg Oriental with natural hot spring pools, where you can ride a camel to the Roman fort ruins to wa…
• Douz Thursday Market – A traditional market held every Thursday in the town center. Besides dates, spices and carpets, it has a livestock market where camels and…
• Zaafrane Dunes – A nomadic village about 10 km southwest of Douz. The dunes outside the village are cleaner and less crowded, making it another popular star…
• Musée du Sahara – A small folk museum that introduces the daily life of the Melaziga nomads, displaying tents, clothing, camel saddlery and wedding items.
• International Festival of the Sahara – Held every December at Hennich Square in front of the southern dunes of Douz, with camel races, horsemanship, desert wedding performances…
• Douz Palmeraie – Vast date palm groves surround the town. You can ride a horse-drawn carriage or walk the paths between the trees, and see traditional irrig…
• Old Kebili & Ras el Ain – An abandoned old town of mud brick about 30 km north of Douz. Ruined walls, alleys and mosque remains have a rustic charm. Nearby at Ras el…

Where to eat

• El Bey Tent Restaurant – Arab-style tent restaurant on the road toward Zaafrane, west of Douz. It ranks first in Douz on Tripadvisor.
• Les Palmiers – A long-standing favorite of travelers in central Douz, its walls covered with photos of desert motorbike expeditions. K…

Itineraries

• Tunisia Classic North-South Loop – Head south from Tunis to the oases and the Sahara, then return north via El Jem, connecting major World Heritage sites.
• Southern Fortresses & Sahara 7-Day Itinerary from Djerba – Starting and ending in Djerba, explore fortified granaries, Ksar Ghilane desert camp, Douz, and Tozeur Oasis.
• In-Depth Tunisia: From the Mediterranean to the Sahara – Explore the north and the Sahel by train, rent a car to head south, and finish with a flight out of Djerba Island.