Great Dune of Douz (Ofra)
الكثبان الكبرى بدوز
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 sunset make Douz's most classic experience.
Douz is known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Behind the hotel zone and festival square to the south of town lies the first dune of the Grand Erg Oriental, commonly called the Great Dune or the Ofra Dunes. Many camel handlers gather here, and you can ride a camel along dune routes for one to two hours. You can also take a four-wheel-drive vehicle, a sand bike or a paraglider. At sunset, golden sand waves stretch all the way to the horizon. Prices should be agreed in advance, by the hour, and clarify whether headscarves and robes are included. The dune edge gets crowded with visitors. For a pristine view of the desert sea, ride a camel farther out, or stay overnight at a camp to watch the stars.
Opening hours
All day (best around sunset)
Nearby sights
- International Festival of the Sahara
- Douz Thursday Market
- Musée du Sahara
- Douz Palmeraie
- Zaafrane Dunes
- Old Kebili & Ras el Ain
- Ksar Ghilane Oasis