Chenini
شنني
A Berber village built on a ridge, with a white mosque at the mountain pass and cave dwellings and granaries stacked along the cliffs. It is one of the most representative mountain villages in the south.
Chenini lies about 18 km southwest of Tataouine. Berbers have carved homes into this ridge since the 12th century. At the summit stand ancient granary fortresses, rows of cave dwellings on the slopes are still inhabited, and a white mosque sits in the saddle between two peaks. Climbing the stone steps to the top takes about 30 to 45 minutes and rewards you with views over the desert valley. Along the way, you can enter open cave houses to see traditional mills and olive oil workshops. There is a parking lot and a small café at the village entrance, and local guides are often available. Entry is free or costs a small fee. Summer midday is very hot, so bring water and a hat.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Mosque of the Seven Sleepers
- Douiret
- Guermessa
- Ksar Ouled Debbab
- Ghomrassen
- Ksar Beni Barka
- Tataouine Market
- Ksar Hadada