Tunisia · Southern Tunisia
Douz and the Sahara travel guide
Camel rides, desert camps and Star Wars sets
Sand dunes near Douz. Photo: McKay Savage from London, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Douz is the 'gateway to the Sahara', where the golden dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental begin. Ride a camel at sunset and sleep in a desert camp under the stars.
Nearby are the troglodyte homes of Matmata, the salt lake of Chott el Djerid and the Star Wars sets around Tozeur.
What Douz is known for
- The dunes
Camel rides at sunset.
- Star Wars sets
Mos Espa and more.
- Matmata
Cave homes.
- Chott el Djerid
A vast salt lake.
Top things to do in Douz and the Sahara
Where to stay in Douz and the Sahara
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Best time to visit Douz and the Sahara
Best value: Sep–Apr. October to April: warm days and cold nights.
- Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
- PeakBusiest, highest prices
- QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
Getting there and around
About 3h from London to TOE, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?
Two-day tours run from the coast. Tozeur and Djerba airports are closest.
Good to know
- Check FCDO advice for border areas.
- Nights are cold: bring warm layers.
- Avoid June to August heat.
Douz and the Sahara FAQ
Can I visit the Sahara from the resorts?
Yes, on two-day tours.
When is the Sahara Festival?
December.
More places in Tunisia
- HammametCoast · Cap Bon
SousseCoast · Sahel
DjerbaIsland · Southern Tunisia
Tunis, CarthageHistory · Tunis
El JemHistory · Sahel
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