The Dahar (meaning 'the back' in Arabic) is a rocky plateau in south-eastern Tunisia reaching 700 m, a natural border between coastal plains and the desert.
The Dahar (meaning 'the back' in Arabic) is a rocky plateau in south-eastern Tunisia reaching 700 m, a natural border between coastal plains and the desert. This Berber region preserves unique architectural heritage found nowhere else in the world: fortified ksours (collective grain stores), troglodyte villages (Matmata), hilltop settlements (Chenini, Douiret, Guermassa) and ghorfas (grain cells). George Lucas filmed Star Wars Episode IV there (Tatooine, 1977). Just 2 hours from Djerba, it's an immersion into a living, thousand-year-old culture.
The Dahar has been inhabited by Berbers since at least 4000 BC. Prehistoric remains (rock paintings, engravings) testify to very early settlement. Under Rome, the Berbers of the Dahar remained largely autonomous: the III Augusta legion maintained only small forts (Bezereos, Tisavar) without truly controlling the region. Christianity took root in the 4th century (Bezereos basilicas), as did Judaism (Jewish communities until the 20th century).
The Arab conquest (7th century) disrupted the balance: Berbers retreated to the heights and built defensive hilltop villages. The ksours (fortified collective grain stores) appeared from the 13th century onwards to protect harvests from Hilalian invasions (1057), the Banou Soleim, and later desert nomads. Each tribe built its own ksar: Ksar Ouled Soltane, Ksar Hadada, Ksar Megabla. The hilltop villages (Chenini, Douiret, Guermassa, Tamezret) date from the same period.
Under the Ottomans (1574–1881), the Dahar remained a semi-autonomous zone led by tribal chiefs. The French protectorate (1881–1956) created the first roads and the administration of Tataouine (named after the local town, which would inspire Tatooine to George Lucas). In 1977, the filming of Star Wars Episode IV (interior of the Lars house in Matmata, Mos Espa at Onk Jemel) attracted international attention. Today, rural exodus has emptied many hilltop villages, but UNESCO is studying listing the ksours of the Dahar as world heritage.
8 must-see sites selected by our local team.
Houses carved into the ground since the 12th century to escape the heat (constant 15 °C). A troglodyte family welcomes you into their houch (courtyard). Sidi Driss Hotel (Luke's house Star Wars set).
The most impressive village in the Dahar, perched on a ridge at 690 m. Mosque of the Seven Sleepers (legend of the Companions of Ephesus), fortress-granary, spectacular 360° views.
Most impressive ksar in the Dahar: 4-storey fortress-granary, 400 ghorfas in clay and stone, whitewashed. Set for Star Wars Episode I (Anakin's slave cells).
Semi-abandoned Berber village at 100 m altitude. Ghorfas carved into limestone cliffs, underground mosque, ecomuseum. Exceptional panoramic views.
Perched village at 600 m, famous for its whitewashed houses. Berber museum (crafts, costumes, tools). Cleaner and better preserved than Matmata.
Perched Berber village abandoned in the 1980s. Mysterious ghost town atmosphere. Hiking trail to the summit (1h).
Small preserved ksar near Tataouine, perfect example of Berber collective granary architecture: 80 ghorfas over 3 storeys.
Living village with troglodytic dwellings mixed with modern architecture. Speciality of "ftayer" (honey pastry fritters) served in traditional cafés.
A journey through the ages that shaped Le Dahar.
Most famous ksar of Le Dahar, perfect example of a Berber granary-fortress. 400 ghorfas (grain cells) over 4 storeys, in whitewashed sun-dried clay. Each family of the Ouled Soltane tribe stored their harvests there (barley, wheat, oil, dates). Also served as a refuge in case of invasion.
Underground mosque 80 m from the cliff face. Legend has it that it houses the tombs of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus (Christians fleeing Roman persecution, asleep for 309 years). Each tomb measures 4 m long, which supposedly justified their giant stature.
Typical troglodytic house, transformed into a hotel-museum. Set from Star Wars Episode IV (Luke Skywalker's home at his uncle Owen Lars' place). 5 pits dug into the ground connected by underground passages.
Fortified Berber village perched at 690 m, built to resist Hilalian invasions (1057). 350 cave-dwellings carved into the cliff face. White mosque, Quranic school, ghorfas. Partially restored, classified as national heritage.
Celebration of Berber heritage in Tataouine. Ksour market, traditional dances, camel races, Berber craft exhibitions.
Private car 2h to Matmata (140 km), 3h to Chenini/Tataouine (200 km). Day excursion organised from Djerba (49–80 €) very popular and convenient. SNTRI bus Djerba–Tataouine: 4h, 18 DT.
4×4 or high-clearance car depending on tracks. Shared taxis between Tataouine and villages. Organised excursion with local guide highly recommended to understand the sites.
Both are complementary. Matmata for troglodytes and Star Wars (Hôtel Sidi Driss), Chenini for spectacular hilltop village and the legend of the Seven Sleepers. Ideal: combine both in a 2-day circuit.
Yes, several troglodyte guesthouses in Matmata (Hôtel Sidi Driss 30 €, Diar el Berber 35 €) and perched in Douiret (Dar Ayed 50 €). Unforgettable experience. Basic but clean facilities.
Episode IV (1977): Hôtel Sidi Driss in Matmata (interior of Lars house), Chott el-Jérid (binary sunsets). Episode I (1999): Onk Jemel in Tozeur (Mos Espa), Ksar Ouled Soltane (slave cells). Episode II (2002): Sidi Bouhlel canyon.
Yes from 7-8 years old. Hilltop villages require walking (stairs, rocky paths). Matmata more accessible (troglodyte house visits on flat ground). Chenini less recommended for very young children.
French is widely spoken in tourist villages (Matmata, Chenini, Tataouine). Arabic and Berber are local languages. English limited. Guides generally speak French and English.
6 hotels · 23 guesthouses · 7 rural gîtes · troglodytes, ksour and hilltop Berber villages.
📍 Matmata
Famous troglodyte hotel — setting for the Mos Eisley cantina in Star Wars (Episode IV, 1977).
📍 Matmata
Central hotel with pool and traditional Berber architecture.
📍 Matmata
Contemporary establishment at the heart of the troglodyte village.
📍 Chenini
Authentic gîte at the foot of the hilltop Berber village, overlooking the ruins.
📍 Chenini
Guesthouse with Berber charm, traditional cuisine, panoramic views.
📍 Douiret
Ecolodge accommodation in troglodyte caves at over 500 m altitude.
📍 Douiret
Solidarity tourism cooperative — rooms in the historic village.
📍 Toujane
Troglodyte lodge on a mountainside — spectacular valley views.
📍 Toujane
Authentic guesthouse in the perched Berber village of Toujane.
📍 Toujane
Family accommodation with panoramic terrace overlooking the mountains.
📍 Toujane
Traditional guesthouse, Berber cuisine, hiking.
📍 Zammour
Berber lodge nestled in the mountain village of Zammour.
📍 Zammour
Vernacular stone architecture, family welcome.
📍 Zammour
Guesthouse with terrace and home cooking.
📍 Zammour
Authentic accommodation at 800 m altitude.
📍 Zammour
Family home renovated in traditional stone.
📍 Zammour
Simple rooms in the heart of the mountainous Dahar.
📍 Tataouine
4 stars — ideal base for exploring ksour, Chenini, Douiret. Swimming pool.
📍 Tataouine
Central Tataouine hotel, standard comfort, restaurant.
📍 Tataouine
Guesthouse with traditional hammam, air-conditioned rooms.
📍 Médenine
Hotel near the famous Médenine ksar — Berber patio.
📍 Médenine
Friendly guesthouse, ideal starting point for Ksar Ouled Soltane.
📍 Tamazret
Troglodyte Berber village, traditional lodge.
📍 Tijma
Guesthouse in the heart of Jbel Dahar, warm welcome.
📍 Ras El Oued
Renovated troglodyte house — authentic southern Tunisian experience.
📍 Tounket
Traditional Berber house in a preserved hamlet.
📍 Zmerten
Peaceful rural accommodation, hiking towards the ksour.
📍 Ksar Hallouf
Near the fortified ksar of Hallouf — family welcome.
📍 Ksar Hadada
Gîte at the famous ksar used as a set for Star Wars Episode I.
📍 Oued Elkhil
Agricultural estate and private oasis, nature accommodation.
Verified list — source: destinationdahar.com. Indicative rates, to be confirmed with the establishment.
Our local team designs your ideal Le Dahar programme. Private car or group seat, the cheapest on the market.
