Douz, an oasis of 90,000 palm trees 100 km south of Kebili, is nicknamed 'the gateway to the Sahara' as it opens onto the vast Erg Oriental.
Douz, an oasis of 90,000 palm trees 100 km south of Kebili, is nicknamed 'the gateway to the Sahara' as it opens onto the vast Erg Oriental. Capital of the M'razig people (Arabicised Bedouins), it is famous for its Thursday market (camels, livestock, dates), its International Sahara Festival (December) and its bivouacs at the Zmela encampment 10 km out in the dunes.
Douz (Dous in Arabic) has been inhabited since Antiquity by Berber tribes, later Arabicised. The region is crossed by trans-Saharan caravan routes linking Kairouan to Ghadamès and Timbuktu. In the Middle Ages, the M'razig Bedouins (originally from Arabia) settled and gave the region its caravan culture, which endures today.
Under the Ottomans and Husseinides (18th–19th centuries), Douz remained a caravan town. The French Protectorate created the first motorway in 1920. Independence and tourism development (1970s) transformed Douz into a gateway to the desert. The International Sahara Festival, established in 1967, became North Africa's most important Saharan festival and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
6 Must-See Sites Selected by Our Local Team
Tunisia's most authentic Bedouin market. Camels, sheep, goats, dates, Berber carpets, spices. Activities from 7am, finishing around 1pm.
First dunes accessible from Douz, 10 km to the south. Bivouacs, camel rides at sunset, 4×4 races.
Central square adorned with a giant camel statue. Cafés, traditional restaurants, craft shops. Heart of local life.
Small museum showcasing Bedouin life, tribal craftsmanship, tools, costumes and jewellery. Located in a traditional house.
90,000 palm trees in tiers. Fresh water springs, pomegranate and fig orchards. Refreshing stroll in summer.
Star Wars set accessible by 4×4 from Douz (100 km away). Combined excursion with Chott el Jerid possible.
A journey through the eras that shaped Douz.
Central village mosque, traditional Saharan architecture. Square minaret, white dome, simple prayer hall. Spiritual heart of the M'razig community.
4 days of Saharan celebration: camel racing, recreated Berber wedding, traditional dances, fantasia (horsemen firing in the air), craft exhibitions. Africa's largest Saharan festival.
Private car: 4 hours via P19 (280 km). 2-day bivouac excursion from Djerba: 99–200 €. SNTRI coach Djerba–Douz: 5 hours, 25 DT.
4×4 essential for dunes (hire with driver 80 €/day). Carriage rides in the palm grove. Taxis for short distances.
Morning: Thursday market. Afternoon: palm grove visit + Sahara Museum. Evening: bivouac at Zmela with camel ride at sunset. Night: Bedouin tent under the stars.
Yes, it's one of the Maghreb's most authentic cultural events. 4 intense days (late December). Hotel saturation and doubled prices, but unforgettable experience. 3-month advance booking essential.
Standard (Zmela Camp 60–80 DT): Berber tent, floor mattress, shared facilities. Luxury (Anantara, Pansea Ksar Ghilane 250–450 DT): equipped tent, bed, bathroom, gastronomy. Choose according to your budget and desired comfort.
4 hotels · 4 guesthouses · 4 desert camps · from 5★ palace to traditional bivouacs.
📍 Douz
Saharan immersion · departure point for Ksar Ghilane, Matmata · swimming pool · shopping centre.
📍 Douz
Central hotel · swimming pool · close to the camel market.
📍 Douz
In the heart of the palm grove · authentic Saharan atmosphere.
📍 Douz
Standard category hotel · departure point for desert excursions.
📍 Ksar Ghilane
Fixed bivouac in the middle of the desert · natural hot spring bath · heated pool · relaxation area.
📍 Ksar Ghilane
High-end Berber tents · refined décor · thermal spring · night under the stars.
📍 Ksar Ghilane
Bivouac with swimming pool, restaurant · direct access to the thermal spring and dunes.
📍 Ksar Ghilane
Friendly camp · traditional cuisine · departure for 4×4 excursions.
Book your stopover or create a combined Djerba + desert stay.
💬 WhatsApp advice 🗺️ Build my itinerary →Our local team designs your ideal Douz programme. Private car or group place, the cheapest on the market.
