Tozeur, an oasis of 200,000 palm trees on the edge of Chott el-Jérid, is one of the most beautiful oases in the world and the tourist hub of southern Tunisia.
Tozeur, an oasis of 200,000 palm trees on the edge of Chott el-Jérid, is one of the most beautiful oases in the world and the tourist hub of southern Tunisia. Its centuries-old palm grove produces the famous Deglet Nour ('finger of light'), considered the finest date in the world. The medina of Ouled El Hadef, unique for its geometrically carved clay brick architecture, and the Star Wars sites of Onk Jemel make Tozeur a must-visit destination.
Tozeur (Tusuros) is mentioned by Ptolemy (2nd century) as a prosperous oasis on the Roman road connecting Carthage to Capsa (Gafsa). Under the Empire, it served as a military garrison. The Arab conquest (7th century) made it a major caravan relay on the Trans-Saharan route: Malian gold, slaves, and ivory passed through Tozeur in exchange for cereals and textiles.
In the 10th century, Tozeur flourished under the Aghlabids and then the Fatimids. The irrigation system designed by Ibn Chabbat (13th century) — distributing water from the palm grove according to precise calculations — is still in use today and studied as a model of sustainable agriculture. The medina of Ouled El Hadef was built in the 14th century with this unique architecture of raw clay bricks carved in geometric patterns (toulchi).
Under the Husseinids (18th century) and French protectorate (1881–1956), Tozeur remained a commercial centre. The airport was built in 1979, opening the region to tourism. In 1977, George Lucas filmed some scenes of Star Wars (Episode IV) in the nearby Chott el-Jérid. In 1999, Episode I (The Phantom Menace) set up its permanent sets at Onk Jemel (Mos Espa). Today, Tozeur welcomes 200,000 visitors per year.
7 must-see sites selected by our local team.
200,000 palm trees spread over 3 levels (palm trees, fruit trees, crops). 400 natural springs. Ancient irrigation system by Ibn Chabbat. Viewpoint over the palm grove and traditional café.
Unique architecture in geometrically carved raw clay bricks. Façades with relief patterns (toulchi), vaulted passages, Sidi Aïssa mosque. The best-preserved district of the oasis.
Permanent set of Star Wars Episode I (Mos Espa, Anakin's birthplace) 30 km from Tozeur. Clay houses and spectacular dunes.
Largest salt lake in the Sahara (5000 km²). Crossing by car on the P16 highway. Mirages, crunching salt crust. Eyes of the Sahara at Mansoura (coloured springs).
Recreation of traditional Tunisian life in an old residence. Costumes, jewellery, reconstructed interiors, Berber cuisine.
Small zoo featuring Saharan fauna: fennecs, addax, gazelles, dromedaries, scorpions, sand vipers.
Mountain oasis 60 km away: waterfalls, suspended palm groves, abandoned ancient Berber villages. Filming location for The English Patient (1996).
A journey through the eras that shaped Tozeur.
Ancient quarter unique in the world for its architecture made of raw clay bricks (toulchi) arranged in geometric patterns. Sculpted façades without mortar, remarkable interplay of shadows and light. The technique requires 3 months of work for 1 façade.
Central mosque of the medina, in clay bricks with geometric patterns. Square minaret with 3 levels, prayer hall with twisted columns, finely decorated mihrab.
Hydraulic engineering designed by the scholar Ibn Chabbat of Tozeur (1221–1282). Fair distribution of water to 400 palm grove owners according to a 24-hour × 7-day schedule, still in operation. Studied by UNESCO as a model for sustainable agriculture.
Celebration of the date harvest. Best Deglet Nour competition, tastings, folk parades, concerts.
Car: 6 hours (410 km via P19 then P3). Tunis Express flight Djerba–Tozeur: 1 hour, 100 €/return, 3 flights/week. Organised excursion 2-3 days from Djerba with guide+4×4: 250–450 €/person.
Calèches in the palm grove. 4×4 mandatory for Onk Jemel and Tamerza. Taxis in town. Bus to nearby Nefta (5 DT).
Tozeur for the oases, Star Wars (Mos Espa), clay medina, Chott el-Jérid. Douz for pure dunes (Erg Oriental), bivouacs, Sahara Festival. Ideal: combine both in 3 days.
50–80 DT/person in a group (Onk Jemel + Mos Espa, half-day 4×4). Private: 200 DT. Generally includes Bedouin tea and souvenir photo.
Yes, several operators offer sunrise flights over the palm groves and Chott (130–170 €/person, 1 hour flight + breakfast). Season: October–April.
Minimum 2 days: 1 day palm groves + medina, 1 day Star Wars + Chott. To add Tamerza/Chebika and Nefta, allow 3-4 days.
6 hotels · 13 guesthouses · from 5★ palace to traditional bivouacs.
📍 Tozeur
93 suites and villas (some with private pool) · Berber and Moorish heritage · 3 pools · spa · yoga · tennis.
📍 Tozeur
50 desert-inspired villas · 8-room spa · indoor and outdoor pool · panoramic Sahara views.
📍 Tozeur
Ochre brick architecture · pool · wellness centre · palm grove view.
📍 Tozeur
Traditional red brick architecture · oasis charm · heart of Jérid.
📍 Tozeur
143 rooms + 82 bungalows · indoor and outdoor pool · close to town centre.
📍 Tozeur
Traditional central hotel · 5 minutes from historic palm groves.
📍 Tozeur
Riad with garden and bar · private entrance · old Djerban charm.
📍 Tozeur
Traditional riad style in the medina · authentic décor.
📍 Tozeur
Small guesthouse in the heart of the medina · family welcome.
📍 Tozeur
Traditional architecture · shaded interior courtyard.
📍 Tozeur
Charming small hotel · authentic Jérid décor.
📍 Tozeur
Riad-style in the medina · refined Maghrebi atmosphere.
📍 Tozeur
Guest house in the heart of the oasis · swimming pool and garden · home cooking.
Book your stopover or create a combined Djerba + desert stay.
💬 WhatsApp advice 🗺️ Build my itinerary →Our local team designs your ideal Tozeur programme. Private car or group place, the cheapest on the market.
