4x4 tour Southern Tunisia: Chebika, Tamerza, Ong Jmel & Star Wars

Drive through oases and desert to the Star Wars film set

A 4x4 tour through Southern Tunisia visiting four stops over 6 to 8 hours: the mountain oasis of Chebika with its natural spring, the waterfall canyon at Tamerza, the golden dunes and rock formations at Ong Jmel, and the Mos Espa film set from Star Wars in the deep desert. Includes private transportation, admission fees, bottled water and a live guide in English, French or Arabic.

Step-by-step itinerary

4x4 tour of oases and Star Wars sites

• Visit Chebika oasis and palm grove
• Explore Tamerza waterfalls and canyon
• Drive through golden dunes of Ong Jmel
• Tour Mos Espa Star Wars desert set

The experience

Chebika sits at the foot of ochre cliffs, a former Berber village built around a natural spring that feeds a palm grove. The walk there traces the contrast between green palms and desert rock, and the site itself feels like stepping back into Saharan culture. Tamerza, larger and built into an impressive canyon, has waterfalls rising from the hollow and partially buried stone houses lining dusty streets. Both stops give the sense of water and life persisting in the deep desert, and Tamerza is also where the group pauses for tea facing the canyon view.

The 4x4 journey begins at Ong Jmel, where a rock formation called the "Cou du camel" marks the entrance to the open desert. From there, the drive crosses golden dunes under bright light and absolute silence: a landscape that stretches as far as sight reaches. This is where photography and the raw sensation of the Sahara take over, and the vehicle becomes the way to move through it.

Mos Espa, the Star Wars film set built for the original trilogy, sits in the heart of the desert. The round buildings and turrets still stand, and walking through them means following the footsteps of the film itself. The site feels disconnected from the world, mixing the science fiction of the set with the eternal Sahara around it. The tour ends here, in the deep desert where cinema and landscape become one.

What’s included

• Private 4x4 transportation for the full day.
• admission fees to all four sites.
• bottled water.
• a live guide who speaks English, French or Arabic.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 09:30, 10:30 and 11:00

Book up toStart time

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Halim T

Is this one for you?This tour works best for small groups or families comfortable with 6 to 8 hours of driving and walking in desert heat and terrain. The 4x4 is essential for reaching Ong Jmel and Mos Espa, and the fixed route means you see all four stops in a single day without arranging separate transport to each one.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Arabic.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Chebika and why is it called the desert water tower?

Chebika is a former Berber village built around a natural spring that feeds a lush palm grove at the foot of ochre cliffs. The spring is what keeps the oasis alive in the desert, earning it the nickname "water tower" for the life it sustains in the surrounding landscape.

Can I walk at Tamerza, or is it only a drive-by stop?

Tamerza is a walking stop where you explore the partially buried ancient city on foot, moving along dusty streets and stone houses built into the canyon. The group also takes a tea break there facing the view of the waterfalls and canyon.

How much time do I spend in the 4x4 versus walking at each site?

The tour spans 6 to 8 hours total and mixes driving with walking at each oasis. Chebika and Tamerza are explored on foot, Ong Jmel is crossed by 4x4 through the dunes, and Mos Espa is walked through on foot. The exact balance depends on the pace and the group's interests.

Is the Star Wars site a real film location or a recreation?

Mos Espa is the actual film set built for the original Star Wars trilogy and left standing in the desert. The round buildings and turrets are the real structures from the production, not recreations.

What should I bring for a day in the Southern Tunisia desert?

Bottled water is included with the tour. The operator recommends bringing a cap and sunglasses for protection from the bright Sahara sun. Wear sturdy shoes for walking on rocky terrain at the oases and sand at Ong Jmel.