Day tour to Ksar Ghilane oasis: Desert, thermal spring and dunes

The oasis sits in the middle of the Grand Erg Oriental's sand dunes, not at the edge.

A day tour from your hotel to the Ksar Ghilane oasis in Tunisia's southern desert, with a guide in English, French, German, Polish or Italian. You'll stop at a mountain viewpoint, swim in the thermal spring surrounded by palms, have time to explore the dunes, visit the 13th-century fortified granary at Ksar Hallouf, and return with lunch and bottled water included. The tour runs 11 to 12 hours and requires a minimum of four participants.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ksar Ghilane and local sites

• Stop at panoramic mountain viewpoint
• Visit Ksar Ghilane oasis and thermal spring
• Enjoy optional desert activities and swimming
• Have lunch at Ksar Ghilane
• Tour historic Ksar Hallouf granary complex

The experience

The day starts with a drive south to a mountain stop at roughly 420 meters elevation, where you get a panoramic view before heading into the desert proper. From there the route crosses into the Grand Erg Oriental and arrives at Ksar Ghilane, where the oasis sits among the dunes with a thermal spring at its center. You'll have leisure time to swim in the spring, walk among the palms, and if you want, join one or both of the optional activities (camel rides or ATV excursions) that take you deeper into the dune landscape.

Lunch is served after the oasis stop. On the return, the tour includes a visit to Ksar Hallouf, a fortified granary complex built in the 13th century and expanded in the 1800s, perched on a hill with distinctive Berber architecture and two-story terraced houses. The guide speaks English, French, German, Polish or Italian depending on availability, and the vehicle is air-conditioned throughout.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup.
• a guide fluent in English, French, German, Polish or Italian.
• lunch.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish, French, German and Polish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 97

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by monia travel

Is this one for you?Pickup from your hotel means you don't need a car or arrange your own transport to reach the desert. The 11- to 12-hour day fits travelers staying in the region without their own vehicle.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German and Polish.

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 Ksar Ghilane and what can I do there?

Ksar Ghilane is an oasis in the middle of the Grand Erg Oriental sand dunes in southern Tunisia. You'll have leisure time to swim in the thermal spring, walk among the palm trees, and optionally join camel or ATV activities to explore the dunes.

What is Ksar Hallouf?

Ksar Hallouf is a historic fortified granary complex built in the 13th century and expanded in the mid-19th century, located on a hilltop in southern Tunisia. It features distinctive Berber architecture with two-story terraced houses and traditional storage structures called ghorfas.

How long is the tour and what's included?

The tour runs 11 to 12 hours and includes air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup, a guide, lunch, and bottled water. Optional camel and ATV activities are available at the oasis but cost extra.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a swimsuit, and a towel for the thermal spring. Wear sneakers or comfortable shoes for walking on sand. Let the operator know about any dietary restrictions or food allergies before the tour.