Ksar Ghilane & Matmata 4x4 Tour: Desert Gate & Berber Villages

Swim in desert hot springs and ride camels or quads across endless dunes

A full-day 4x4 tour from Djerba visits Ksar Ghilane oasis with its hot spring and sand dunes, the rock desert (Reg) and sand desert (Erg), and two Berber villages (Tamzret and Toujane), where you stop at a troglodyte house for tea with the family. A guide and driver approved by the Tunisian Tourist Office lead the route. Lunch is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ksar Ghilane and Berber villages

• Visit Ksar Ghilane oasis and hot spring
• Enjoy panoramic view and rosemary tea in Tamazret
• Visit troglodyte house with local hospitality
• See troglodyte hotel and Star Wars filming site
• Photo break in Berber village of Toujane

The experience

The tour leaves Djerba and heads inland to Ksar Ghilane, where the desert opens into sand dunes stretching to the horizon. You swim in the hot spring there, then move through two distinct desert types: the Reg, a hard-packed rocky plateau, and the Erg, the sand dunes where quad or camel rides are available on site. The air-conditioned 4x4 handles the terrain while your guide explains what you're crossing.

The route includes stops in Tamzret and Toujane, Berber villages built into the landscape. At one, you visit a troglodyte house, a home carved into the earth, where the family greets you with rosemary tea, olive oil and sevis honey. Toujane is also a filming location for Star Wars, and you'll have time to photograph the village itself. A technical break in Tamzret lets you rest, drink tea and take in the panoramic view before continuing.

Lunch is a local meal served during the day. Drinks and personal expenses are separate. The full outing runs 10 to 13 hours depending on how long you spend at each stop and whether you choose the optional quad or camel ride in the dunes.

What’s included

• The services of a guide and driver both approved by the Tunisian Tourist Office.
• an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle for the full route.
• lunch with local food.
• tea and hospitality at a Berber family's troglodyte house.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday, Saturday and SundayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Depart Travel Services

Is this one for you?Book this if you want desert, Berber villages, and a hot spring in one day rather than splitting across multiple outings. The full day commitment means you'll experience both sand and rock desert without backtracking.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

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 a desert oasis famous for its hot spring, where you swim during the tour. Sand dunes stretch around it as far as the eye can see, and quad or camel rides in the dunes are available as optional activities on site.

Will I visit actual Berber villages, or just pass through them?

You stop in two Berber villages (Tamzret and Toujane), and enter a troglodyte house where a family lives. The host welcomes you with tea, olive oil and honey. Toujane also offers time to photograph the village itself.

What's the difference between the two deserts I'll see?

The Reg is a hard-packed rocky desert, and the Erg is the sand desert with dunes. Seeing both on the same day shows the range of terrain in this region.

How long is this tour and what should I plan for the rest of my day?

The tour runs 10 to 13 hours from Djerba, so it takes up most of a full day. Plan to leave early morning and return in late afternoon or early evening.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks?

Lunch is included and features local food. Drinks and personal expenses are not included and are your own cost during the day.