You’ll cross Chott El Jerid’s surreal salt flats, share dinner by firelight at a real desert camp, and wander through Tozeur’s lively market—all in two days packed with local flavor and genuine moments.
The first thing that hit me was the dry, salty air as we left Tozeur early in the morning. Our driver—Mohamed, who grew up nearby—pointed out the pink shimmer on Chott El Jerid’s surface. It’s not just a salt lake; it almost looks like you could walk forever across that cracked white ground. We stopped for photos, and I remember the crunch under my shoes and a faint smell of minerals in the breeze.
Later, we rolled deeper into the Great Erg Oriental. There’s nothing quite like watching Berber nomads set up camp; their hands move fast but gentle, tying ropes and laying carpets right on the sand. Dinner was slow-cooked lamb with cumin—our guide called it “mechoui”—and we ate under a sky so clear you could see every star. The camp itself was simple but cozy, with thick blankets for when the desert chill set in after sunset.
Next morning, after strong coffee and flatbread, we headed back toward Tozeur. The market was already buzzing—vendors calling out prices for dates and spices, kids darting between stalls. In the old medina, narrow alleys twist past mud-brick walls. I picked up a small bag of dried figs from an old woman who smiled but didn’t say much; she just nodded as I fumbled with coins.
Yes, it’s family-friendly! Kids will love the camp experience and there are plenty of breaks along the way.
Bring layers—it gets chilly at night even if it’s hot during the day. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking on sand.
Yes! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all provided at the camp and during stops.
It usually takes about 30 minutes by car from Tozeur to reach Chott El Jerid salt lake.
Your hotel pickup and drop-off in Tozeur are covered. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water always on hand. All meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner—are included along with your overnight stay at a comfortable desert camp.
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