Ong Jemel & Mos Espa Half-Day Tour from Tozeur

Summary

Explore Star Wars Filming Locations in the Tunisian Desert

You’ll walk where movie legends filmed, see real-life Star Wars sets under the Tunisian sun, and pick up stories from locals who know every corner of Ong Jemel and Mos Espa. This half-day trip is perfect if you want something unique but don’t want to spend all day in the heat.

What’s the experience like?

The desert outside Tozeur feels endless—just sand, wind, and that dry heat you only get in southern Tunisia. Our driver picked us up right on time from the hotel. The van’s AC was a lifesaver; even in the morning, the sun was already pushing 30°C. First stop: Ong Jemel. Locals call it “the camel’s neck” because of this weird rock formation jutting out of nowhere. Our guide, Sami, pointed to a spot where Anthony Minghella filmed scenes for “The English Patient.” He even had a photo on his phone to show us the exact angle—pretty cool detail I wouldn’t have noticed myself.

After snapping some photos (watch your step—the sand gets everywhere), we bumped along a sandy track toward Mos Espa. If you’re into Star Wars, this is wild: the whole set still stands out here in the open desert. Sami explained how George Lucas picked this spot for Tatooine because of the light and those endless dunes. You can wander through Anakin’s old neighborhood—some of the domed buildings are still sturdy enough to duck inside. There’s usually a guy selling cold sodas from a cooler near the entrance; honestly, after an hour in that heat, it tasted better than any fancy café drink back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ong Jemel & Mos Espa Tour

• Visit Ong Jemel film site

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes, it’s good for all ages and fitness levels—the walking is easy and there’s shade in parts of Mos Espa.

How long does the tour last?

The whole experience takes about half a day, including pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Tozeur.

Can I take photos at both sites?

Absolutely! Both Ong Jemel and Mos Espa are open for photos—just watch out for sand getting into your camera gear.

What’s included

Your ride comes with AC (trust me, you’ll need it), plus hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Tozeur. Local guides share stories you won’t find online.