Private Day Trip to Ksar Ghilane from Djerba: Desert & Hot Spring

Seven hours in the Sahara, from ochre dunes to a hot spring fed by a failed oil well

A private full-day tour from Djerba to Ksar Ghilane, Tunisia's southernmost oasis, with an English, French, Italian or Arabic-speaking guide and lunch included. You travel by air-conditioned vehicle through the desert to Ksar Hallouf, a preserved Berber settlement on a rocky peak, then to Ksar Ghilane itself, where you can swim in the thermal spring (32°C, sulfurous) and optionally ride a camel or quad bike to the Roman fort of Tisavar. Transport takes three and a half hours each way. The guide speaks five languages and all fees and taxes are covered.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert trip to Ksar Ghilane oasis

• Visit Ksar Hallouf village
• Explore Ksar Ghilane oasis
• Swim in hot spring
• Optional camel or quad ride
• Enjoy included lunch

The experience

The drive from Djerba takes three and a half hours each way through desert landscape. You stop at Ksar Hallouf first, a fortified village perched on a rocky peak above a wadi and palm oasis, preserved from heavy tourism and built around the traditional way of life of the region. The ksar sits on high ground, offering views down across the settlement below. From there, the route continues south to Ksar Ghilane, the gateway to the Tunisian Sahara and home to about fifty nomadic families who live from date palms, goats and sheep.

Ksar Ghilane's defining feature is the hot spring that emerges from deep underground. A discovery made by accident in 1953 when oil drillers hit a confined water table 700 meters down instead of crude. The water gushes out at 32°C with sulfurous properties and is suitable for swimming. Bring a swimsuit if you want to enter the thermal pool. The oasis sits at the edge of the Sahara, and from here you can book a camel ride or quad bike excursion (15€ per hour for camel, 30€ per hour for quad) to the Roman fort of Tisavar: both paid on site, not included in the tour price. Lunch is served at a restaurant in Ksar Ghilane, chosen for food quality and hygiene. Let your guide know in advance if you are vegetarian or have allergies to milk, gluten or other items.

Your guide speaks English, French, Italian, Arabic and German. The vehicle is air-conditioned and pickup from your Djerba hotel is included. Bottled water comes with the tour. All fees and taxes are covered in the price. You pay only for the optional camel or quad rides if you choose them.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transport from your Djerba hotel.
• a guide fluent in English, French, Italian, Arabic and German.
• lunch at a restaurant in Ksar Ghilane.
• bottled water.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to20h before

AgesAdult (11 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French, Italian and Arabic

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot for heart conditions

Operated by GSA-Voyages - Grand-Sahara-Aventures Djerba

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you want to explore the desert without sharing the vehicle or guide with other travelers. The full-day format and three-and-a-half-hour drive each way mean you have time to linger at both Ksar Hallouf and Ksar Ghilane, swim in the thermal spring, and optionally ride a camel or quad bike: all at your own pace rather than on a fixed group schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French, Italian and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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.

How long is the drive from Djerba to Ksar Ghilane?

The transport takes three and a half hours each way, making the full journey from Djerba and back a total of seven hours on the road.

What is the hot spring at Ksar Ghilane like?

Ksar Ghilane's thermal spring emerges from a water table 700 meters underground and flows at 32°C with sulfurous properties. It is safe to swim in and is known for its thermal benefits. Bring a swimsuit if you want to enter the water.

Can I ride a camel or quad bike in the desert?

Yes, both camel rides and quad bike excursions are available from Ksar Ghilane to the Roman fort of Tisavar. Camel rides cost 15€ per hour and quad bikes cost 30€ per hour. Both are paid on site and not included in the tour price.

What is Ksar Hallouf?

Ksar Hallouf is a fortified Berber village built on a rocky peak above a wadi and palm oasis. It remains preserved from heavy tourism and gives views across the settlement below, offering a glimpse of traditional desert life.

Is lunch included, and can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Lunch is included and served at a restaurant in Ksar Ghilane. Tell your guide in advance if you are vegetarian or have allergies to milk, gluten or other ingredients so the restaurant can prepare accordingly.