Tataouine & Chenini: Private 4x4 Berber Ksour Day Trip

Summary

Berber villages, salt lakes and ksar citadels in southern Tunisia

You’ll start early from Djerba or Zarzis, crossing salt lakes before coffee in Tataouine’s market. Walk through ancient Berber ksour like Ouled Soltane and climb Chenini’s ridge with a local guide. Taste homemade lunch in Guermassa before exploring more citadels — including a spot from Star Wars — then return as desert light fades.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Djerba just after sunrise — not my usual hour, but the air felt cool and salty, and our driver Sami had already queued up some old Tunisian pop on the radio. First stop was Sebkhet el Melah, this wide salt lake that looked almost fake in the morning light — white crusts everywhere, pinkish water in patches. Sami let us hop out for photos, but honestly I just stood there breathing it in. You could smell the minerals, kind of sharp and clean. There were a few herders off in the distance with their sheep, waving as we got back in the 4x4.

In Tataouine we grabbed coffee at a little place by the market (the guy behind the counter grinned when I tried to order in French — pretty sure I butchered it). The market itself was noisy and full of spices; I still remember this one stall where dried mint and cumin mixed together in the air. Then we headed to Ksar Ouled Soltane — you see photos online but standing inside those honeycomb-like granaries is something else. Our guide explained how families used to store grain here for years; you can still see fingerprints pressed into some of the mud bricks if you look close enough.

Chenini was next, tucked right into the mountain ridge so well it almost disappears if you’re not looking for it. Walking up through those narrow paths with our guide pointing out old troglodyte homes (I kept tripping over my own feet), I felt like time had slowed down. The silence was heavy except for wind and a couple kids chasing each other past us. Lunch came later in Guermassa — simple bread, olive oil, lamb stew. Not fancy but exactly what I wanted after all that climbing around.

After lunch we stopped at Ksar El Ferech and then Ksar Hadada — which apparently was used as a Star Wars set (Sami laughed when he showed us the photo on his phone). The sun was starting to drop by then; everything turned gold and dusty. On the drive back to Zarzis I watched desert colors shift out the window and tried to remember every detail — not sure why but that part stuck with me most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tataouine and Berber villages

• Pick up from Djerba or Zarzis
• Photo stop at Sebkhet el Melah salt lake
• Coffee break and market visit in Tataouine
• Visit Ksar Ouled Soltane
• Guided tour of Chenini village
• Lunch in Guermassa
• Visit Ksar El Ferech
• Visit Ksar Hadada
• Return to Djerba or Zarzis for drop-off

Top questions

Is pickup included from Djerba or Zarzis hotels?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from your accommodation in Djerba or Zarzis.

How long does the day trip to Tataouine & Chenini take?

The tour lasts about one full day, starting around 7:30 am and returning by evening.

Is lunch included during this private 4x4 tour?

Yes, lunch is provided during your stop in Guermassa village.

Are there guided tours at Chenini?

Yes, you’ll have a guided walking tour of Chenini lasting about an hour.

Can small children join this Berber region day trip?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; prams/strollers and infant seats are available.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited fitness?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but may not be ideal for those with poor cardiovascular health due to some walking/climbing.

Will we visit Star Wars filming locations on this trip?

Yes, Ksar Hadada is included; it was featured as Mos Espa slave quarters in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

What kind of vehicle is used for transportation?

You’ll travel in a private air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Djerba or Zarzis, private transportation by air-conditioned 4x4 with bottled water along the way, guided walks through Berber villages like Chenini and ksour such as Ouled Soltane and Hadada, plus a traditional lunch before heading back to your accommodation as evening falls.