Tunisia Sahara: El Jem, Star Wars & Douz Desert Private 2-Day Tour

Salt lakes, Roman colosseum, desert dunes and Berber cave tea

You’ll walk ancient stones at El Jem colosseum, sip mint tea inside a real Berber cave house in Matmata, watch sunset turn Douz’s Sahara dunes gold, and cool off by Chebika’s hidden waterfall oasis: all with your own local driver-guide and flexible stops. Expect small surprises (like homemade bread) and moments of real quiet under huge skies.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: El Jem, Matmata, Sahara Desert Tour

• Visit El Jem Roman Colosseum
• Lunch break in Matmata
• Explore Berber Troglodyte House
• Visit Star Wars filming location
• Watch sunset at Sahara Desert in Douz
• Optional quad tour or camel ride

Day 2: Salt Lake, Oasis, Canyons, Kairouan

• Sunrise at Salt Lake Chott el Jerid
• Optional Jeep tour to Ong Jmal
• Explore desert oasis and waterfall
• Panoramic photos at Chebika Canyons
• Visit underground city of Tamaghza
• Lunch break in Matmata
• Visit Great Mosque of Okba in Kairouan
• Taste traditional sweets and tea

The experience

The first thing I noticed was the echo: my footsteps bouncing off the stone inside El Jem’s colosseum. Our guide, Sami, waved us over to a patch of sunlight where the old seats curved around us. He told a story about gladiators here, but honestly I was distracted by the way dust floated in the air. You could almost taste it. We lingered longer than planned because no one wanted to leave (and Sami didn’t rush us). The drive south felt endless but in a good way: olive trees, then suddenly nothing but sand.

Lunch in Matmata was simple: hot bread torn by hand, olive oil so green it looked fake, and honey that stuck to my fingers. The Berber family who hosted us poured mint tea with a little ceremony: Li laughed when I tried to say thank you in Arabic (I probably butchered it). Their cave house was cool even though outside felt like an oven. It’s strange how quiet those rooms are underground. Later we stopped at the Star Wars set. Someone had left a plastic droid behind and it looked oddly at home in all that emptiness.

By sunset we reached Douz: the “Gateway to the Sahara.” The sand there is soft and fine, not like any beach I’ve known. Some of us rode camels (I skipped it), others took quad bikes up the dunes. I just sat on the sand for a while and watched everything turn gold. That silence is something I still think about. Next morning started early at Chott el Jerid salt lake. Pink light everywhere, salty air sharp on my lips. Sami pointed out what he called a “mirage”, looked like water but wasn’t, and for a second I believed him.

We finished with waterfalls at Chebika oasis (a real surprise after so much desert), and finally Kairouan’s Great Mosque from above. There were sweets and tea waiting for us there (free, which felt generous). I can’t really describe that last view except that everyone went quiet for a minute before we piled back into the van. So yeah. If you’re looking for a day trip to the Sahara from Tunis or Sousse or wherever, this private tour packs in more than you’d expect.

What’s included

• Your two-day journey includes hotel or Airbnb pickup from any city you choose plus drop-off flexibility at no extra charge if it’s along our route. You’ll travel in a new air-conditioned private vehicle with Wi-Fi available on request (for maps/messages), get help with photos at stops if you want them taken, enjoy friendly facts from your driver-host in your language, not heavy history, and have instant WhatsApp support before and during your trip. Lunches aren’t included but your guide will help you find great local spots when you’re hungry.
• all timing is flexible so you can linger wherever feels right.

Options for this experience

7 options

No pickup (not recommended)Guide in 5 languages · 00:00This option isn't available. Please choose one of the pickup options instead (hotel pickup is required). Pickup is included.

Pickup in Sousse (from any hotel)Up to 8 per booking · Guide in 5 languages · 07:00, 07:30, 08:00 and 08:30Select this if your hotel or Airbnb is in Sousse (Center, Port El Kantaoui, Hammam Sousse, etc.). Private tour: enjoy this exclusive tour with your group, with no sharing, just your own personalized tour. Quick start after booking: WhatsApp is available right away for your questions and a fast confirmation, and the driver-host's WhatsApp and pickup details are sent the day before. Duration: 2 days. Flexible tour: choose your own pace and spend more time at your favorite stops within the tour duration. VIP driver-host: general road insights in your chosen language and helpful guidance on the road (not heavy history). Photo help and mobile Wi-Fi: ask anytime for photo help; a hotspot is available on request when possible. Bonuses included: instant WhatsApp support, tour customization, a FREE alternative drop-off (if it's on our route), and more. Pickup is included.

Pickup in Monastir (from any hotel)Up to 8 per booking · Guide in 5 languages · 07:00, 07:30, 08:00 and 08:30Select this if your hotel or Airbnb is in Monastir (Monastir Center, Skanes, etc.). Private tour: enjoy this exclusive tour with your group, with no sharing, just your own personalized tour. Quick start after booking: WhatsApp is available right away for your questions and a fast confirmation, and the driver-host's WhatsApp and pickup details are sent the day before. Duration: 2 days. Flexible tour: choose your own pace and spend more time at your favorite stops within the tour duration. VIP driver-host: general road insights in your chosen language and helpful guidance on the road (not heavy history). Photo help and mobile Wi-Fi: ask anytime for photo help; a hotspot is available on request when possible. Bonuses included: instant WhatsApp support, tour customization, a FREE alternative drop-off (if it's on our route), and more. Pickup is included.

See 4 more options

Pickup in Hammamet (from any hotel)Up to 8 per booking · Guide in 5 languages · 07:30, 08:00 and 08:30Select this if your hotel or Airbnb is in Hammamet (Center, Yasmine Hammamet, Nabeul, Korba, Mrezga, etc.). Private tour: enjoy this exclusive tour with your group, with no sharing, just your own personalized tour. Quick start after booking: WhatsApp is available right away for your questions and a fast confirmation, and the driver-host's WhatsApp and pickup details are sent the day before. Duration: 2 days. Flexible tour: choose your own pace and spend more time at your favorite stops within the tour duration. VIP driver-host: general road insights in your chosen language and helpful guidance on the road (not heavy history). Photo help and mobile Wi-Fi: ask anytime for photo help; a hotspot is available on request when possible. Bonuses included: instant WhatsApp support, tour customization, a FREE alternative drop-off (if it's on our route), and more. Pickup is included.

Pickup in Mahdia (from any hotel)Up to 8 per booking · Guide in 5 languages · 07:30, 08:00 and 08:30Select this if your hotel or Airbnb is in Mahdia (Mahdia, Hiboun, etc.). Private tour: enjoy this exclusive tour with your group, with no sharing, just your own personalized tour. Quick start after booking: WhatsApp is available right away for your questions and a fast confirmation, and the driver-host's WhatsApp and pickup details are sent the day before. Duration: 2 days. Flexible tour: choose your own pace and spend more time at your favorite stops within the tour duration. VIP driver-host: general road insights in your chosen language and helpful guidance on the road (not heavy history). Photo help and mobile Wi-Fi: ask anytime for photo help; a hotspot is available on request when possible. Bonuses included: instant WhatsApp support, tour customization, a FREE alternative drop-off (if it's on our route), and more. Pickup is included.

Pickup in Tunis (from any hotel)Up to 8 per booking · Guide in 5 languages · 07:00, 07:30 and 08:00Select this if your hotel or Airbnb is in Tunis (Center, La Marsa, Gammarth, Sidi Bou Said, Carthage, etc.). Private tour: enjoy this exclusive tour with your group, with no sharing, just your own personalized tour. Quick start after booking: WhatsApp is available right away for your questions and a fast confirmation, and the driver-host's WhatsApp and pickup details are sent the day before. Duration: 2 days. Flexible tour: choose your own pace and spend more time at your favorite stops within the tour duration. VIP driver-host: general road insights in your chosen language and helpful guidance on the road (not heavy history). Photo help and mobile Wi-Fi: ask anytime for photo help; a hotspot is available on request when possible. Bonuses included: instant WhatsApp support, tour customization, a FREE alternative drop-off (if it's on our route), and more. Pickup is included.

Tours by minivan or minibusUp to 15 per booking · Guide in 5 languages · 04:00, 07:30, 08:00 and 08:30Professional tour guide who brings the tour to life with detailed commentary on the road, on site, and assistance at each destination. Private VIP tour: enjoy this exclusive experience with your group, with no sharing, just your own personalized adventure. Brand-new, air-conditioned vehicles. Customized lunch assistance: we help you choose restaurants that match your preferences (traditional, vegetarian, etc.) and take you there. More bonuses under "Inclusions": quick WhatsApp support, group savings, tour customization, lunch assistance, and a FREE drop-off (if on the way). Reserve an extra seat if needed: book an additional seat for more comfort. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 04:00, the last at 08:30

AgesUp to age 85

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French, German, Italian and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 49

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Simba Fun Travel™ | Quality Tours & Transfers In Tunisia

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

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

Is hotel pickup included for this Tunisia Sahara tour?

Yes, pickup is included from your hotel or Airbnb in any city.

How long does the private Sahara tour last?

The tour is two days with an overnight stay. Start times are flexible based on your location.

Are meals included on this 2-day Sahara trip?

Lunches are not included but arranged locally for about 9 EUR per person. Your guide helps choose spots.

Can I ride camels or quad bikes during the Douz desert stop?

Yes, both camel rides and quad tours are optional extras paid on site (10–25 EUR).

Is this tour suitable for families or wheelchair users?

Yes, it's suitable for all ages and is wheelchair accessible throughout.

Do we visit Star Wars filming locations?

You’ll see Luke Skywalker’s home set in Matmata. Ong Jmal is optional by jeep for an extra fee.

What should I bring on this Sahara day trip from Tunis?

Sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes, cash for extras/tips, camera, light jacket for evening chill.

Are entry fees included in this private Tunisia tour?

No entry fees are not included. Most sites are free or low cost. Your guide will advise as needed.