How to Plan Your Tataouine-Chenini 1 Day Tour: Discovery of Ksours and Berber Villages

If you are planning a trip to Tunisia, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful desert region of Tataouine. This one-day tour takes you to Chenini, an authentic Berber village, and the surrounding area where you can discover Ksours, traditional fortified granaries. Here’s how to plan your Tataouine-Chenini 1 day tour and make the most out of your experience.

Overview

The tour lasts for one day and includes the services of a driver and a guide, who are approved by the Tunisian Tourist Office. You’ll visit the Ksar Ouled Soltane, a fortified granary, and the beautiful village of Chenini, which is built against a rocky outcrop. You’ll also have lunch at a local restaurant, included in the tour price.

What’s Included

• Lunch
• The services of a driver approved by the Tunisian Tourist Office
• The services of a guide approved by the Tunisian Tourist Office

What’s Excluded

• Drinks and personal expenses
• Tips to the local guide and driver

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point is in Djerba, and the tour includes pickup from anywhere in Djerba, including the airport or any hotel. The tour starts at 07:30 AM and ends back at the meeting point.

What to Expect

You’ll start the tour by driving through the desert and admiring the breathtaking scenery. Your first stop will be Ksar Ouled Soltane, where you can explore the fortified granary and learn about its history and purpose. Then, you’ll continue to Chenini, a traditional Berber village built into a rocky hill. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the village and learn about local traditions and customs. You’ll also have lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, you’ll visit the village of Douiret, which is built on a rocky spur and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert. Finally, you’ll visit the Ksour of Tataouine and the market, where you can buy souvenirs and traditional handicrafts.

Additional Information

Confirmation

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking unless booked within 6 hours of travel. In this case, confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability.

Accessibility

The tour is not wheelchair accessible. Infant seats are available upon request.

Health Requirements

There are no specific health requirements for this tour. However, participants should be in good health and not have any serious medical conditions.

Maximum Number of Travelers

This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers.

Operated By

The tour is operated by Depart Travel Services.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Book the tour here and enjoy a memorable day out in Tataouine!

An Insider’s Guide to Tataouine, Tunisia: Discovery of Ksours and Berber Villages

Tataouine is a small city that is located in the south of Tunisia. This city is known for its unique architecture and its historical significance as the on-site filming location for the planet Tatooine in the Star Wars film series. Tataouine is also the gateway to a region full of ancient ksours (fortified granaries), traditional Berber villages, and stunning desert landscapes.

Local Attractions and Activities

Tataouine is home to several attractions that offer insight into the history and culture of the region. One of the most popular sites is the Ksar Ouled Soltane, located just a few miles outside of the city. It is a well-preserved ksar that was built in the 15th-century to protect grain stores from raiding nomads. Visitors can explore the narrow streets, the impressive mosque, and climb up to the top of the granary towers for great views of the surrounding countryside.

Another must-see attraction is the Mosque of Ksar Jamaa. This mosque is located on top of a hill and is a fine example of traditional Berber architecture.

Visiting Saturnia Hot Springs is also a must-do activity while in Tataouine. These hot springs are located about 30km to the east of Tataouine and have been attracting locals and visitors to their healing waters for centuries. Here, you can soak in the natural pools, bathe in the hot stream, and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.

Local Dining Spots and Cultural Experiences

Tataouine is big on traditional Tunisian culture, with several dining spots and cultural experiences that allow visitors to experience the local culture first-hand. One of the best dining spots in Tataouine is Les Berbères. This restaurant offers fine Tunisian cuisine, including tagines, couscous, warqa, and moutabal.

There are also several cultural events throughout the year, including the Djerba Festival of Traditional Arts in July. Some of the highlights include music, dance, theater, and handicrafts, along with traditional food and drink.

A visit to Tataouine would not be complete without a visit to the local market. This is a chance to pick up souvenirs, foodstuffs, and traditional crafts made by local artisans. Head to the market on Tuesday if you want to receive the full experience and see the market in its full glory.

Local History and Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Tataouine has a rich and diverse history, with many off-the-beaten-path suggestions worth visiting. One such suggestion is the Mareth Line, a series of fortifications built by the French army in 1936. The fortifications were built in a strategic location to protect against the advance of German and Italian troops. In addition, the site has now been turned into a museum that documents the history of the Mareth Line and the events that occurred here.

The Medenine area, located just 30km to the north of Tataouine, is another off-the-beaten-path suggestion worth visiting. This area is home to several traditional Berber villages, including Chenini and Douiret. These villages are known for their distinctive Berber architecture, with many buildings carved into the rocky hillsides. Exploring the winding streets and alleys and meeting friendly locals is a great way to experience the authentic spirit of Tunisia.

In conclusion, Tataouine is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in Berber culture, history, and stunning desert landscapes. With its unique architecture, rich history, and welcoming people, Tataouine is a destination that you shouldn’t miss.