Introduction
Our review of the 2-Day Tunisian Sahara Tour from Sousse offers a detailed look at this popular journey through some of Tunisia’s most captivating sights. While we haven’t personally taken the trip, the feedback and itinerary paint a clear picture of what you can expect—adventure, history, and a taste of desert life all packed into two days.
What we love most about this tour? First, the excellent guides who bring these sites alive with their knowledge. Second, the stunning scenery—from the Roman amphitheater of El Jem to the surreal salt flats of Chott El Jerid. And third, the value: for around $150, you get a packed itinerary with food, overnight stay, and transportation included. A potential downside? The long hours on the road, especially on the second day, might be a stretch for some travelers. Still, it’s ideal for those eager to see a wide slice of Tunisia in just a weekend. Perfect for history buffs, film fans, or anyone craving Sahara magic with a comfortable, organized setup.
Key Points
- Comprehensive two-day exploration covering major landmarks and hidden gems.
- Expert guides passionate about storytelling and local insights.
- Good value for money, including meals, overnight stay, and transportation.
- Long travel hours but with comfort stops and scenic views.
- Authentic experience with options like camel rides and local cuisine.
- Limited free time at some stops, so plan to savor each moment.
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Discovering the Tunisian Sights: A Deep Dive
Day 1: Roman History and Desert Night
El Jem Colosseum isn’t just an ancient ruin; it’s the star of this trip. Considered one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters, it’s a spectacle that transports you back in time to gladiatorial battles and Roman grandeur. According to reviews, the 4×4 ride to this site is “the start of a sandy adventure”—a comfortable way to tackle the roughly 2-hour journey with scenic countryside views. The guides, like Mohamed, are praised for their detailed storytelling, making these ruins feel alive with history.
Next, the tour takes you to Matmata, famous for its troglodyte homes—underground dwellings that look straight out of a sci-fi film, because they indeed feature in two Star Wars movies. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of one of these dwellings, and many reviews highlight the delicious Tunisian lunch served here. Travelers love that the underground homes are still inhabited, adding an authentic touch to this visit. As one reviewer puts it, “the underground homes still inhabited today make the place feel real, not just a tourist stop.”
Post-lunch, you’ll head to Douz, the so-called gateway to the Sahara. It’s a lively oasis town where many enjoy a stroll among date palms, a tasty dinner, and the chance to hop on a camel or carriage for a brief desert ride. Reviewers mention that the camel ride, costing about 15 TND, is well worth it to see the dunes at sunset. The overnight hotel in Douz often impresses with its comfortable, 4-star or high-quality 3-star standards, complete with a pool and a relaxing atmosphere after a day on the road.
Day 2: Star Wars, Salt Flats, and Ancient Kairouan
The early wake-up call (around 4 am) might test your enthusiasm, but most agree it’s necessary to cover the vast distances. The highlight here is crossing Chott El Jerid, a vast salt lake that looks like something out of a dream—mirages, endless white plains, and shimmering heat waves create a surreal landscape. Onboard a sturdy 4×4, you’ll travel to Onk Jemal, the famous Star Wars film set built in the desert. Reviewers describe this as a “fantastic” experience, with one noting the “jeep ride here is exhilarating,” and many appreciate the chance to see such a unique film location.
Afterward, a gourmet lunch in Gafsa provides a welcome break, giving you a chance to sample regional flavors and enjoy some downtime. The regional hub offers a glimpse into local life, with Gafsa’s laid-back charm often highlighted by visitors.
Finally, the tour concludes with a stop in Kairouan, a city renowned for its stunning Islamic architecture and vibrant markets. It’s a fitting end—balancing history and spirituality—perfect for capturing memorable photos. Reviewers mention that while the scenic stops are plentiful, the long hours on the bus can be tiring, but most find the experiences worthwhile.
Transportation and Logistics: What You Need to Know
The tour operates in a Land Cruiser 4×4, ensuring a comfortable ride across varied terrains. With group sizes capped at 50, you can expect a lively, social atmosphere, though some reviews suggest that a smaller group might allow for more flexibility at each stop.
Starting early at around 6 am, the schedule is tight but well-structured, with plenty of stops for rest, photos, snacks, and drinks. Most travelers appreciate the scenic drives—the landscapes are striking, especially the salt flats and desert dunes. The long hours between sites are a consideration; some reviews mention sitting on the bus for up to 12 hours over two days, but the comfort stops and the variety of sights help pass the time.
Food and Accommodation
Meals are thoughtfully included, with a buffet dinner and hearty breakfast both featuring local flavors. Some travelers find the food a bit bland, likely catering to a broad audience, but the portion sizes are generous and satisfying. Vegetarian options can be requested in advance, and all meat is Halal.
Overnight stays are in well-rated hotels—some reviewers describe the hotel in Douz as having a “palacial feel,” with clean, comfortable rooms. Wi-Fi might be absent at the hotel, but local SIM cards work well for connectivity. The hotel tax is approximately 3.5 euros, payable in cash, and there’s a small supplement for single rooms (around 10 euros).
Pricing and Value
At roughly $151 per person, the tour offers solid value considering the inclusion of transport, accommodations, meals, and guided visits to key attractions. Travelers consistently mention that for the price, this trip covers a lot—covering sites that would be challenging to see independently in such a short timeframe.
Authentic Experiences Reported by Travelers
Based on reviews, many travelers appreciated the guides’ knowledge—with Mohamed and Aida noted for their friendliness, professionalism, and multilingual skills. One reviewer pointed out that “Mohamed is a well-versed guide who made the long drives enjoyable with stories and insights.”
The desert activities like the camel ride, especially at sunset, received high praise. One guest said, “Camel ride with the sunset was unforgettable,” highlighting how these moments bring the landscape to life.
The Star Wars set at Onk Jemal is a must-see for film fans, with some reviewers mentioning the jeep ride itself as “exhilarating” and the chance to walk around a real desert film set that looks like it’s from another galaxy.
The Roman ruins of El Jem impress many with their scale and preservation, making it a highlight that feels worth the early start and long drive.
The Sum Up
This 2-day Sahara tour from Sousse offers a comprehensive, well-organized way to see Tunisia’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning multiple trips. The mix of Roman history, desert landscapes, film sets, and cultural stops makes for an engaging experience that caters to a wide range of interests. The guides are praised for their expertise and friendliness, adding depth and personality to each stop.
While the long hours on the road can be tiring, the scenic drives, authentic activities, and quality accommodations make it worth the effort. This tour is especially suited for travelers who want to maximize their time and see a wide variety of sites in just a weekend, and those who enjoy stories behind the scenery—be it Roman ruins, Star Wars sets, or desert dunes.
If you’re eager to experience the Sahara, explore ancient ruins, and enjoy local cuisine—all in an organized, comfortable package—this tour can deliver a memorable taste of Tunisia.
FAQs
Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup is included, and you’ll be collected from your hotel or designated meeting point around 6:00 am.
How long is the total driving time?
Expect long hours on the bus, especially on the second day, with approximately 800+ miles covered across the two days. Comfort stops are scheduled along the way.
Are meals included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy two full lunches, a dinner on the first night, and a hearty breakfast the next day. Meals are typically buffet-style, with vegetarian options available upon request.
What should I bring for the desert activities?
Bring water, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and sun protection. Camel rides cost extra (about 15 TND), and tip for guides and drivers is appreciated.
Can I join this tour if I don’t speak French or Arabic?
Most guides speak English and other languages, as noted in reviews. The multilingual guides are praised for their ability to bring the sites to life.
What is the accommodation like?
You’ll stay in 4-star or high-quality 3-star hotels. Guests report the rooms are clean and comfortable, though Wi-Fi may not be available at the hotel.
Is it suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, most reviews suggest that the tour is suitable for a range of ages, but the long drives and early mornings might be demanding for some. Always check with the operator if unsure.
Are there any optional activities?
Camel rides are optional and cost extra. Quad biking is explicitly not allowed on this tour.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.
This tour makes a significant impact for those looking to pack a lot into a short trip, offering authentic insights, stunning landscapes, and a taste of Tunisia’s diverse attractions—all at a reasonable price.