Overview
On the edge of the Sahara, Tataouine is the main town of southeastern Tunisia and the capital of the ksour. These fortified communal granaries, made of vaulted ghorfas stacked several storeys high, were used by semi-nomadic tribes to protect their grain and olive oil. Around the town, the ridges of the Dahar also shelter old hilltop Berber villages carved into the rock.
The name Tataouine is known worldwide thanks to Star Wars, whose planet Tatooine takes its name from the town, and several ksour have served as film sets. But the region's real appeal lies in its authentic stony landscapes, its Berber heritage and the warm welcome of its people. A destination for lovers of culture, photography and scenic roads.
What to see
Ksar Ouled Soltane
About 25 km to the southeast, this is one of the best-preserved ksour, with ghorfas rising up to four storeys around two courtyards. It was used as a set in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
Chenini
Clinging to a ridge, this Berber village overlooks the valley with its troglodyte dwellings and white mosque. According to legend, the nearby cemetery holds the Mosque of the Seven Sleepers with its unusually long tombs.
Douiret
An old hilltop Berber village, now largely abandoned, Douiret features an impressive ruined citadel and superb views over the Dahar.
Ksar Hadada
Located near Ghomrassen, this ksar with its restored ghorfas was also used as a filming location for The Phantom Menace.
Ksar Ouled Debbab and Ksar Megabla
These ksour close to town help you understand how the communal granaries were organised, with courtyards, ghorfas and outdoor staircases.
Memory of the Earth Museum
This museum in Tataouine displays fossils and dinosaurs discovered in the region, whose deposits are among the richest in North Africa.
Things to do
- The ksour routeA driving circuit links Ksar Ouled Soltane, Ksar Hadada, Chenini, Douiret and Ghomrassen through a landscape of ridges and valleys.
- Hiking in the DaharTrails connect hilltop Berber villages such as Chenini and Douiret, with spectacular views over the Jeffara plain.
- Star Wars film tourFans of the saga visit the ksour used as sets, as well as other sites in the south such as Matmata.
- A night in a ghorfaSome restored ksour offer the chance to sleep in a ghorfa, a unique experience in the silence of the south.
- Desert trekSouth of Tataouine begins the Grand Erg Oriental, reachable on organised 4x4 or camel excursions.
Beaches & nature
The Tataouine region offers grand, stony scenery: limestone ridges of the Dahar, dry valleys dotted with olive and fig trees, steppe plains and, further south, the first dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental. The region's fossil beds, rich in dinosaur remains, bear witness to an exceptional geological past.
Food & local specialities
Tataouine's cuisine is Berber and Saharan, simple and generous, and the town is famous for its pastries.
Where to stay
Tataouine town centre
For travellers passing through, convenient for exploring the ksour, with shops and services close by.
Restored ksour
For an authentic experience, sleeping in converted ghorfas in the heart of a ksar.
Chenini and the Dahar villages
For those who love calm and hiking, in guesthouses in the heart of the mountains.
Shopping & markets
Tataouine's lively, colourful market is a chance to discover the products of the south: spices, dates, olive oil and Berber weaving. The region's carpets and kilims, with geometric patterns, are highly regarded. Don't leave without gazelle horns, sold in the town's pastry shops.
Getting there
By plane
The nearest airport is Djerba-Zarzis, about 2 hours' drive from Tataouine.
By car
From Djerba, allow about 2 hours via Médenine; from Tunis, about 7 hours via the motorway and Gabès.
By bus
Long-distance buses connect Tataouine with Tunis, Sfax and Gabès.
By louage (shared taxi)
Louages (shared taxis) link Tataouine with Médenine, Djerba, Gabès and Tunis.
Getting around
The ksour and Berber villages are scattered around the town and poorly served by public transport. A rental car or an excursion with a driver are therefore the best options. In town, taxis and walking are enough.
Day trips nearby
Matmata
A village famous for its troglodyte homes and the set of Luke Skywalker's home, about 2 hours' drive away.
Douz
Gateway to the Sahara, known for its dunes and festival, about 3.5 hours' drive via Matmata.
Djerba
The island of dreams, with its beaches and Houmt Souk, about 2 hours' drive via Médenine and the El Kantara causeway.
Our tips
- Wear closed shoes to climb around the ksour and walk on stony trails.
- Fill up with fuel in Tataouine before heading to the mountain villages.
- Always ask permission before photographing local people.
- Visit the ksour early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is at its best.
FAQ
What is a ksar?
A ksar is a fortified communal granary made up of ghorfas, stacked vaulted cells where tribes stored their harvests.
Was Star Wars' Tatooine filmed in Tataouine?
The planet takes its name from the town, and several ksour in the region, such as Ksar Ouled Soltane and Ksar Hadada, were used as sets.
How long do you need to visit the region?
One to two days let you see the main ksour and hilltop villages; add a day for Matmata.
Can you visit Tataouine from Djerba?
Yes, it is a very popular day trip from the island, by car or on an organised tour.
.JPG/1280px-Medina_of_Hammamet_(Hammamet).JPG)
