Travel Guide Ksar Ghilane

Ksar Ghilane has long been reputed to be a paradise planted in the middle of the desert, with a natural water source, particularly appreciated by the Bedouins. This magical place is now damaged by a tourism not very responsible with the roar of quads, the construction of cafes, housing, with little (or no?) restriction or concern for the environment. The surroundings of the spring are now rather dirty, polluted with plastic... and deserted by most of the nomads! Ksar Ghilane is in fact three places: the spring in question, the small village built nearby and the fort of Tisavar, an hour's walk from the village. This fort was built during the reign of Emperor Commodus and was an advanced post on the Roman border. It retains its rectangular structure, its parapet walk and its courtyard in the center of which is an ancient temple dedicated to Jupiter. Excavated in 1900, this fort had a remarkable episode during the Tunisian campaign in 1943. It was used as a bivouac for the soldiers of the Leclerc column who had gone north via Ksar Ghilane. A commemorative plaque at the entrance to the village bears witness to this event. The spring is (very) surrounded by cafes and other craft stores. Ksar Ghilane is still today a starting point for meharees, trekking, hiking in 4×4 or quads. Fortunately, by moving away from the noise of tourists not very conscientious, the magic of the Sahara still operates!