Things to see and do Sahara

The Ghomrassen valley has rock painting sites dating back 4,000 to 5,000 years: Chaabet El Maarek, but also Taguet Hamed and Insefri. The settlement of the region dates back to the Paleolithic and continued until the Neolithic, 8,000 years ago to 4,000 years BC. These superb paintings made with red ochre represent characters as well as domestic fauna (cattle and canids) and wild (felines, elephants, ostriches and antelopes).

This ksar is the first mountain ksar south of Tataouine with its 270 perfectly preserved ghorfas. It is in fact two ksour: an old one of square shape (50 m of diameter) and a more recent one (Ksar Jedid) of rectangular shape (70 meters on 90). A covered entrance(skifa) connects the two parts. This ksar has been restored. Some ghorfas of the recent part are still in use. It is a perfect illustration of the mountain ksour , which succeeded the citadel ksour. Easier of access, they have an agricultural function!

The place to understand everything about the date palm and the territory of Tozeur! Eden Palm is a unique and innovative concept: the intelligent discovery of the universe of the date palm and the date. The visit is in three parts: an exhibition, a visit of the palm grove, and the discovery of the laboratory. On the exhibition side, you will discover all that links men to date palms, in the palm grove you will test your knowledge in situ and finally in the laboratory you will discover all that can be created around the date. A warmly recommended visit!

The museum is located in a traditional house in the medina of Nefta. The strength of this museum? Its incredible collection of hundreds of photographs illustrating the landscapes of the region and especially the way of life of its inhabitants and their traditions. Thanks to them, and to the comments of the inexhaustible and passionate curator, you will learn everything about the history of Nefta between 1850 and 1950. In the courtyard of the museum are exposed various objects of the local craft industry.

This museum was born in 1999 to promote the Amazigh origins of Tamezret. Mongi devotes his time and energy to it. A true militant of his culture, he collects objects that bear witness to the life of his ancestors and collects the memory of the village from the elders. In a pleasant troglodytic house, Mongi tells a thousand and one stories about the local culture. He is also a craftsman: margoums, shawls and leather boots are reproduced identically by hand from ancient pieces.

Dar Taoufik is an open air museum. The very welcoming Taoufik welcomes you in his superb 420 year old troglodytic house. This house has kept all its original architectural aspect. In front of the freshness of the earth, you understand the way of life of the inhabitants of yesteryear. We come to Dar Taoufik to admire the architecture, we stay there because we are offered a delicious snack made of honey and olive oil and we want to come back for the extraordinary and warm welcome that your host reserves for you. A stop more than recommended!

Don't miss the market of Douz, on Thursday morning, where the city comes alive and vibrates differently. It is one of the most important markets in this region. Here you will meet men straight out of the desert, draped in their colorful chèches. The market occupies the central square and street, it is a vast place of exposure for the salesmen who do not seek to bait the tourist, even if one finds there some stalls of craft industry. Do not hesitate to drink a coffee at the edge of the street, you will take full eyes. You will see nomads coming to sell their fruits and vegetables produced in one of the oasis of the region, as well as merchants of handicraft clothes quite famous. But it is especially for its market with the animals, located below, on a place adjoining the palm plantation, that this day attracts the farmers of all the area. At the foot of the palm trees, sheep, chickens and rabbits are jostling each other in great numbers in an atmosphere full of cries, colors and unexpected smells. Depending on the season, you will also see camels. An incredible crowd of people crowds around the animals. Older men chat or play cross-legged games while waiting for a potential buyer to show up, while younger ones watch the eager animals. The children are busy selling rabbits and chickens, giving them a chance to learn their trade. A market as it is rare to see, and a 100% local experience, because you will cross here few tourists.

Local agency Dahabiya Nile Sailing specializes in organizing dahabieh cruises on the Nile. Samir's programs are designed to let you discover the treasures of Egypt as travelers of the past did, on a magnificent sailing boat with a select group. The agency belongs to the Real Egypt group, which specializes in tailor-made tours of Egypt and offers guaranteed departure dates all year round. Our team of qualified French-speaking guides and advisors will help you organize the trip of your dreams.