Douz, the door of the Sahara
The Sahara, the largest desert in the world, with a surface area comparable to that of China, begins here, in this small village in southern Tunisia. A place that amazes with its vastness and silence, because even though it may seem lifeless, it holds a beauty so powerful that it cannot be fully expressed in words.
Douz (دوز), located in central Tunisia, is known as the "Gateway to the Sahara" — the perfect introduction to the world’s largest desert, which begins just 10 km away.
Once a key stop on the trans-Saharan caravan routes, Douz is now a popular destination for travelers eager to experience the vast dunes of the Sahara. It’s the ideal starting point for desert adventures by camel, quad bike or 4x4 vehicle.
This is the best place to enjoy optional camel rides into the dunes and soak in the magic of the desert.
Spending at least one night in Douz is highly recommended. The town offers comfortable, high-quality accommodations and an authentic desert atmosphere.
A night in the desert at a campsite
Would you like to discover the desert by way of nomadic Berbers?
Stay at a camp in the Sahara.
Night in haima (with beds).
International Festival of the Sahara
The International Sahara Festival of Douz, held in winter, is truly worth visiting, especially for its famous méhari (camel) race. The event pays tribute to Saharan culture and the nomadic way of life.
It includes a wide variety of activities: folklore performances, music, traditional theater, camel and méhari races, symbolic wedding celebrations, and more.
This festival has been celebrated for over a century, although it gained international recognition in 1967.
It is advisable to plan your trip in advance to ensure accommodation availability.
A proximity
Hotels in Douz
Sahara Douz 4*
Zone Touristique de Douz - 4260
Located in the heart of the palm grove of Douz at the foot of the dunes of the Sahara. Good quality - price.
Mouradi Douz 4*
Zone Touristique de Douz - 4260
Located in the heart of the palm grove of Douz at the foot of the dunes of the Sahara. Good quality - price. Selected for incentives.
Activities
Words are not enough to discribe the sensations that you will get when you fly across the Sahara. Multi-lingual pilots with thousands of hours of fly experience.
Camel rides in the dunes of the Sahara.
Quads through the dunes.
