Where to Camp in Southern Tunisia and the Islands: Douz, Tozeur, Djerba and Kerkennah

Southern Tunisia is the opposite of the north: vast horizons, star-filled nights and a climate that demands preparation. Autumn, winter and early spring are the good seasons; in summer, the heat is dangerous.

Douz and the gateway to the Sahara

Douz is known as the gateway to the desert. Many travellers spend a night there in a tent or in an organized bivouac with a local guide, which is the safest way to discover the dunes. Winter nights can be very cold: bring warm sleeping bags.

Tozeur and the oases

Tozeur, its palm groves, its mountain oases and the Chott el-Jérid make a very photogenic setting. People often sleep there in organized campsites or with local families; to camp in the wild, it is better to go through a host or a guide.

Djerba and Kerkennah: the beach spirit

The islands offer endless beaches and a very calm way of life. It is a great plan for a relaxing off-season weekend: tent, cooler, chairs and a bit of shade. Ask the landowner or the municipality for permission before setting up, and don’t leave anything behind on the beach (see leaving your campsite clean).

The rules of the desert and the sand

1. Never set off alone, and tell someone your route.
2. Bring much more water than you think you need (at least 4 litres per person per day in the heat).
3. Protect yourself from the sun: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, long lightweight clothing.
4. On sand, use long stakes or bury the anchors: the wind is strong.
5. Take all your waste with you, as it doesn’t decompose in the desert.
6. Keep an emergency signal: charged phone, power bank, lamp.

Recommended gear

All of this can be rented from us: see the gear, our packs and the good camper’s checklist.

General information on seasons and landscapes; it does not replace local instructions or a guide’s advice.