Trekking through the endless dunes of the world's largest desert, the Sahara

Our trek starts from the bustling oasis town of Douz, a desert gateway near the great salt lake of Chott el Jerid. We soon pass beyond the furthest point reached by day-trippers, entering a landscape of peaceful dunes glowing gold in the evening light. For five nights we camp in a traditional Bedouin tent, swiftly erected by our camp team while cooks prepare dinner on open fires, even baking Saharan bread in the warm sand. The trek takes us southeast through this barren, yet tranquil and beautiful landscape to the refreshing oasis of Ksar Ghilane. This unusual and rewarding trek is an experience never to be forgotten.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Djerba. Transfer to hotel. 2 Drive to Douz. Douz is the gateway town to the Sahara. Visit the town centre and Sahara Desert museum before meeting with the camel drivers for the start of our trek into the Sahara. On arrival in camp, our team will set up camp and start preparing dinner on an open fire. It is possible that our team of support staff will provide entertainment in the evening, perhaps playing traditional music around the camp fire. 3-6 Four full days trekking through the vast Saharan Desert. We will pass a number of landmarks, such as an ancient fort, a small well and a koubba (burial place of a "sidi" or saint). As we head southeast across this corner of the desert you will notice a distinct change in the colour of the sand dunes surrounding us, gradually changing from white to orange. Our intended camps will be at Dhirat Lemezil on day 3 (where we will be surrounded by large yellow dunes), Hguif El Boom on day 4, the valley of Eddakhla on day 5, and near the ancient ruins of the Ksar Ghilane Fort on day 6. 7 Our final day's trek as we head out of the desert early in the morning to the oasis village of Ksar Ghilane; one of Tunisia's most famous, with its natural pools, red sand dunes and numerous palm trees. After enjoying a welcome dip in the warm spring water, we will rejoin our vehicles and begin our return to Djerba. We plan to stop for lunch at the town of Matmata, famous for its troglodyte buildings such as the one featured in the film Star Wars. We shall then continue our journey, and, depending on ferry times, may arrive just in time for a quick look around the souk before enjoying a shower and celebratory evening meal together. 8 End Djerba.

Mode of travel: 6 days point-to-point walking with full porterage. Low altitude throughout.
Group size: Min. 4, max. 16, plus leader and appropriate local staff.
Accommodation: 2 nights hotel, 5 nights desert camping.
Food: All included, with bottled drinking water on trek.
Optional Single Supplement: from $20.00
Trip Reference: TMU
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an "R" in the dates and prices table below.