Description
Cave dwellings and the gateway to the desert
Discover traditional Berber life in Matmata and the allure of the Sahara in one day. A journey into the past and into the endless expanse of the dune sea!
With the air-conditioned coach (the size of the bus depends on the number of participants) or an off-road vehicle, you first travel to the ferry landing point and then cross to the mainland (alternative route via the Römerdamm possible).
The onward journey takes you south inland to Matmata. From a distance, the area looks like a lunar landscape. At first glance you don't see any dwellings, but if you take a closer look you will discover numerous cave dwellings dug into the earth. They date from the time when the Berber tribes were pushed out of the mountains and hills by warlike Arabs. For protection, the Matmatis dug their cave dwellings at a depth of 7-13 m into the earth. When you visit a cave dwelling, you will witness a different living culture! By the way, some scenes of the movie “Star Wars” were filmed in this region.
Your physical well-being is taken care of on the way: enjoy a delicious lunch! Strengthened, we continue further south to the Sahara. Dunes and sand stretch as far as the eye can see! No tree or bush stands in the way. The sand is as fine as powdered sugar. You are in Douz-Zaafrane, the last caravan base. This is where the Sahara begins, the largest sandy desert in the world. Marvel at the endless expanse and the silence. Enjoy the ride on the back of a desert ship in the middle of the endless sea of dunes (dromedary ride is included)!
After all these impressive impressions, we head back towards Djerba. You will surely remember these great days for a long time!
Excursion organizer: DTS - Destination Touristic Services