Sahara Desert Tours from Sousse
From the beaches of Sousse, the Tunisian Sahara is within reach on a 2 or 3-day tour. The classic route loops through Kairouan, Tozeur and the dunes of Douz before returning via Matmata and El Jem.
How Far Is the Sahara from Sousse?
The Tunisian Sahara lies about 400 km south of Sousse — roughly 5 to 6 hours by road. Because of the distance, the desert is best experienced as a 2 or 3-day tour rather than a day trip, with overnight stays that let you see sunrise and sunset over the dunes.
The Classic 3-Day Sahara Tour from Sousse
Day 1 — Sousse to Tozeur via Kairouan
Pick-up from your hotel, then north to the holy city of Kairouan and its Great Mosque. Continue via Gafsa to Tozeur, with its vast palm grove and old brick medina. Dinner and overnight in Tozeur.
Day 2 — Mountain Oases, Star Wars & Desert Camp
By 4x4 to the mountain oases of Chebika and Tamerza, then the Star Wars sets at Ong Jmel and Mos Espa, across the Chott el Jerid salt lake to Douz. Sunset camel ride and a night in a desert camp under the stars.
Day 3 — Matmata, El Jem & Return
Visit the troglodyte houses of Matmata (Luke Skywalker's home), then the Roman amphitheatre of El Jem before returning to Sousse.
What's Included
- Hotel pick-up and return in Sousse
- Air-conditioned transport + 4x4 desert sections
- One night hotel + one night desert camp (half board)
- Local English/French-speaking guide
- Camel ride at the camp
Frequently Asked Questions
The desert towns of Douz and Tozeur are roughly 400 km from Sousse, around 5 to 6 hours by road. The full 3-day loop covers 8 to 10 hours of driving spread across the days.
Most are 2 or 3-day tours. The 3-day version is the most rewarding, including Kairouan, Tozeur, the mountain oases, a desert camp at Douz, Matmata and El Jem.
Hotel pick-up in Sousse, air-conditioned and 4x4 transport, hotel and desert-camp nights with half board, a local guide and a camel ride are typically included.