THINGS TO DO IN tozeur: 1-DAY ITINERARY

Tozeur is much different from coastal Tunisian resorts. Nestled on the edge of the Sahara desert, this charming little town in southern Tunisia is known for its enormous palm oasis which is home to hundreds of thousands of palm trees hydrated by 200 springs. Tozeur also has a charming medina (old town) with colorful narrow alleys and souks offering traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

If you venture outside the city gates, you will find Tunisia's largest salt lake, the beautiful desert oases of Tamerza, Chebika, and Midès, and one of the best-preserved Star Wars film sets in the region (Mos Espa).

To help you plan your desert trip in Tunisia, we’ve put together this Tozeur 1-day travel itinerary that includes a list of the best tourist attractions in and around the city. You will also find a few tips on where to stay and where to eat, as well as recommendations for day trips from Tozeur.

Day 1

Morning: Medina of Tozeur (Ouled Hadef)

We begin our walk in the Medina of Tozeur, the heart and the soul of the city. Also known as Ouled Hadef, it is one of the best-preserved historic quarters in Tunisia with beautiful Islamic architecture and gorgeous geometric brick designs. Here, you will find a maze of narrow passageways and alleys lined with historical buildings with ornate wooden doors. You will notice that these doors have 3 knockers, one for male visitors, one for females, and the smallest one is reserved for children. Each knocker makes a different sound so that you know who is visiting. Also, don’t miss the colorful souks where you can shop for pottery, ceramics, woven carpets, and other local crafts.

Eden Palm

Nestled within the huge date palm plantation in Tozeur, Eden Palm is a lovely museum dedicated to the world of date palms. The museum entrance ticket includes a guide, who will tell you everything there is to know about the history of the palm oasis and explain the specifics of oasis culture. You’ll visit the conservation garden and showroom and sample some of the estate’s date products (caramel, chocolate, and jam) during the guided tour. The whole thing takes about 45 minutes and on your way out, you can purchase souvenirs and enjoy a drink or town at the on-site café. There are horse carriages right outside the museum that offer tours through the trails lined with date palms for a small price.

Chak Wak Park

Your last stop in the morning is also located within the expansive palmeraie of Tozeur. Spread across 5 acres of land, the Chak Wak Park and Museum is designed as an interactive activity. Displays range from a life-size Noah’s Ark and over 50 replicas of dinosaurs to scenes from the Torah and Qur'an and human figurines.

Day 1, Morning - Tozeur Tour Map

Afternoon: Sahara Lounge

If you are in the mood for some mint tea and fresh coffee, visit this cut café in the center of Tozeur. What makes Sahara Lounge different than other cafes in Tozeur is the fact they have a series of zip lines located around the edge of the estate. The staff provides a safety demonstration and explains how to use the zip line equipment. They will also teach you how to put on your harness. There are 7 zip lines to choose from including both small courses for beginners and the large ones which are 100 meters long.

Central Market of Tozeur

Nestled within Tozeur’s Medina, this typical Tunisian market is the next stop on your afternoon walk. At the Central Market of Tozeur, there are so many foods and souvenirs to choose from. From raw camel and cow meat on display and many types of fish, fresh produce, and vegetables to popular souvenirs like pottery, carpets, woven baskets, and clysters of crystals also known as Desert Roses, the street vendors at the Central Market sell basically anything you can think of.

Mausoleum of Abou El Kacem Chebbi

A Tunisian poet who lived in the early 1900s and has spent most of his life in Tozeur, Abou El Kacem Chebbi wrote two verses of the National Anthem of Tunisia. Unfortunately, Abou El Kacem Chebbi passed away young at the age of 25. You will find his mausoleum right in the city center of Tozeur.

Dar Cherait Museum

Located just a short walk from Tozeur’s palm grove at the entrance to the desert, this lovely museum is situated inside a restored historic palace with a beautiful courtyard and opulent chambers. Established back in the 1990s, the Dar Cherait Museum is actually Tunisia’s first private museum. It is spread across 3 floors and houses an impressive collection of pottery, costumes, jewelry, traditional Tunisian antiques, and artworks that date back to ancient times and the Ottoman civilization. You will come across a typical kitchen, a reproduction of a hammam, and a Bedouin tent. There is also a room where couples from around the world have written messages on the mirrors. Another cool feature is the audio guide with sound effects that tells you everything there is to know about the history of the palace and the museum.

Day 1, Afternoon - tozeur Tour Map

Other things to see in Tozeur

• Ras El Aïn Park (Tozeur Park): You will find this beautiful park just outside the center of the city. The most popular thing to do here is to climb on the engraved rock overlooking the city and enjoy sunset views. The large rock is a statue with the face of Tunisian poet Abou El Kacem Chebbi, who we’ve mentioned earlier in this travel itinerary. There are usually a few locals in Ras El Aïn Park (Tozeur Park) offering camel/horse rides and quad tours.

• The Chebika Oasis: This naturally formed oasis located near the Djebel el Negueb Mountains is one of the most popular attractions in the area. Once a Berber village that was flooded in the 19060s, the desert oasis can be reached from Tozeur with a 4x4 vehicle in about 45 minutes. The village is perched upon a hill and you can climb down to the water source where you will find the oasis with a small spring coming out of the rocks and a 2-meter waterfall. The scenery here is spectacular with a mix of desert landscape, lush palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. The Chebika is usually packed with vendors trying to sell desert roses and other local souvenirs. We should also mention that this side was used as a filming location for popular movies such as The English Patient and Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

• Tamaghza Oasis: The second-most popular desert oasis among tourists visiting Tozeur is the Tamaghza Oasis. It takes about an hour by car to reach this natural wonder from Tozeur. You can combine your visit to Tamaghza Oasis with a trip to Chebika, as they are located close to each other. Both locations are out in the desert and we definitely recommend getting a local guide with a 4x4 vehicle to take you there. Once you reach the oasis, you will find a picturesque path among palm trees which takes you to a gorgeous canyon. From the top of the rocks, you can enjoy mesmerizing desert views. After going down, you will reach a beautiful waterfall where you can cool down a bit. If you are hungry, there is a small restaurant near the waterfall.

• Mides: Located 60 kilometers from Tozeur, Mides is another abandoned town and a beautiful mountain desert oasis in Tunisia. The Canyons of Midès are picturesque and impressive. Visitors can admire the beauty of colorful minerals and fossils and enjoy spectacular sunset views.

Day trips from Tozeur

• Chott el Djerid: Spread across more than 7,000 kilometers, this is the largest salt lake in the Sahara Desert. Chott el Djerid is a popular day trip from Tozeur and you will need about 2 hours by car to reach it. In the summer, the lake completely dries up and you can see salt crust with unique patterns stretching for miles. Photographers will instantly fall in love with the desert’s largest salt pan.

• Mos Espa: This one is for fans of Star Wars. Welcome to the birthplace of Anakin Skywalker, Mos Espa. This original Star Wars set situated in a small section of the desert is the most popular day trip destination from Tozeur. Visitors will recognise the site from Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Mos Espa is where Anakin Skywalker did his first pod racing. You can explore the set on foot, by hopping on a dirt bike, or by booking a camel ride. The dome-shaped houses look impressive and you can even dress up in Wookiee costumes. This fabulous tourist attraction is around 40 minutes from the center of Tozeur and you have to travel here by 4WD vehicle.

Things to do with kids in Tozeur

• The Zoo of Sahara: If you are visiting Tozeur with children, don’t miss this small zoo and a botanical garden located just a 10-minute drive from the Medina. The Zoo of Sahara is a tiny zoo with just 30 animal species ranging from foxes and wild boards to birds, reptiles, and camels. There is also a cute botanical garden (Paradise Garden) with oasis plants like hibiscus, cacti, acacias, and pomegranate trees. The zoo has a lovely café on-site where you can try different teas made from various flowers that grow in the area.

• Camel Tour: Being super close to the desert, Tozeur is a popular destination for camel tours. You will find numerous providers throughout the city offering different packages. Most of these operators offer an hourly rate, as well as guided camel tours that are suitable for children.

• Shopping in the Medina: The Medina of Tozeur is a car-free zone, making it a popular area for travellers visiting the city with kids. Wander around the alleys and discover shops selling everything from beautiful bags, lampshades, and ceramics to wicker baskets and fridge magnets.

• Try the Local Cuisine: In the Medina, your children can also try local Tunisian food delicacies. For instance, brik is a type of filo pastry filled with a combo of fillings such as potato, eggs, chicken, tuna, and onion. There is also bambaloni, the delicious fluffy light fried doughnuts.

Where to eat in Tozeur

• Restaurant De La République Tozeur: This authentic Tunisian restaurant specialises in camel meat which is served in a terracotta jar. Other popular dishes on the menu include lamb couscous, bric, chicken spaghetti, cordon bleu, and dromedary couscous. Restaurant De La République Tozeur also serves alcoholic drinks including beer and wine.

• La Grotte Restaurant: A tiny eatery with a simple décor, La Grotte is all about traditional Tunisian dishes. Try the mouthwatering makloub shawarma or order their signature lamb chops with potatoes. Vegetarians can get the tasty Lebanrse tuna sandwich served with French fries.

• Essiguifa: Situated inside a beautiful old Tunisian house, Essiguifa is a tastefully decorated restaurant with a picturesque courtyard. You will be greeted by Amel, a friendly philosophy teacher who is always accommodating and happy to recommend dishes from the menu. The full Berber breakfast is tasty, as well as the local pizza dish called mittabga. You can also try camel meat here.

• Restaurant les Arcade: This popular restaurant with a European-like décor is located right in the heart of the medina of Tozeur. Although Restaurant les Arcade doesn’t feel traditional in terms of décor, the menu is packed with authentic Tunisian dishes ranging from Chakhchoukha (lamb cooked with almonds, raisins, veggies, and bread) and Golla (lamb baked in a traditional clay pot).

• Restaurant Tisouros: This authentic Tunisian restaurant in Tozeur is all about locally sourced ingredients and farm-to-table dining. Your taste buds will be delighted to sample dishes like tuna brik, Chakhchoukha, camel meat, vegetarian couscous, and pasta with lamb. The décor is very traditional and they don’t serve alcohol.

• Le Minaret Ferkous: If you are looking for a beautiful restaurant with a cute courtyard in Tozeur, make a reservation at Le Minaret Ferkous. Located just off the main road in Medina, the restaurant offers dishes based on what ingredients are available at the moment. Ramzi is a wonderful host who explains all the dishes in great detail in Arabic, French, and English. Customers say how the lamb with couscous is great, as well as chicken with chakchouka and octopus.

• Restaurant Dar Deda: This place serves dishes from the Tozeur region including Chakhchoukha, ojja merguez, and mechwiya salad. The décor at Restaurant Dar Deda may be simple, but the food is tasty and reasonably priced. You can try the Berber couscous or get the signature camel meat cooked inside a pottery jar.

Where to stay in Tozeur

• Anantara Sahara-Tozeur Resort & Villas: Located in the desert oasis just a 10-minute drive from the center of the city, this 5-star hotel has everything needed for a memorable stay in Tozeur. You can wake up to desert sunrise from the privacy of your pool villa. Go for a dip in one of the 3 swimming pools, enjoy a drink or two at the on-site bar, and work out in the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center. Guests can also enjoy hammam spa rituals and sample Tunisian cuisine at the hotel’s nicely decorated restaurant.

• The Palm Beach Palace Hotel: With a gorgeous lobby, both an indoor and outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees, and large bedrooms with beautifully tiled modern bathrooms, the Palm Beach Palace Hotel is the most popular place to stay in Tozeur. The on-site bar offers tasty cocktails and the breakfast is excellent. You will be staying just 2 kilometers from the center of the city. Tours to surrounding tourist sites and car rentals can be organised at the reception desk.

• Dar Saida Beya: Situated inside a meticulously restored traditional Tunisian house, Dar Saida Beya is a beautiful hotel located in the heart of the Medina. There is a comfortable lounge area and a cute rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. Guests can enjoy massage treatments, book activities at the front desk, and enjoy southern Tunisian cuisine at the restaurant. The hotel is nicely decorated with antiques and local handicrafts.

• Dar Tozeur: A beautiful design like from an Arabic fairytale, 2 gorgeous swimming pools surrounded by giant palm trees, top-notch spa facilities and wellness packages, and bright suites with views of the medina make Der Tozeur one of the prettiest properties in Tozeur. There is also a superb restaurant at the hotel where you simply must try dishes like lamb gargoulette and veggie couscous.

• DAR ELHADIR: This is one of the newest properties in Tozeur and it is truly exceptional. Welcome to DAR ELHADIR, a guesthouse that is so beautiful that it resembles a museum situated inside a colonial palace. The property is located inside the medina and features a picturesque outdoor pool, luxurious rooms, dining areas with elegant tables and chandeliers where dinner is served, and a hammam.

The best time to visit Tozeur

Tozeur is a desert city and summers here can be unbearable with temperatures reaching 40°C. In this weather, it is almost impossible to do anything. Therefore, the best time to visit the city of Tozeur is either in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and much more pleasant. This time of year offers excellent conditions for going out and exploring nearby desert attractions of the city itself.

Tozeur Festivals

• International Oasis Festival of Tozeur: Held annually in December, the International Oasis Festival of Tozeur is the most anticipated event of the year in this part of Tunisia. The celebratory festival hosts a number of events, from street parades with traditional music and dance performances to film screenings, palm date harvesting demonstrations, and movie screenings.