Tozeur
Save15 hand-picked places in 6 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓9 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Old medina quarter famed for its geometric yellow-brick facades.
- Tip: Early or late
2 tips
- Look up at the patterned door frames
- Respect residents' privacy
📷 Photos
- 2
Vast oasis of hundreds of thousands of date palms fed by springs.
3 tips
- Explore by calèche or bike
- Try fresh deglet nour dates
- Shady and cool at midday
📷 Photos
- 3
Huge shimmering salt lake crossed by a causeway, famous for mirages.
3 tips
- Go at sunrise for pink hues
- Stay on the causeway, the crust is soft
- Bring sunglasses for the glare
📷 Photos
- 4
Desert film set from Star Wars Episode I, still standing in the dunes.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Reach it by 4x4 tour
- Visit at sunset
- Bring water and a hat
📷 Photos
- 5
Camel-neck shaped rock formation with sweeping desert views.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Usually combined with Mos Espa
- Climb for sunset views
- Sand gets very hot, wear shoes
📷 Photos
- 6
Mountain oasis with a waterfall, palm gorge and abandoned old village.
3 tips
- Combine with Tamerza and Mides
- Short walking loop to the spring
- Go before the midday heat
📷 Photos
- 7
Theme park in the palm grove tracing history from dinosaurs to today.
3 tips
- Allow around two hours
- Good for families
- Shady paths between exhibits
📷 Photos
- 8
Rocky outcrop with steps up to views over the palms and chott.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Best at sunset
- Carved faces adorn the rocks
- Short climb, wear grippy shoes
📷 Photos
- 9
Zipline and lookout tower above the palm grove with café terrace.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Zipline over the palms
- Tower gives panoramic views
- Café drinks at sunset
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Tozeur tips
Transportation
- Ride louages between towns: Shared minivans called louages connect Tozeur with Nefta, Gafsa and Douz; they leave when full from the louage station.
- Take a caleche through the palm grove: Horse-drawn carriages tour the vast palmeraie, a relaxing way to see the oasis.
- Hire a 4x4 for the mountain oases: Chebika, Tamerza and Mides are best reached by 4x4 tour or hired car with driver.
Security
- Decline unofficial guides: Self-appointed guides may approach you in the medina; politely refuse or agree a fixed price first.
- Respect the desert heat: Summer temperatures are extreme; avoid midday walks, carry water and plan desert outings for early morning.
- Shop with care: Carpet and souvenir shops can be pushy; take your time, compare prices and never feel pressured to buy.
Saving
- Buy dates in the market: Tozeur is famous for deglet nour dates; buy them at the local market rather than tourist shops.
- Change money wisely: The Tunisian dinar cannot be taken out of the country, so only change what you need and keep receipts.
- Walk the medina yourself: The Ouled el Hadef quarter with its patterned brick walls is free to explore on foot.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack light, covering clothes: Loose cotton that covers shoulders and knees keeps you cool and is respectful in the medina.
- Bring warm layers in winter: Winter days are pleasant but desert nights can be cold; a sweater or jacket is needed after sunset.
- Protect against sun and sand: Sunglasses, a hat or scarf and sunscreen are essential, especially on trips to Chott el Djerid and the dunes.
Cultural
- Admire the brickwork: Tozeur's traditional buildings feature distinctive geometric brick patterns; the Ouled el Hadef quarter is the best example.
- Share mint tea: Accepting a glass of sweet mint tea is part of Tunisian hospitality, often offered in shops and homes.
- Join the Festival of the Oases: Usually held in late autumn or winter, the festival features music, parades and camel events.
Local Hacks
- Cross Chott el Djerid at sunrise: The huge salt lake glows at dawn and can show mirages; drive the causeway early for the best views.
- Visit Star Wars sets: The Mos Espa set used in Star Wars is in the desert near Ong Jemel; go with a 4x4 tour from Tozeur.
- See the date harvest: From about October to December, watch climbers harvest dates high in the palms of the oasis.
1-day itineraries in Tozeur
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.