2 Day Tunisian Sahara Tour from Hammamet
2 Day Tunisian Sahara Tour from Hammamet
If you’ve ever looked at a camel and thought, “I want to trust my life to that majestic desert beast,” then boy oh boy, do I have the tour for you. Let me walk (or wobble) you through the 2-day Tunisian Sahara adventure that starts off all chill in Hammamet and ends with you emotionally attached to sand dunes and possibly a donkey named Mahmoud.
Day 1: From Hammamet to “Where’s the Wi-Fi?”
We set off bright and early from Hammamet—before coffee, which was a bold and risky choice. The road trip south kicks off with a comfy air-conditioned ride that lulls you into a false sense of “this will be relaxing.” Spoiler alert: it’s not. It’s exhilarating, ridiculous, and slightly sandy.
First stop: El Djem, home of a Roman amphitheater that’s basically Tunisia’s version of the Colosseum, minus the gladiators (they’re mostly in souvenir form now). It’s massive. You’ll wonder how ancient people built it without cranes or Wi-Fi.
Then we head to Matmata, a village where people literally live underground in cozy hobbit-esque homes. George Lucas filmed Star Wars here, so don’t be surprised if someone whispers “Use the force” while you’re sipping mint tea.
By sunset, you’re deep in the Sahara, wondering how you went from poolside in Hammamet to riding a camel with commitment issues across the dunes of Douz. Pro tip: camels do not have shock absorbers. Your backside will file a complaint.
Night 1: Stars, Couscous, and Existential Thoughts
Once your camel drops you off (they don’t say goodbye, it’s kind of rude), you settle into your desert camp. Dinner is a hearty helping of couscous, grilled meats, and the kind of bread that makes you want to kiss the cook. There’s music, drumming, and the kind of dancing that’s technically illegal in some countries.
And the sky—oh, the sky. You’ve never seen so many stars in your life. It’s romantic if you’re with someone, and confusing if you’re just trying to find Orion and end up questioning your life choices.
Day 2: Salt Flats, Oases & Camel FOMO
Wake up to a Sahara sunrise, which is nature’s way of saying “worth the 5 AM wake-up call.” Then it’s off to Chott El Jerid, a vast salt lake that looks like a mix between a mirage and a budget alien planet. Great for photos, bad for shoes.
Then onto Tozeur and Nefta, palm-filled oases that make you forget you’re still technically in a desert. Date palms wave at you like old friends, and suddenly, you’re emotionally invested in a cactus.
There’s also a 4×4 ride through canyons and villages where you may or may not scream “I’M IN A MOVIE!” while bumping along dirt paths like a caffeinated Indiana Jones.
The Return: Sand in Your Socks, Joy in Your Heart
By the time you head back to Hammamet, you’re sun-kissed, slightly dehydrated, and wholly transformed. You’ve made peace with sand, bonded with your camel (even if it didn’t feel the same), and discovered that Tunisia is more than just beach towels and poolside mocktails.
Final thought: Take the trip. Say yes to the camel. And pack wet wipes. So many wet wipes.
