Camping in the Sahara desert is probably the most exotic and fascinating experience for travelers to Tunisia. The vastness of the desert, the fine powdery sand, and the traditional Bedouin way of life make the Sahara a surreal experience. It’s one of many reasons why Lonely Planet chose Tunisia for one of its top travel lists for 2015.
If your time is limited, as it is for most travelers, a common and accessible way to experience the Sahara is to go on an overnight camping trek on camels with a local guide. This experience is fun, affordable, and gives you cultural insight into life in the Sahara.
Your trek will leave mid-afternoon after meeting your guide and climbing on board your designated camel. You’ll ride with your fellow travelers for a little over an hour through the vast desert landscape, arriving to the camp before sunset.
After you arrive to the camp, you’ll have time to find a good dune to sit on to watch an unforgettable sunset!
Dinner is included with the experience, and can you guess what will be served? Couscous -it’s been the staple of Tunisia’s south for centuries. Your dinner of couscous cooked with vegetables and meat may be one of the gastronomic highlights of your trip! After dinner, you can sit around the fire with your fellow travelers, or do some star gazing if it’s a clear night.
When it comes time for bed, you’ll have the choice between sleeping under the stars or in a Bedouin style tent. Depending on the time of year, it can get chilly during the night, so take some warm clothes to sleep in.
In the morning, you’ll wake up to freshly baked khubz milla, bread baked under hot coals and sand.
After breakfast, you’ll ride back to your starting point, and by this time you’ll have plenty of good pictures and stories to share your experience with others!
The overnight camping experience is just one way to experience Tunisia’s Sahara desert. Other types of desert excursions can be arranged, such as multi-day trips or excursions to farther locations in 4×4 jeeps. The point is, include the Sahara on your itinerary if you can. However you decide to experience it, you won’t regret it!
We can assist you in arranging your Tunisia itinerary, including experiences in and around the Sahara. Click here for a free quote.
In part 2 of this post, I’ll write about some practical things to think about in preparing for your time in the Sahara.
