GRAND-SAHARA-AVENTURES
DAY TOURS - TREKS AND TOURS IN TUNISIA
KSAR GHILANE AND KSAR HALLOUF DAY TRIP FROM ZARZIS
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Explore the Tunisian desert: One-day trip to Ksar Ghilane from Zarzis
Departing from Zarzis, visit one of Southern Tunisia’s most stunning sites: The Ksar Ghilane oasis
Set off on a unique excursion from Zarzis and explore two jewels of southern Tunisia: the oasis of Ksar Ghilane and the impressive Ksar Hallouf .
In one day, immerse yourself in the heart of the desert landscapes, historical remains and Berber traditions of Tataouine.
Summary of the day in Ksar Ghilane.
Discover the majestic beauty of the Tunisian desert on our day trip from Zarzis to Ksar Ghilane.
You will leave at 6:30 a.m. in a 4x4, towards Ksar Ghilane, passing through Médenine.
A coffee break in Medenine will allow us to recharge our batteries before taking the winding road that leads to the oasis of Ksar Ghilane.
Along the way, you will cross hills and increasingly arid and rocky landscapes.
The entrance to Ksar Ghilane will offer you a breathtaking view of the ochre sand of the desert.
At the oasis of Ksar Ghilane:
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Free time to explore the surroundings.
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Lunch in a restaurant located at the foot of the dunes.
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Possibility to bathe in the natural hot spring at 32°.
For more adventure:
Optional activities are available on site:
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Camel ride (€15/hour).
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Quad excursion to the Roman fort of Tisavar (30€/h).
In the middle of the afternoon, you will take the road back to Zarzis with a stop to visit a Berber granary, Ksar Hallouf.
Arrival at your accommodation is expected around 5:30 p.m.
Prices shown are up to date; you can book directly online or request a quote.
Also discover our two-day Berber and desert tour, with a night in Saharan camp in the desert
Ksar Ghilane desert day trip photo gallery
KSAR GHILANE DAY TRIP PROGRAM
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Departure by 4x4 from your place of stay in Zarzis towards Medenine.
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Then drive to Ksar Ghilane, an oasis surrounded by immense ochre sand dunes (Eastern Erg).
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Lunch in a restaurant at the foot of the dunes.
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Optionally, possibility of a camel or quad bike ride to the Roman fort of Tisavar.
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Bathing in the hot spring. (Optional)
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Visit to Ksar Hallouf on the way back
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Return to your place of stay in Zarzis
FOR LAST MINUTE REQUESTS PLEASE BOOK DIRECTLY ONLINE
KSAR GHILANE DAY TOUR PRICES
For 5 people, price per person | €65 |
For 4 people, price per person | €75 |
For 3 people, price per person | €100 |
For 2 people, price per person | €140 |
The price includes:
Private 4x4 transport.
Lunch.
The services of an ONTT* approved guide
Entrance fees to visits included in the program.
Excluded from the price:
National or international flights.
The drinks.
Optional extra activities.
Tips and personal purchases.
*Tunisian National Tourist Office
Learn more about Ksar Ghilane oasis
Ksar Ghilane
The southernmost of the Tunisian oases is one of the gateways to the Tunisian Sahara desert, the oasis is fed by a natural hot spring.
Spring origin:
Geological formation: The spring draws its water from a deep water table, probably from the Albian Nappe, an immense reserve of fossil water located under the Sahara, dating from the Cretaceous era (around 100 million years ago).
This water table contains water accumulated at a time when the Sahara was a green region with many rivers.
Natural rise: The pressure exerted by the geological layers above the water table forces the water to rise to the surface in certain weak areas, such as at Ksar Ghilane.
This explains why water naturally springs up, often hot, as it rises from the depths.
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Temperature: The spring water is naturally warm, around 30 to 40°C, which makes it pleasant for swimming, even in winter.
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Mineral properties: It is rich in mineral salts and has long been used for its therapeutic benefits, particularly to relieve muscle and joint pain.
The spring is essential to life in Ksar Ghilane
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It feeds traditional irrigation channels that allow the cultivation of date palms and other plants.
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It serves as a vital watering hole for the inhabitants and animals of the oasis.
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It also has a major tourist role, as the main pool around the spring has become an emblematic attraction of Ksar Ghilane, where visitors can bathe in an idyllic setting.
You can also take a camel or quad ride.
Ksar Ghilane serves as a refuge for around fifty nomadic families who live from date palm cultivation and goat and sheep farming.
4 km from Ksar Ghilane, Tisavar, a fort dating from the Roman era of Emperor Commodus.
Tisavar is a rectangular construction, the walls, built of cut stones to a height of 1.50 m, of smaller rubble above. It served as an advanced post and base camp for their Saharan expeditions.
It also allowed them to control the caravans that brought their wealth to the coasts.
The old building was then occupied in the Middle Ages, before being restored by the French during the Second World War, the fort was used by the Leclerc column during the maneuver to bypass the Mareth line.