Nefta

 

Name: Aggasel Nepte (Roman). Location and access: 23 km west of Tozeur, 116 km south-west of Gafsa 112 km west of Kebili and 233 km west of Gabés. Tozeur international airport. Amenities: Post office, service stations, shops, pharmacies, hospital, banks. Tourist information: Syndicat d'initiative, avenue Bourguiba, tel. 457 184. Souvenirs: Carpets, minerals.

Nefta, just a few kilometers from Tozeur, spreads out like a green carpet on a stark and harsh plateau eroded by sandstorms. Here one can truly imagine the utter joy of the Saharian traveler as he beholds this pearl of the Djerid on the horizon. Hundreds of thousands of palms and fruit trees thrive in the blessings of hundreds of springs. At the northern end of this lovely oasis lies the principal spring with gently running waters and a breathtaking view of the oasis.

Kebili

Kebili on the eastern side of the Chott, is a cluster of villages, the largest of the desert oases. Here begins the vast ocean of sands, the silence and the mystery that urges you on further to Douz. Douz ,where the dunes stretch on and on reminding us of the frailty of our defenses against this great expanse of sand.

The village ,gateway to the Sahara, clings proudly to its traditions and during the Sahara Festival in December extends a welcome to visitors to share the excitement of the camel races and fantasias - Arab horsemen racing their richly adorned desert thoroughbreds over the sands, Berber songs and dances, traditional marriage ceremonies and the famous desert-bred "Slougui" (Greyhound) races.

Douz

Long before its "discovery" by visitors Douz has been the outpost of the desert and each Thursday, the market day, nomads arrive for the customary trading and barter of camels, horses, bringing crafts, minerals "desert roses", woven blankets, richly adorned saddles and silver Berber jewelry. From here the Saharan safaris and meharees depart for the Great Erg Oriental in the Tunisian Sahara. For a memorable and genuine experience of desert life specialized tourist agencies and Douz Voyages offer a week long safari on camel back and on foot.