A remote region in south-east Tunisia, where rocky tracks wind their way between majestic mountains, the Dahar has become a popular destination in recent years. For its singular character, its authenticity, and above all for the off-the-beaten-track experiences it offers curious visitors.
In the spirit of sustainable tourism, small local service providers offer a wide range of services and activities. You can sleep underground in a troglodyte house, of which there are many around Matmata. Do the Grande Traversée du Dahar on foot, topo-guide in hand, with a native guide – this international-standard hiking circuit was developed in 2021. Pick olives in a family olive grove and watch them being pressed in an underground oil mill. Learn the secrets of Berber culture from local enthusiasts. Or immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Z’ammour Trekking festival: a real success that combines sporting challenges (trekking and mountain biking) with festivities based on local traditions, in an intergenerational spirit.
In the spirit of sustainable tourism, small local service providers offer a wide range of services and activities.
This structuring of the destination has been facilitated by the creation of a DMO in the form of the Fédération Tourisme Authentique Destination Dahar, thanks to long-standing work by Swiss cooperation.
The Dahar, a unique and surprising region
Close to the beaches of Djerba, the region is first and foremost a striking mineral universe: fascinating landscapes where man-made buildings blend into the ochre of the rock. In the evening, sunsets are sumptuous and a grandiose starry vault offers itself to the eye, untouched by light pollution.
From north to south, the gentle relief of Matmata and Tamezret is followed by the more distinctly mountainous landscapes of Toujane, Zammour and Ghomrassen, before arriving at the vast desert plateaus surrounding Tataouine.
The attractions are numerous. There are the impressive citadel villages of Chenini and Douiret, perched on rocky peaks, and Guermessa, clinging to a veritable eagle’s nest.
There are also the imposing Ksour, former collective granaries of the nomads. These strange constructions resemble large beehives: juxtaposed cells surrounding a central courtyard. They sometimes have one or even two upper floors, accessible by ladders or steep staircases.
In this harsh universe, agriculture has taken on original forms, such as terraced cultivation to capture rainwater. There’s still plenty to see for geology and paleontology enthusiasts, with sites of worldwide importance.
Discovering the Dahar is also an authentic human experience among a population strongly attached to its traditions. More than just a trip: an unforgettable adventure.
© Touriscope with MCM editorial agency – Photos: MCM/ Imed Dhaouadi
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More about Dahar, one of the regions of the Tunisian Sahara: visit tunisiatourism.info and the FTADD Federation website destinationdahar.com.
- The FTADD has published an application entitled “Destination Dahar”, a topographical guide entitled “Grande Traversée du Dahar” (in French) and a tourist guide entitled “A journey into authentic lands”.