Hiking & Astronomy: 8-Day Tour

8-Day Tour of Hiking & Astronomy:

Southern Tunisia, with its vast desert landscapes and clear skies, offers ideal conditions for combining daytime exploration and nighttime stargazing. This 8-day itinerary blends hiking and cultural discoveries during the day with astronomy sessions under the starry desert sky.

Day 1: Arrival in Djerba

• Morning: Arrival at Djerba-Zarzis International Airport. Meet and transfer to your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Visit Houmt Souk, the island’s main town, known for its bustling markets and traditional architecture.
• Evening: Introduction to the week’s astronomy program and first sky observation from the island.

Day 2: Djerba – Tataouine – Chenini

• Morning: Departure to Tataouine, famous for its ksour (fortified granaries) and Berber heritage.
• Afternoon: Hike up to the Berber village of Chenini, perched on a hill with exceptional views of the surrounding landscape.
• Evening: Stargazing session in Chenini, away from any light pollution.

Day 3: Chenini – Bouhedma National Park

• Morning: Drive to Bouhedma National Park, listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• Afternoon: Hike through savanna landscapes, discovering the local flora and fauna, including Acacia tortilis and protected species.
• Evening: Astronomy session with observation of planets and deep-sky objects.

Day 4: Bouhedma – Matmata – Douz

• Morning: Visit Matmata, known for its troglodyte dwellings featured in famous films.
• Afternoon: Continue to Douz, the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Settle into a desert camp on the outskirts of the dunes.
• Evening: Stargazing under the exceptionally clear Saharan sky.

Day 5: Douz – Sahara Desert

• Day: Departure for a camel trek (méharée) through the Grand Erg Oriental. Discover the majestic dunes and experience the silence of the desert.
• Evening: Bivouac under the stars with astronomy session, benefiting from the total absence of light pollution.

Day 6: Sahara Desert – Ksar Ghilane

• Morning: Continue the trek towards the oasis of Ksar Ghilane, known for its natural hot spring.
• Afternoon: Relaxation at the oasis with the option to swim in the spring.
• Evening: Stargazing with a focus on northern hemisphere constellations.

Day 7: Ksar Ghilane – Toujane – Djerba

• Morning: Return to Djerba via the Berber village of Toujane, known for its mountainous landscapes and local crafts.
• Afternoon: Free time in Djerba for shopping or a final exploration of the island.
• Evening: Closing astronomy session and review of the week’s observations.

Day 8: Departure from Djerba

• Morning: Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Practical Tips:

• Recommended gear: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, light clothes for the day and warm clothes for the night, binoculars for stargazing.
• Astronomy: A portable telescope or astronomical binoculars are recommended to enhance the night sky experience.
• Photography: A tripod and a camera with long-exposure settings are ideal for capturing the beauty of the desert night sky.

This itinerary offers a harmonious combination of natural and cultural exploration in southern Tunisia and the observation of celestial wonders – an unforgettable experience.