Discover the Dahar Region: Land of Tunisian Berbers (6 Days)
6-Day Mountain Biking Tour in the Dahar Region, Tunisia:
Located in southeastern Tunisia, the Dahar is a mountainous area known for its troglodyte villages, perched ksour, and lunar landscapes. This MTB tour takes you through historical sites, arid mountains, and authentic local hospitality.
📅 Day 1: Arrival in Tataouine & First MTB Ride 🚴♂️
📍 Distance: ~30 km | ⏳ Estimated time: 3h | 🏔️ Elevation: Moderate
- 🚗 07:00 – Departure by car from Tunis or flight to Djerba, then transfer to Tataouine.
- 🚴♂️ 10:30 – Bike setup and tour briefing.
- 🌄 11:00 – Ride to the ksour of Tataouine (Ksar Ouled Soltane, Ksar Ezzahra).
- 🍽️ 13:00 – Local lunch and discovery of Berber traditions.
- 🚴♂️ 15:00 – Ride to the surrounding mountains and return to Tataouine.
- 🏡 18:00 – Overnight in a Berber guesthouse.
📅 Day 2: Tataouine → Chenini → Douiret (Troglodyte Villages) 🏡
📍 Distance: ~45 km | ⏳ Estimated time: 5h | 🏔️ Elevation: Medium
- 🚴♂️ 08:00 – Departure to Chenini, one of the most beautiful Berber villages.
- ⛰️ 10:30 – Visit to the old ksar and the White Mosque.
- 🍽️ 12:30 – Traditional lunch in a troglodyte restaurant.
- 🚴♂️ 14:00 – Continue to Douiret, another impressive troglodyte village.
- 🏡 18:00 – Overnight in a troglodyte lodge.
📅 Day 3: Douiret → Ksar Ghilane (Oasis & Dunes) 🏜️
📍 Distance: ~60 km | ⏳ Estimated time: 6h | 🏔️ Elevation: Moderate to challenging
- 🚴♂️ 07:30 – Departure to the desert, along sandy and rocky tracks.
- 🏜️ 11:00 – Stop at the Roman fort of Ksar Ghilane.
- 🍽️ 12:30 – Lunch and swim in the oasis hot spring.
- 🏕️ 16:00 – Evening and overnight camping in the desert.
📅 Day 4: Ksar Ghilane → Matmata (Lunar Landscapes) 🌕
📍 Distance: ~70 km | ⏳ Estimated time: 6–7h | 🏔️ Elevation: Medium to high
- 🚴♂️ 07:00 – Departure through dunes and rocky plateaus of Dahar.
- ⛰️ 11:30 – Break at a summit with panoramic views.
- 🍽️ 13:00 – Lunch in a troglodyte restaurant in Matmata.
- 🏡 17:00 – Overnight in a troglodyte hotel.
📅 Day 5: Matmata → Toujane → Zmerten (Mountains & Ksour) 🏔️
📍 Distance: ~55 km | ⏳ Estimated time: 5h | 🏔️ Elevation: High
- 🚴♂️ 08:00 – Departure to the Berber village of Toujane.
- 🏡 10:30 – Coffee break and visit to local artisans.
- 🚴♂️ 11:30 – Continue riding along the Dahar ridges to Zmerten.
- 🍽️ 13:00 – Lunch in a guesthouse.
- 🚴♂️ 15:00 – Ride to abandoned ksour in the area.
- 🏡 18:00 – Overnight in a traditional guesthouse.
📅 Day 6: Zmerten → Matmata → Djerba (Return) 🌅
📍 Distance: ~50 km | ⏳ Estimated time: 5h | 🏔️ Elevation: Medium
- 🚴♂️ 07:30 – Final stage towards Matmata.
- 🚗 12:00 – Transfer to Djerba for some well-deserved rest.
- 🌊 14:00 – Swimming and relaxation by the sea before heading back to Tunis.
- 🏡 18:00 – End of the tour!
🔹 Practical Tips:
- ✅ MTB & gear: Suitable mountain bike for rough terrain, helmet, gloves, sunglasses.
- ✅ Hydration: 3–4L of water per day + electrolytes.
- ✅ Safety: Repair kit, first aid kit, GPS.
- ✅ Clothing: Breathable outfit, windbreaker, sturdy shoes.
- ✅ Food: Energy snacks, dates, proteins.
- ✅ Logistics: Mixed accommodation (guesthouses, camping, bivouac).
🚴♂️ Level: Intermediate to advanced
🌿 Total distance: 300–350 km
⏳ Daily riding time: 5–6h
🏔️ Terrain types: Rocky tracks, sand, secondary roads