Geotourism in Southern Tunisia: 8-Day Itinerary

8-Day Itinerary of geotourism in Southern Tunisia:

Southern Tunisia is a region rich in remarkable geological formations, offering an immersive experience for geotourism enthusiasts.
This 8-day itinerary is designed to explore the most iconic geological sites of the region:

Day 1: Arrival in Tozeur

• Morning: Arrival in Tozeur, an oasis town known for its palm groves and clay brick architecture.
• Afternoon: Visit to the Dar Cheraït Museum for an introduction to local culture and history.

Day 2: Selja Gorges and Métlaoui

• Morning: Scenic train ride through the Selja Gorges, a narrow valley with impressive rock formations between Métlaoui and Redeyef.
• Afternoon: Exploration of the old phosphate mines in Métlaoui, a testament to the geological and industrial history of the region.

Day 3: Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides Oases

• Morning: Visit to the Chebika oasis, nestled at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, featuring waterfalls and erosion-sculpted rock formations.
• Afternoon: Discovery of the Tamerza canyons and Mides gorges, with visible geological strata and breathtaking landscapes.

Day 4: Chott el-Jérid and Douz

• Morning: Crossing of the Chott el-Jérid, a vast salt flat where evaporation creates shimmering salt crusts.
• Afternoon: Arrival in Douz, gateway to the desert, for an immersion in the sand dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental.

Day 5: Bouhedma National Park

• Morning: Exploration of Bouhedma National Park, home to one of North Africa’s last wooded steppes, with diverse geological features and rich biodiversity.
• Afternoon: Hike in the park to observe rock outcrops and savannah landscapes.

Day 6: Matmata and its Troglodyte Dwellings

• Morning: Visit to Matmata, famous for its troglodyte dwellings carved into soft sandstone, illustrating human adaptation to the geological environment.
• Afternoon: Meeting with locals to learn about construction techniques and the geological history of the area.

Day 7: Ksar Ghilane and the Roman Fort of Tisavar

• Morning: Departure to the Ksar Ghilane oasis, located on the edge of the desert and known for its natural hot spring.
• Afternoon: Visit to the ruins of the Roman fort of Tisavar, built on a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding dunes, showcasing the Roman presence in this strategic zone.

Day 8: Return to Tozeur via the Dahar Mountains

• Morning: Drive through the Dahar Mountains, characterized by ancient geological formations and arid landscapes.
• Afternoon: Return to Tozeur for departure.

This itinerary offers a complete immersion in the geological diversity of southern Tunisia, blending scientific discoveries with cultural experiences.
Distances between sites are relatively short, allowing for optimized travel and full enjoyment of each stage.