Rider in the Tunisian desert – desert trip from Djerba to Ksar Ghilane

PRIVATE DESERT TOUR TO KSAR GHILANE AND MATMATA

DAY TOUR TO KSAR GHILANE AND MATMATA DEPARTING FROM GABÈS

The oasis of Ksar Ghilane is one of the gateways to the Tunisian desert, located in the Grand Erg Oriental of the Sahara.

This trip offers an immersive experience at the heart of the ochre sand dunes, allowing you to discover the vastness of the Tunisian desert.

During the tour, you will make a stop in Matmata to visit its troglodyte houses — a unique village nestled in the heart of Berber land.

This stop also includes a visit to the Sidi Idriss Hotel, one of the Star Wars filming locations.

In Ksar Ghilane, you can admire the sweeping desert landscapes, explore the palm grove of the oasis, and relax in a natural hot spring at 32°C.

Lunch is served in a restaurant at the foot of the dunes.

As an option, you can embark on an adventure riding a quad to the ancient Roman fort of Tisavar, or enjoy a one-of-a-kind camel ride through the desert.

KSAR GHILANE AND MATMATA DAY TOUR PROGRAM

Pick-up from your accommodation in Gabès at 6:30 AM.
Departure by 4x4 towards Matmata.
Visit of the troglodyte houses of Matmata.
Then, drive to Ksar Ghilane, an oasis surrounded by vast ochre sand dunes (Eastern Erg).
Lunch at a restaurant at the foot of the dunes.
Free time to explore the oasis.
Optional: camel ride (€15/hour) or quad ride (€30/hour), payable on-site without prior booking.
Optional swim in the natural hot spring (32 °C).
Return to your accommodation in Gabès.

Practical Information:

The tour is operated by 4x4 vehicle or minibus, depending on the number of participants.
Baby seats are available upon request.
This tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Don’t Forget to Bring:

Sunscreen
Hat or cap
Sunglasses
Scarf or headwrap (recommended for quad rides)
Swimsuit and towel
Camera
Some cash for personal expenses

DAY TOUR TO KSAR GHILANE AND MATMATA PRICES

For 5 people, price per person	€65
For 4 people, price per person	€75
For 3 people, price per person	€95
For 2 people, price per person	€135

Our prices are in euros (€), including all taxes. Rates decrease depending on the number of participants, with a maximum of 5 people per 4x4 vehicle.

For more than 5 people, contact us!

For private day trips, reductions for children under 11 only apply to groups of 4 or more paying adults.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
Private transportation by 4x4 or minibus with driver
Services of a licensed ONTT* guide (French, English, German, or Italian-speaking)
Lunch at the restaurant
Entrance fees for all scheduled visits

Not included:

Domestic or international flights
Drinks other than water
Optional activities (quad, camel ride…)
Tips and personal expenses

*ONTT: Tunisian National Tourist Office

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY TOUR TO KSAR GHILANE AND MATMATA

The day trip from Gabès to Ksar Ghilane and Matmata takes you through two iconic sites of southern Tunisia, combining Berber heritage and desert landscapes.

Matmata, a well-known village famous for its troglodyte dwellings carved into the rock, offers a glimpse into traditional Berber life.

These underground homes, nestled into the hillside, are a unique architectural response to the harsh desert climate.

Ksar Ghilane, a remote oasis at the edge of the Sahara, is fed by a natural hot spring with water at around 32 °C, known for its soothing and mineral-rich properties. It's the perfect spot to relax and take a dip, surrounded by palms and sweeping sand dunes.

Once there, you’ll also have the option to enjoy a camel ride or a quad bike tour across the ochre dunes — no booking required.

These fun and adventurous add-ons let you explore the desert in a truly immersive way.

This tour blends cultural discovery in Matmata with a taste of desert adventure in Ksar Ghilane.

Whether you're drawn to local traditions or wide-open landscapes, the experience promises a memorable journey through southern Tunisia.

OUR CUSTOMERS' REVIEWS ON THE DAY TOUR TO KSAR GHILANE

Find our reviews on Google and TripAdvisor:

Review by Picci52
★★★★★
Review of Superb day in Ksar Ghilane
A big thank you to the whole team, both Bruno upstream for his responsiveness and our excellent guide Mahmoud and the driver of the 4 x4 for their knowledge of the country and their kindness. The landscapes discovered: first dunes with the camel ride, quad excursion, Ksar Ghilane oasis, palm grove and Berber attic were a magical break shared as a family with our son Jérémy and his fiancée Typical lunch restaurant with excellent cuisine

Celine O's review
★★★★★
We spent an unforgettable day in the desert.
Our driver Anis and our guide Mahmoud were really great 👍 punctuality, kindness
Anis is a discreet driver but has perfect driving skills.
Mahmoud is a guide with great culture, he taught us a lot throughout the trip, he was always there at our side and guided us throughout, he took care of our well-being until the end.
We recommend this agency for its seriousness and the quality of its services!

Elizabeth V
★★★★★
Excellent day in the desert
We had a great day, the landscapes are magnificent, the activities (quad and camel) are great! No complaints. Excellent communication with GSA before during and after the activity. We really thank Imen and his colleagues for giving us a day like this. I strongly advise you to use this agency.

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