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Douz
Douz - The Gateway to Sahara - is situated approximately 1h 30m drive west of Matmata or 2h drive east of Tozeur. This small desert town which once was an important stop on the trans-Saharan caravan routes has recently became a “must visit” tourist destination for majority of holidaymakers wishing to have a short break from coastal resorts and explore Tunisia.
Why should I visit Douz?
Douz may be a very interesting destination for all tourists who would like to see the desert, have a camel trek or simply hire a quad or 4x4 car to get a taste of the mighty Sahara Desert for themselves. You will find in Douz:
- Easily accessible ‘instant desert’ - yellow sand dunes - very picturesque
- Small, charming oasis
- Incredible heat in the summer
- Lots of camels
Some facts about Douz
The town of Douz which once was a centre for the nomadic Mrazig tribe has grown up a large palm oasis of approximately 300,000 palm trees (planted by French). The oasis lacks the multi-layered fertility of Tozeur’s oasis. It is surrounded by the desert and dry scrub land that stands on the northern fringe of the Sahara.
Majority of houses were build by French in 1911 to settle the Mrazig tribe and, much later educate them.
Douz is a home to the Museum of the Sahara - initially opened in 1996 (and reopened in 2006) - presenting traditional nomadic desert culture of the Mrazig, local dress, handicrafts, camels and tattoos.
Published on 9th January 2010
By Arek Zasowski
Photographs by Viola and Arek Zasowski
Excursions from costal resorts - camel ride
If you are coming to Douz on an organised two days excursion from one of the coastal resorts you will probably have only a short stop outside the town. After leaving the coach and before a camel ride you will go to the hall and will be provided with a ‘Bedouin dress’ de rigueur. After changing the clothes you will probably attend a short lesson of how to ride a camel and your adventure will begin! The ride itself does not last very long. Tunisian guide - who owns the camel you are riding on - will stay with you until the end of the ride. You will be taken among very picturesque sand dunes to the small oasis where you will have a short break before heading back to the coach.
From our experience we need to admit that the camel ride is a great adventure despite the fact that in our opinion it is too short and we would expect to have more time on the desert. However, the excursion is really interesting and is a cost effective way of exploring Tunisia without the worrying of being lost as everything is organised for you.
