Near the Algerian border, Tozeur is one of Tunisia’s westernmost cities—go any further, and a stretch of sandy no-man’s-land called the Sahara Desert begins. This compact but bustling town looks exactly how you’d imagine a Saharan city to—swaying palm groves, a crowded medina filled with date vendors, and intricately carved sandstone buildings. But Tozeur is more than a pretty backdrop. You’ll find plenty of things to do here, including visiting crystal-clear waterfalls, Star Wars filming sites, and sprawling salt lakes.
Spring and fall are the most temperate times to visit Tozeur, as there’s the least rainfall. Daytime hours in winter can be pleasant, although nights and mornings are brisk; if you plan on doing any desert camping, be sure to take something warm. Each winter in January, the city hosts the International Oasis Festival, dedicated to the region’s unique desert traditions.
Much of Tozeur—including the historic Ouled el Hadef neighborhood of the Medina—is walkable. Affordable street taxis are great for getting further afield or over to the Dar Cherait Museum, which explains Tunisia’s Saharan history through colorful installations. A horse-drawn carriage ride through the Eden Palm grove is a popular activity, while anyone planning to venture outside the city toward the desert’s stark-white dunes will need a quad or 4WD vehicle.
A popular day trip from Tozeur is Chebika, a rocky gorge home to some of the region’s most stunning scenery, including a turquoise waterfall, a historic village, and a palm grove. The area is reachable by car, although visiting with a local guide is recommended. Tour itineraries typically combine it with the Tamerza Canyons, the Chott El Jerid salt lake, and the Star Wars film sets in Mos Espa.
