Chebika is one of the most wonderful hidden gem natural hikes in Tunisia.
This oasis sits tucked at the base of the Djebel el Negueb mountains and is the site of one of Tunisia’s most beautiful desert oases. Once an ancient Roman outpost and later an Amazigh (Berber) village, Chebika is famous today for the contrast between its barren mountains and the lush green palm grove fed by a natural spring.
Travelers exploring Tunisia’s desert landscapes often come to Chebika to hike, visit the waterfall, and walk among the ruins of a mountain village. If you’re planning a Tunisia itinerary that includes the Tozeur region or southern Tunisia’s Sahara landscapes, Chebika is a site worth including. Without further ado, let’s learn why!
Why is it called Chebika?
The Chebika oasis gets its name from the Tunisian Arabic word meaning “small net.” The name refers to the distinctive way the water flowing in the waterfalls of the oasis creates patterns as it flows down the rocky terrain.
Chebika also known by the Arabic name “Qasr el-Shams” (Palace of the Sun) due to its sun-drenched location.
Fun fact: In Tunisian Arabic, the phrase “chbīk?” (شبيك؟) is a casual way of asking “What’s wrong with you?” and sounds a lot like “Chebika”!
What makes Chebika special?
Along with Tamazgha (Tamerza) and Midès, Chebika forms part of the famous trio of mountain oases that serve as essential stops on Sahara desert tours departing from Tozeur.
Chebika holds historical significance. In antiquity, it was a Roman outpost known as Ad Speculum, and was then later a mountain refuge of the Amazigh (Berber) people. Today, you can still see remnants of the ancient settlement located on the hiking path.
The Chebika oasis also owes its prosperity to a sophisticated irrigation system that keeps an equitable distribution of water to fields. You can observe underground streams and a network of underground channels that supply wells, through which trees are grown in an otherwise completely barren territory.
What can I see and do in Chebika?
Exploring Chebika is an active experience that involves walking and hiking.
Take the main waterfall hike, which is the highlight of your Chebika visit. A loop trail starts at the village, passes through the canyon and waterfall, and climbs up to the ruins of the old village before circling back. The route makes for a short yet refreshing hike.
Follow the trail through the gorge to reach the spring’s source. The path runs alongside the stream and leads to a waterfall.
The contrast between the lush palm groves and the arid desert backdrop is surreal!
Know before you go to Chebika
Enjoy this beautiful desert oasis by considering the below.
Keep in Mind: Locals will likely offer to guide you for a small fee. If you’d like someone to show you around, go for it. However, if you’re just there to hike, you can easily explore the trails on your own.
Pro tip: You can book a local guide in advance through a platform such as WildyNess (more information below).
Location: Chebika is located in the Tozeur Governorate of western Tunisia, near the border with Algeria. Travelers often visit it as part of a “Three Oases Tour” that also includes the nearby oases of Tamazgha and Midès.
A Note for North American Travelers
U.S. and Canadian government travel advisories have flagged this region due to its border proximity to Algeria. That said, Chebika is a routine stop on desert tours and has a steady flow of both local and international visitors. Use your own discretion, stay updated on official guidance, and consider speaking with local guides or tour operators on the ground. Many have worked in this area for years without issue.
Consider booking a tour through WildyNess, a trusted local platform that works directly with expert guides based in the region who can offer perspective beyond what you’ll find in official advisories. WildyNess specializes in responsible, small-group travel and offers routes that include Chebika, Tamazgha, and Midès, with options for hiking, photography, and cultural insight.
In practice, Chebika is calm, well-traveled, and far more accessible than the warnings might suggest. As with any travel near a border zone, it’s smart to avoid going off-grid or venturing too far without a guide.
How to Get There: To properly explore the mountain oases, it would be helpful to have a 4×4 vehicle, but a normal sedan will work just as fine as well. You can arrange your experience and your transportation through local platforms such as WildyNess.
Interested in visiting Chebika?
Reach out to me! I am happy to help create your dream Tunisia trip itinerary for you. Just comment below or send a note via “Contact Me.”
Leave a comment