If you’re planning a trip to Tunisia, make sure Tozeur is on your list. This major oasis city is located in southern Tunisia and sits on the edge of the vast Chott el Djerid salt flats.
Tozeur stands out for its palm groves, distinctly decorative brickwork architecture, and easy access to iconic sites, from mountain oases such as Chebika and Tamerza to famous Star Wars filming sites such as Mos Espa. Overall, it has served as an important desert trade hub for centuries.
So, why is the city called Tozeur?
The city of Tozeur likely took its name from the Roman name Tusuros, when it served as a fortified outpost of the empire.
That said, some believe the name comes from an Amazigh (Berber) root meaning “strong,” which fits its strategic desert palm oasis location. Others trace it even further back to ancient Egyptian or Phoenician roots, though those links are more speculative.
What makes Tozeur special?
The city of Tozeur is famous for its huge palm grove, which contains hundreds of thousands of date palms. This “sea of green” in the middle of the desert is fed by over 200 springs and a complex, ancient irrigation system.
Tozeur also leads as one of the top producers of Deglet Nour dates, prized across the world.
You’ll also notice that Tozeur features unique architecture. Local artisans used small, sand-colored bricks to create intricate geometric patterns on buildings, giving the city a look you won’t find anywhere else. It’s perfect for architecture fans and photographers!
Along with Douz, Tozeur serves as a main gateway to the Tunisian Sahara. Almost all 4×4 tours start here, heading out to explore the mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza, and Midès, plus the iconic Mos Espa Star Wars film set.
What can I see and do in Tozeur?
Explore the Tozeur medina, which serves as the city’s old quarter and also the best place to experience the beautiful brick architecture. It’s a maze of narrow, shaded alleyways.
Visit an Amazigh-inspired rooftop café in the heart of the medina, where you can sip tea while overlooking the Tozeur skyline and experience a deeper sense of the region’s Amazigh roots.
Just walk a little bit out of the way of the Tozeur medina and you’ll land into the lush palm groves. You can bike or walk here and enjoy the very lush atmosphere and palm trees!
Within the oasis is a small eco-museum called Eden Palm, dedicated to the date palm. You can learn about how dates are grown, harvested, and used, and see the traditional irrigation channels up close.
If you’re into museums, Tozeur has quite a few. Set in a traditional mansion, Dar Cherait Museum showcases pottery, jewelry, wedding costumes, and recreated scenes from Tunisian life across the centuries. And Chak Wak Park is a one-of-a-kind theme park filled with life-sized dinosaurs and historical figures. It’s kitschy, but fun for families.
For nature lovers, you can climb up the Belvedere Rocks in Ras El Ain Park, just outside the Tozeur city center. From the top, take in views of the oasis, the city, and the salt flats beyond. It’s also home to a giant stone sculpture of national poet Abou El Kacem Chebbi and hosts the eerie remains of an abandoned golf course.
If you’re into quirky political history, you will enjoy this random fact: Two Iraqi Airways Boeing 747s just sit on the tarmac of the Tozeur-Nefta International Airport, and one of these was reportedly the private jet of Saddam Hussein. Flown here in 1991 to protect them from bombing during the Gulf War, they have been stranded ever since.
Know before you go to Tozeur
What to Expect: Tozeur is a well-developed city with hotels, restaurants, and a bustling market. It’s a hub of activity for desert tourism but has kept its unique charm and character.
Where is it? Tozeur is in southwestern Tunisia, on the northern edge of the Chott el-Djerid salt flat.
How to Get There: Tozeur-Nefta International Airport serves a handful of European routes and regular domestic flights from Tunis. You can also reach Tozeur by car, bus, or shared louage taxi from cities across Tunisia.
Want a guide? If you’d rather not go it alone, consider booking through a local tourism company like WildyNess. They specialize in immersive, off-track travel and work with experienced guides who know the hidden corners and stories of the region.
Interested in visiting Tozeur?
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