The city of Douz marks where the Sahara Desert of Tunisia truly begins, which is why this peaceful oasis town is known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.”
Located just south of the vast Chott el-Djerid salt flat, Douz lets travelers experience some of the country’s most authentic desert experiences and gives a taste of local desert life.
Why is the city called Douz?
Douz takes its modern name from the oasis town that grew around the traditions of the Mrazig people. While ancient records mention little about its early history, the Mrazig tribe settled here centuries ago. Their nomadic roots and desert knowledge turned Douz into a main stop along trans-Saharan caravan routes.
What makes Douz special?
Douz offers a direct and authentic connection to the Sahara Desert. The town borders the Grand Erg Oriental, a massive area of soft, rolling sand dunes. This is the classic “sea of sand” desert landscape that many people think of when they think of the desert.
Douz is famous for its camel market and is one of the best places in Tunisia to experience a traditional camel trek. The Mrazig people are renowned for their camel breeding and expertise.
What to see and do in Douz
The town of Douz itself has a dusty, frontier feel. It’s a real, working town where the desert is a part of daily life.
You can sleep in a Bedouin campground during your visit. There are many options, ranging from basic to luxury options. Below is an example of a more budget-friendly option.
You can also ride camels, quad bikes or buggies across the massive sand dunes just outside the town.
Visit the Museum of the Sahara for a concise introduction to the Mrazig people. The exhibits cover their clothing, tools, and traditional desert life.
The main square in Douz is a functional public space for the locals. It’s surrounded by cafés and a few small stores where vendors sell traditional items such as woven rugs, jewelry, and the distinctive hooded wool coats known as burnous. There’s a market every Thursday where herders, merchants, and families across surrounding towns come together to sell goods.
Much of the local economy still revolves around date farming. You’ll see groves of Deglet Nour palm oases and workers preparing for the seasonal harvest.
Know before you go to Douz
Where is it? Douz is in southern Tunisia, on the southern edge of the Chott el-Djerid salt flat. It’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Tozeur.
How to Get There: The easiest way to get to Douz is by car or as part of a tour from other major hubs like Djerba or Tozeur. Louages (shared taxis) also connect Douz to other southern towns.
Want a guide? Consider supporting the local economy by booking a guided tour in Douz with a regional expert through a platform such as WildyNess. You’ll get authentic insight while helping sustain community-based tourism.
Interested in visiting Douz?
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