Southern Tunisia

My route through Southern Tunisia took me from Gabes to the Matmata area, famous for its troglodyte dwellings, some of which feature in the Star Wars movies. Our first stop was the remote hilltop Berber village of Zaraoua.

I explored the area around Matmata, and then ventured further into the Sahara desert to Ksar Ghilane, an oasis surrounded by the finest sand dunes I've ever seen. Hot springs, Bedouin tents and turbaned Touareg on horseback greeted us on arrival.

After watching the sun rise in the desert, we headed towards Tatouine. This area is known for its Ksars, which are spectacular adobe Berber villages. Many Ksars have been abandoned, so you're free to clamber around and explore. We stopped off at Chenini, Ksar Hallouf, Ksar Haddada and Guermessa. En route we stumbled upon market day at Beni Kheddache.

Thanks to Isabelle Chine for organizing this trip and taking us off the beaten track, and to Nicolas for navigating it.