The Call of the Desert

Upon arrival at Djerba-Zarzis Airport, a warm welcome awaits you: smiles, the first scents of jasmine, and the golden light of the South. You will then be transferred to the charming town of Houmt Souk, the beating heart of the island, where whitewashed alleys and blue shutters tell centuries of history. Check-in at a boutique hotel nestled in the old town — a peaceful haven with traditional décor, perfect for settling in and starting to dream of the desert. In the evening, savor a dinner infused with local flavors, in a soft and serene atmosphere. Your first night on Tunisian soil… lulled by the distant echoes of the sea and the whisper of the wind through the palm trees.

At the first light of dawn, we leave the island of Djerba by 4x4, heading south towards Douz, known as the "Gateway to the Desert." Here, sand replaces asphalt. We meet our Saharan guide and his team of camel drivers—desert men, expert navigators of this world of shifting dunes and silence. The trek begins at Bir Belgacem, the first stage of our great crossing of the Grand Erg Oriental. For six days, we will walk through a sea of sand: Om Kenda, Bou Jouhiss, Rose des Sables, Bir El Ghar, Ben Choud, before returning to Douz. Each place, each name, echoes like ancient poetry carried by the wind. Here, time stretches. Steps follow one another in the absolute silence of the dunes, only disturbed by the whisper of the wind or the soft jingling of bells tied to the dromedaries. We learn to read tracks in the sand, recognize healing plants, and anticipate the approach of a water source. Nomadic life reveals itself—discreet and strong—in daily gestures, in stories whispered by the campfire, and in the preparation of tea infused with wild herbs, shared around the fire. Each evening, the bivouac is set up under the stars. The camel drivers pitch tents, the fire crackles, and one of them, a musician in his spare time, makes the drum sound or hums an ancient song. Another prepares the meal—simple and tasty—using what the desert offers and what the dromedaries carry.

On the seventh day, we reach our final destination. A last shared lunch with our nomadic companions brings this initiatory journey to a close. Then, the 4x4 takes us back to Djerba, our shoes full of sand, our hearts full of memories. Back in Houmt Souk, in the peaceful setting of a charming hotel, we rediscover the comfort of whitewashed walls and flowered gardens, for a well-deserved dinner and a restful night.

The sun rises one last time over Djerba, bathing the streets of Houmt Souk in a soft golden light. After a peaceful breakfast, it’s time to pack your bags — though a part of you will surely remain here, somewhere between the desert and the sea. Your transfer to Djerba-Zarzis Airport awaits, punctuated by final glimpses of palm trees, whitewashed domes, and the endless blue sky. Assistance is provided for departure formalities, ensuring that this final moment unfolds in complete serenity. You leave Tunisia with sand in your pockets, images in your eyes… and perhaps a piece of the Sahara in your heart.