Tunisia - 4x4 Offroad Adventure in the Sahara

The usual stress, the usual chaos at the dock: ferry tickets, passport formalities, check-in, etc... we take care of all that for and with you. There will be enough time to admire the spectacle of German off-road trucks and SUVs on one side, and the Tunisian guest workers – who triple the transport volume of their cars, far beyond what the customs officer would just let pass – on the other side. Vehicle after vehicle rolls onto the ferry. We set off and leave Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, behind us. The compass needle ‘points south’, towards the sun and adventure. Africa, here we come! During the approximately 24-hour crossing to Africa, we have enough time for a tour briefing and to complete the first entry formalities already on the ferry. At around 6:00 PM Tunisian time, the ferry should dock. (inshallah!)

After the border control, the off-road convoy gathers at the ferry exit in La Goulette Tunis: Depending on the ferry's arrival, we will reach the hotel directly on the beach shortly after sunset. Here we enjoy a bit of luxury before our family adventure in Tunisia really begins. We take the concept of ‘active travel’ literally and freely choose to actively do nothing, take a swim in the Gulf of Hammamet, or check our off-road vehicles one more time before we set off southward towards sand the next day.

Today we have a long leg on paved roads ahead of us. In about 5 hours we will drive from Hammamet to Gafsa, where we will head to our first campsite after a short stop for a city tour. Gafsa is one of the oldest cities in Tunisia with a history dating back to Roman times. On the way we will have a picnic and make short stops when necessary. In the evening we cook and eat together and let the first day fade away by the campfire.

After breakfast, the adventure begins: We drive a stretch over the famous Rommel Trail and make a detour to a small oasis, idyllically located in a small valley between rugged and rocky mountains. Small streams and waterfalls create green patches in the otherwise brown and dry surroundings. Our destination today is Tozeur, where we will spend the night on a cozy campsite under date palms. Tozeur is known for its impressive palm groves.

One of today's highlights is the visit to a Star Wars filming location near Tozeur. Additionally, today we will conduct our first 4x4 off-road driving exercises in the sand, where drivers can test their limits and those of their 4x4 vehicles. Fun is guaranteed here for both young and old. In the evening, we will camp wild for the first time, adding to the adventure feeling perfectly.

Today we travel over Chott el Djerid, a huge salt lake, to Douz, the gateway to the Sahara. We visit the local market, where traditional Berber goods are offered. Overnight stay near Douz at a well-maintained campsite. Douz is known as the ‘Gateway to the Sahara’ and for its annual Sahara festival celebrating the culture and traditions of nomads.

Today stands the off-road convoy still and we have a pure travel day for recovery, to explore the city - Douz has already won awards for being the cleanest city in all of Tunisia - or you can take a walk in the dunes before the city gates. We also take the opportunity to stock up on supplies before heading the next day into the vastness of the Sahara. We spend another night at our campsite near Douz.

Today there is pure off-road feeling on our drive into the desert to Tembaine. A spectacular desert landscape and lots of driving fun await us. Tembaine is a remote and quiet place, ideal for star gazing and experiencing the untouched beauty of the Sahara. Upon arrival, we will set up our wild camp and look forward to our first night in the middle of the Sahara under the endless starry sky.

In the morning we check if the Easter Bunny might have gotten lost in the Sahara; rumors say he has been spotted there from time to time. We then drive through the desert to Ksar Ghilane. Here we have time to experience the busy atmosphere in the oasis and bathe in the warm spring. Ksar Ghilane is a picturesque oasis known for its hot springs and its strategic importance, evidenced by ancient ruins from Roman times that we will see along the way. We will camp in the oasis for the next two nights.

A desert round in the sand dunes around Ksar Ghilane is the highlight of today. We will explore the ruins of ancient Roman forts and tackle some driving challenges that the desert has in store for us. After our return in the afternoon, you can relax in the oasis, or for those who wish, optional activities like camel rides and quad biking are available. The surrounding area also offers excellent opportunities for exploration on foot or on a camel's back.

The drive from Ksar Ghilane over the piste to Tataouine will be quite scenic. Tataouine is known for its traditional Berber fortresses, the so-called Ksour, which served as a backdrop for many films and are a fascinating testament to Berber architecture that seems otherworldly. These buildings are impressive testimonies from the history of Tunisia. Then we head for our campsite in Tataouine.

Onward journey to Sfax, from where we will take the ferry to Kerkennah Island. There we set up our final wild camp on the beach. After about a one-hour ferry ride, we reach the island and let this adventure end fittingly by the campfire in the evening, before heading back to civilization the next day.

Return drive to Hammamet. After our arrival at the hotel, there is still some time to relax on the beach or explore the city on your own. In the evening we meet for a final dinner at the hotel. Take the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque gardens and the relaxed atmosphere of Hammamet.

Early in the morning we set off to be at the harbor of Tunis on time. Here we say goodbye to Tunisia and board the ferry. With a lot of memories in the luggage, all the little and big adventurers head home now.

Around noon we reach Genoa, where our off-road journey ends. We will have our farewell round already on the ferry. Genoa, with its rich history and cultural diversity, offers a fitting conclusion to our adventurous trip. You can be sure that after the vacation you will have the best stories to tell.