New Year's Eve in the Tunisian Sahara: 4x4 Desert Tour

FAQS

• Do you need an international driving licence?

  Officially, an international driving licence is not required in Tunisia if you hold an EU licence. But it can't hurt to have one.
• Which papers do you need for your vehicle?

  You need the vehicle registration document and, if you are not the registered keeper, a power of attorney from the keeper in French confirming that you may drive the vehicle in Tunisia. You also need the international insurance card (green card) for your vehicle. Tunisia (TN) must not be crossed out on it. If it is, you can take out third-party vehicle insurance at the port on entry for the equivalent of about €50 to €60.
• Do you need a spare fuel can?

  Better to have one and not need it than the other way round. The network of filling stations in Tunisia is very good, so you don't have to carry huge amounts of fuel. But there are situations where an "extra litre" can be useful, for example if a vehicle loses fuel.
• How much do you drive per day?

  Daily stages vary depending on terrain, weather and the group. On average you can expect about 4 to 6 hours of pure driving time, plus breaks, photo stops and short briefings.
• Which on-board tools do you need?

  Everything that is vehicle-specific, for example a special socket for locking wheel nuts. Spare fuses never hurt either. In general, you should be equipped so that you can change a wheel on your own with what you have on board.
• Should you exchange money in advance?

  No. It wouldn't be possible anyway, as the Tunisian dinar may be neither imported nor exported. On the ferry you pay in euros. At the hotel you can change euros into dinars: they are happy about the foreign currency and you about the good exchange rate. With your credit card you can also withdraw money at banks and pay at filling stations. It is still advisable to carry a few hundred euros in cash as a reserve. Never change too much at once! Dinars cannot be changed back into euros.
• Why does the ferry cost extra on the New Year's Eve tour?

  Over the turn of the year, many Tunisians who live and work in Europe use the holidays to travel home. That is why ferry prices rise accordingly at this time and crossings are usually fully booked. To keep everything as transparent as possible for you, we have listed the price separately. It is still cheaper for you to book the ferry through us, because we get special conditions from the ferry company for our group bookings.
• How are meals handled?

  Our guides bring the expedition kitchen. Tasks like chopping, cooking and washing up are shared by the group, following the motto "many hands make light work". The guides do the shopping with a few volunteers. Your food preferences are of course taken into account where possible. As a special treat, a Tunisian cook accompanies you on the desert stage and serves you delicious meals.
• How demanding is this 4x4 trip through the Sahara?

  The tour is sporty and aimed at drivers with some first off-road experience. You should be able to handle your vehicle safely off-road. Sand passages, recoveries and deeper tracks are part of it and are supervised by the guide.
• Do you need to bring spare parts?

  That depends on your vehicle and its condition. We definitely recommend bringing a spare air filter and a full-size spare wheel (not an emergency wheel or similar). As a rule: whatever you carry with you never breaks anyway.
• Is your normal first aid kit enough?

  Yes! Ideally you won't need it at all. Special equipment for snake bites or similar is not necessary. There are venomous animals (snakes, scorpions) in Tunisia. But the probability of seeing one is extremely low. These creatures flee at the slightest vibration, long before you even notice them. Besides, they are hardly active in the winter months anyway.
• How cold does it get at night in the desert in December?

  In the Sahara at the end of December, temperatures are usually 15 to 22 °C during the day and 2 to 8 °C at night. Warm clothing and a good sleeping bag are important, especially for the wild camping nights.
• Is wild camping allowed and how does it work?

  Yes. You camp in remote dune and desert regions without infrastructure. You travel self-sufficiently, use nature as a toilet and simple washing facilities, and leave the sites as you found them.
• What are the vehicle requirements for this tour?

  You need an off-road capable 4x4 vehicle in good technical condition. Low-range gearing and decent tyres are strongly recommended. You clarify recovery points and equipment with us in advance using a detailed packing and vehicle list.
• Can you do the tour with a rental vehicle?

  Yes. Subject to availability, you can rent an off-road vehicle for this trip directly through Overcross. You will receive details on models, equipment and conditions with the offer.
• Is there mobile reception along the way?

  During the off-road stages you will be without mobile network for several days. The convoy stays connected by radio, and the guide takes care of navigation and communication.
• How does navigation in the Sahara work?

  You drive in convoy, navigation is the guide's job. No GPS knowledge is needed: we work with radio, daily briefings and clear driving instructions so you can fully concentrate on driving.
• How safe is Tunisia as a destination on this route?

  The route leads through well-known tourist regions in southern Tunisia. Overcross has been travelling there for over 20 years and works with local partners, clear route planning and up-to-date daily situation assessments.
• How do border and entry formalities work?

  You receive the most important documents from Overcross in advance. We handle entry and exit formalities as a group, often already on the ferry, so the process in Tunis is as relaxed as possible.
• What happens if your vehicle gets stuck or breaks down?

  Getting stuck is part of the Sahara. It is usually not a problem. We work as a team and use recovery equipment and the guide's experience. In case of technical problems, we decide together what is possible on site. Safety always comes first.