Motorcycle Tour through Tunisia: New Year's Eve in the Sahara

On the first day, you set off from Tübingen toward the ferry port in Genoa. Riders who brought their bikes on their own meet us there. We gather at the ferry terminal at 15:00, two hours before departure.

Each rider gets prepared entry and customs forms, plus ferry and cabin tickets from us. We have plenty of time to load the remaining bikes onto the trailer and store luggage in the support vehicle.

The ferry is set to leave at 17:00. In practice, with Tunisian time in mind, it often departs closer to 19:00. We recommend all riders arrive at the port by 15:00 to handle all formalities at a relaxed pace. After settling into cabins, we meet for dinner and discuss plans for the next day.

Today we leave luxury behind. The group rides a connecting stage on paved roads past the foothills of the Atlas Mountains to Tozeur. After a long day of riding, we set up our first camp.

Our camp sits in the middle of a beautiful palm grove above Tozeur. From there, we enjoy a stunning view over the Chott el Jerid. We arrive in the late afternoon with just enough time to cook together and enjoy a beer or two before crawling into our tents. Tomorrow, we ride through the sand for the first time.

Today we have a longer route to reach the oasis town known as the gateway to the Sahara. We ride on an 80 km sandy track at the edge of Chott el Jérid. Depending on the season and rainfall, we cross the roughly 7,000 m² salt flat.

At camp, we set up our tents at the edge of a palm grove. We stay here for two nights. A perfect day awaits us with showers, camping under palm trees, and a hearty dinner by the campfire.

Today we begin our five-day expedition into the Sahara. We will be fully on our own. The exact route depends on group size, bike type, weather, and the riders’ skill levels.

If the group’s riding skills are strong enough, there is a chance to ride to the Lost Lake, Lac Houidhat Erreched. This complex of thermal springs lies about 90 km in a straight line from Douz. It is not easy to reach.

The days in the Tunisian desert will bring us closer as a group. Shoveling, riding, tipping over, getting up, speeding forward, and taking in the vastness of the Sahara. These days offer the most powerful experiences. Each evening, we reflect under the open sky at the “1,000 Star Hotel.” This is pure freedom and a true adventure for every enduro rider.

Today we head north. The long connecting stage leads us back toward Hammamet. The route is paved and can feel monotonous. But the memories of the past days keep our spirits high.

In the afternoon, we reach our hotel in Hammamet. Here we enjoy the contrast between palm trees, pool, and sea. It is a welcome change from the desert and a chance to relax and reflect on the journey.