Douz

An oasis town known as the «Gateway to the Sahara». Douz, where the dunes stretch on and on reminding us of the frailty of our defenses against this great expanse of sand.

The village, gateway to the Sahara, clings proudly to its traditions and during the Sahara Festival in December extends a welcome to visitors to share the excitement of the camel races and fantasias - Arab horsemen racing their richly adorned desert thoroughbreds over the sands, Berber songs and dances, traditional marriage ceremonies and the famous desert-bred «Slougui» (Greyhound) races.

Long before its «discovery» by visitors Douz has been the outpost of the desert and each Thursday, the market day, nomads arrive for the customary trading and barter of camels, horses, bringing crafts, minerals «desert roses», woven blankets, richly adorned saddles and silver Berber jewelry. From here the Saharan safaris and meharees depart for the Great Erg Oriental in the Tunisian Sahara. For a memorable and genuine experience of desert life specialized tourist agencies offer a week long safari on camel back and on foot.

Cultural Events &Festivals: Tourism Saharan Day (12 November), Sahara Douz Festival (November/December).