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Things to do in Matmata

Our most recommended things to do in Matmata

From Tunis: 2 Day Sahara Express Experience

1. From Tunis: 2 Day Sahara Express Experience

Day 01 : Pick up from your place of residence and departure to El Jem, visit of its coliseum , measuring 148 meters long, 122 wide and 36 meters high, served during two centuries. Its capacity estimated at 35,000 spectators and its imposing size class unquestionably among the largest amphitheatres in the world. This building dating from the third century, shows the greatness of the Roman Empire. Continuation to Matmata located at 40 km west of Gabes, on a mountainside, it is a Berber village of 1800 inhabitants, at an altitude of 600 meters. The name Matmata came from a Berber tribe originating from Morocco, descendant of the Temzit. Matmata is very well known for its troglodyts houses. Troglodyte homes are homes built into the ground as a way to escape the heat of the summer sun, creating their own natural air conditioning. As you walk around on the surface of the ground, you can peer down into these craters, which are the courtyards of these homes. Some of the courtyards have sheer drops of up to 30 feet deep. These courtyards have rooms cut into the ground where residents live. Typical Tunisian lunch in Matmata Departure after the lunch towards Douz also called the desert gate, discovery of the city, check in at your hotel, dinner and accommodation Day 02 : Early breakfast and departure for Chott El Djerid to experience the sunrise on this beautiful salt lake, located between the Gulf of Gabes and the Algerian border, for nearly 300 km, the desert is covered with Chotts, desert areas covered with salt deposits that rest on a mass of mud. When it rains, the chott is covered with water and becomes a kind of inland sea. The mirages are frequent on this salted plain, of a brilliant whiteness. Departure for chebika via Dgueche, picturesque small village of the Tunisian south. Arrival in Chebika, discovery of this mountain oasis, formerly a Berber village that was washed away. Visit of Ong Jmal, known as the setting for the famous 'Star Wars' saga. But Ong Jmal is above all a magnificent place, completely disconnected from time and space. Visit of "Mos Espa" Proceed to Gafsa where you will have lunch On the way back to Tunis, panoramic visit of Kairouan a fascinating city still anchored in a distant past. One of Islam’s holy cities, it was the first capital of the Maghreb. Designated a Unesco World Heritage site, it conceals several marvels and it is also Known as Capital of traditional hand made Carpets Back to your place of Residence.

From Djerba: Night at the Desert camp Ksar Ghilane

2. From Djerba: Night at the Desert camp Ksar Ghilane

Day 1 Departure from your accommodation via the Roman road, direction Tataouine. Photo break at the famous salt lake of Chahbania and explanation of the program. Continuation towards the city of Tataouine, free time at the very colorful market then direction the mountainous village of Chenini. Passage by the Ksar Ouled Soltan or similar, collective granary used in the past for the storage of provisions Visit of the dwellings dug horizontally in the mountains in the village of Chenini; Berber village encrusted in the side of the mountain which goes back to the 11th century. Typical lunch at the local restaurant In the afternoon we fasten our belts in the 4x4 for a departure by the sandy tracks "the reg" to reach the oasis of Ksar Ghilane, an exotic oasis; magnificent with its camps and its water source. Possibility of a camel or quad ride (optional and payable on site) on the sand dunes "Erg" to watch the sunset and see the old Roman fort. On the way back, visit of the hot water spring with possibility of swimming (don't forget your bathing suit and towels) continuation in 4x4 to the camp located at the foot of the dunes . Arrival; to attend the sunset installation under tent, dinner and Saharan evening. Day 2 Wake up gently, breakfast, then departure for the mountainous Berber village of Tamezret. Small photo stop and continuation for the village of Matmata known for its houses dug under the ground. We admire its superb lunar landscape (Star Wars movie sets) and visit a family in a troglodytic house. Lunch In the afternoon we take the road back to the village of Toujane, from where we have a panoramic view. Return to the hotel

Tunisia: 5-Day Private Discovery Tour

3. Tunisia: 5-Day Private Discovery Tour

Discover the highlights of Tunisia in this comprehensive private 5-day tour. Relax, as your meals and accommodation throughout the tour are catered for including delicious traditional breakfasts and lunches and dinners in various stunning locations.  On the first day, you will be picked up from your hotel in Tunisia and will visit 'El Jem', a well-preserved Roman amphitheater. You will then head to Kairouan to visit the 9th century Aghlabid basins and then head on to marvel at the spectacular Grand Mosque, the oldest in North Africa. Your expert guide will provide an overview of the history and Tunisian traditions and you will spend the night in Tozeur.  On the second day, you will visit the breathtakingly beautiful Chebika and Tamerza waterfalls before heading to see the natural spectacle of the Mides Canyons. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour in the Palm Groves before heading to the desert, where you can see the movie set where they filmed star wars - perfect for any film fans! Afterward, you will head to Douz with a stop to view the salt lake on the way. At Douz, you can see the famous winding lanes of the souk markets and enjoy either a camel or quad bike tour through the desert sands.  The third day is for heading into the Sahara desert, an incredible arid landscape full of tall dunes. Enjoy lunch looking out over the plains before checking in to the luxury desert campsite. The evening here will be spent enjoying delicious traditional food and listening to drumming as you warm yourself around the campfire.  On the fourth day of the trip, you will head to Matmata to visit the 'Troglodyte' Berber town. Here you can see the famous underground structures where many people still reside today. Continue onwards to  Ksar Hadada to visit the ancient castle there before stopping by Chenini to visit the '7th Asleep' mosque and museum. You will then spend a restful evening in Tataouine.  The last day will involve you indulging in some shopping at the winding Jara Souk where you can purchase some souvenirs from this amazing trip. You will be dropped back at your hotel, satisfied in the knowledge that you have truly discovered the real Tunisia. 

From Tunis: Private North to South 3-Day Tour of Tunisia

4. From Tunis: Private North to South 3-Day Tour of Tunisia

Day 1:  Get picked up from your accommodation and head to Kairouan, the holy city. Visit the famous mosque of Okbaa Ibn Nafaa, the mausoleum of Sidi Sahbi, and Aghlabide's Basins before continuing on to the Roman ruins of Sufetula. After touring the archeological site and having lunch, head to Tozeur, known as the oasis paradise. Stroll through the alleys of the old medina before checking in to a 4-star hotel for the night. Day 2 :  Head out in the morning to discover the incredible mountain oases of the area. Make a first stop at the village of Chebika, famous for its water source that springs from the side of the mountain. Afterwards, visit the gorgeous Tamerza Waterfall and the Mides Canyons before enjoying a local lunch at a homestay. In the afternoon, journey over the sand dunes, through the old rally track, and cross the salt lake of Chott El Gharsa to reach the famous village of Mos Espa where much of the Star Wars movies were shot. Take in the intense colors of the sunset and enjoy a walk in the Mos Espa village before getting back to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Day 3 :  Leave Tozeur early in the morning and head to the salt lake of Chott Djerid, the largest salt lake in Northern Africa. Stop to admire the sunrise and see the first rays of sunshine land on a layer of salt stretching as far as the eye can see. Continue to Douz, the gateway to the desert where you will have time to take a camel-ride or go on a quad tour in the dunes. Stroll through the Douz souk before heading to Matmata, an ancient troglodyte village. Visit a local host and enjoy a cup of rosemary tea served with olive oil and honey to tide you over until lunch. Stop for lunch on your way to the amphitheater of El Jem, an impressive Roman monument that rivals the Roman Colosseum. After touring the amphitheater, get returned to your hotel.

Tunis: 3-Day Sahara Explorer Guided Tour w/ Meals & Transfer

5. Tunis: 3-Day Sahara Explorer Guided Tour w/ Meals & Transfer

1st day (El Jem – Tozeur) Tour starts with a pickup from Tunis, Hammamet or Sousse to visit El Jem (Thysdrus) to visit the Roman amphitheater, the third biggest & the best-preserved one in the Roman world. Continue to Tozeur Check-in for 1-night accommodation in Tozeur (**** 4 Stars Hotel) DINNER at the hotel 2nd day (Tamerza - Chebika - Mides - Douz - Sahara Desert) BREAKFAST at the hotel then departure to Visit Chebika Waterfalls Visit of Tamerza Waterfalls Visit Mides (Canyons) Visit of Ong jemel Star Wars desert set Continue to Tozeur for LUNCH Departure from Tozeur to Douz by a private 4×4 vehicle with a stop at the (Salt Lake) (Chott el Djerid) Your adventure starts with an amazing view, changing from lands of green palms to dunes of golden sand Continue through the huge charming dunes Having a delicious DINNER at the camping and enjoying the night drumming around the campfire Check-in for 1-night accommodation in Douz (Sahara Desert Camp) 3rd day (Douz - Matmata - Tunis) BREAKFAST at the camping then departure to Matmata for Underground Troglodyte Visit then LUNCH in Matmata Transfer to Tunis, Hammamet or Sousse Drop off at the selected hotel or location. {END OF TOUR}

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What people are saying about Matmata

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 36 reviews

The best lady guide showed us many places telling us very interestingly, revealing many local customs, she took care of us at every moment. A great alternative to sightseeing in large groups, we were driving 6 people in an off-road car. Great adventure, we visited many local places, we got to know Arabic phrases. You can feel safe with an abdul driver. Juju you are the Best tour guide

Very interesting day we had the excellent driver and guide Abdou Nour really adorable who taught us a lot about Tunisia by not hesitating to make a detour to please us I highly recommend this excursion the swimming is excellent

Super varied and interesting tour. The highlight is bathing in the oasis. Guide and driver were great too.

Great Tour! The guide was awesome and switches effortlessly between Arabic, French and German!

very good experience, excellent guide, plan about 100euro for activities drinks tips etc