Tataouine, Matmata, and the Star Wars sites

The Tataouine and Matmata excursion, including the Star Wars sites, is a unique experience to discover Berber culture, troglodyte architecture, and the history of Star Wars filming. It’s an opportunity to travel back in time to the land of the Berbers and caravans.

You will leave the tourist spots to explore new landscapes, discover the hidden treasures of this southern Tunisian region, and immerse yourself in the local life of the Berbers.

Your day will start early in the morning with a departure from Djerba via the Roman Road. Your first stop along the way will be at the Chahbania Salt Lake for a photo stop before continuing to the city of Tataouine. This city, from which George Lucas drew the name Tatooine, is renowned for serving as a backdrop for one of the Star Wars episodes (A New Hope, 1976) and giving its name to the planet Tatooine in the series. Here, you will have the opportunity to stroll through the market and practice negotiating with the merchants.

Next, continue to Ksar Ouled Soltane, a well-preserved fortified granary built by the Berbers in the 15th century. It served as the setting for Mos Espa in Episode I in August 1997 for the slave quarters.

Afterward, continue your journey to the Berber village of Chenini and discover its various structures, such as its oil mill, granaries, mosque, houses carved into the mountains, panoramic views overlooking the village, and much more.

Continue your adventure to Ksar Hadada, also used as a backdrop for Star Wars filming (some scenes from Episode I: The Phantom Menace were filmed there). Explore the streets of the ksar and imagine the film scenes before enjoying a delicious traditional lunch at Ksar Jouamaa.

Take the opportunity to visit this magnificent 17th-century granary and its beautiful ghorfas (rooms) beautifully restored.

After lunch, head to Matmata through wonderful lunar landscapes.

Upon arrival in Matmata, visit the Sidi Driss hotel, which includes 5 interior courtyards: four surrounded by rooms, and the fifth, named the “Star Wars courtyard,” served as the set for the Lars’ dining room and kitchen. You will have the opportunity to see the troglodyte rooms that were used in the film.

After that, visit a Berber family to discover a typical troglodyte house and share a moment of conviviality with the local residents. They will likely offer you a good mint tea or even a traditional dish.

On the way back, stop at the Berber village of Toujane, an authentic Berber village where you can discover local traditions, costumes, and typical jewelry. Then return to Djerba enriched and amazed by the treasures of this southern region of Tunisia.