Golden Dunes Raid: from Carthage to Houidhat
An 11-day self-drive 4x4 expedition from Carthage to Houidhat: dunes of the Grand Erg, the oasis of Ksar Ghilane and bivouacs under the stars, with assistance and a professional guide in the desert.
Overview
A self-drive 4x4 expedition across the whole of southern Tunisia: dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental, Lake Houidhat, Mount Tembaine, the oasis of Ksar Ghilane, then Carthage and Sidi Bou Said. Bivouacs under the stars, demanding navigation and comfort at the end of the journey.
11 days / 10 nights. Vehicle: your own 4x4 or a rental. Arrival and return by ferry at the port of La Goulette. Assistance and a professional guide throughout the desert crossing.
We take care of the ferry: we book your crossing with your vehicle at a negotiated rate, from Italy (Genoa, Civitavecchia, Palermo), France (Marseille) and also from countries without a direct link to Tunisia, such as Greece, with an organised connection.
Excursions into the uninhabited desert areas beyond Douz and Ksar Ghilane depend on authorisations from the ONTT (Tunisian National Tourist Office). If access is closed on your dates, we adapt the itinerary and let you know in good time.
You choose your dates. Next departure: to be confirmed. Tell us your dates and we will plan a departure with you.
The route on the map
Day by day
- Day 1
Arrival in Tunis
Evening arrival at the port of La Goulette, transfer and overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation: Marriott Tunis 5★ Meals: Breakfast - Day 2
Gateway to the South
Drive from Tunis to El Jem (Roman amphitheatre), then on to the troglodyte dwellings of Matmata.
Accommodation: El Mouradi Douz (4★) Meals: Breakfast; dinner - Day 3
Into the golden ocean
Into the desert and first dune crossings.
Accommodation: Bivouac under the stars at Mida - Day 4
The hidden oasis
Demanding 4x4 navigation through the high dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental.
Accommodation: Bivouac at Lake Houidhat - Day 5
The majesty of Tembaine
Dune crossing to the iconic Mount Tembaine.
Accommodation: Camp Mars eco-camp Meals: Breakfast; dinner - Day 6
The palm grove sanctuary
Deep desert route to the oasis of Ksar Ghilane and a swim in the hot spring.
Accommodation: Pansea Ksar Ghilane Meals: Breakfast; dinner - Day 7
Desert serenity
Full day of relaxation or local exploration (Tisavar fort).
Accommodation: Pansea Ksar Ghilane Meals: Breakfast; dinner - Day 8
The road to the holy city
Drive to Kairouan to visit the medina, then on to the Mediterranean coast.
Accommodation: Royal Hammamet 5★ Meals: Breakfast; dinner - Day 9
Back to the capital
Drive to Kairouan to visit the medina, then on to the Mediterranean coast.
Accommodation: Marriott Tunis 5★ Meals: Breakfast; dinner - Day 10
Imperial heritage
Guided tour of the ruins of Carthage and the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said.
Accommodation: Marriott Tunis 5★ Meals: Breakfast; dinner - Day 11
Last echoes of Tunis
Bardo Museum and historic medina. Customs clearance at the port of La Goulette in the late afternoon, then evening ferry departure.
Price
Included
- Assistance and a professional guide throughout the desert crossing (Days 3 to 7)
- 4x4 convoy led by an experienced desert guide
- 10 nights' accommodation as per the program: 4-star hotels, tented bivouacs in the desert, eco-camp and oasis
- Guided visits: El Jem amphitheatre, Matmata troglodyte dwellings, Tisavar fort, Kairouan medina, Carthage ruins, Sidi Bou Said, Bardo Museum, Tunis medina
- Swim in the Ksar Ghilane hot spring
- Vehicle customs clearance at the port of La Goulette (arrival and departure)
Not included
- The ferry crossing to Tunis / La Goulette (return) — optional, preferential rates negotiated by the agency
- The 4x4 vehicle, unless you use your own (rental available on request)
- Fuel
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Drinks
- Tips
- Insurance (travel, vehicle, repatriation)
- Personal expenses
Photos
They trust us
Tour operators and agencies we work with.
