DOUZ / TUNISIA

he journey to Douz (122km), changing at Kebili, crosses a massive salt lake called Chott El Djerid. The road goes straight over the fascinating scenery of flat white salt deposits for about 50km – unfortunately louages don’t stop. Douz is an oasis town where working camels are a common sight. There is not much in the town as such except for a nomad market on Thursdays, a couple of sculptures in the road and a small museum. The museum is well organised and has exhibit about nomad life and desert plants. It is opposite the army barracks. Douz Market You can actually walk out into the desert south of town where the Sahara Festival ground is. (The festival is mid-November) Just southwest of the town is a very authentic looking desert building in the sand dunes right out of Beau Geste. It turned out to be an abandoned film set! We couldn’t photograph it as we were on camel back and hanging on tightly. Main road Douz The main thing to do in Douz is to hire a camel and go out into the desert, spend the night under the stars and return next day. This is well organised here but avoid the guidebook that recommends going to the tourist office to arrange it. He just adds commission and takes you to a travel agent. Go direct to the agent to save money. We used Les Amis du Sahara just before the tourist office near the gazelle statue.