The balcony of the Sahara

There are three picturesque oasis villages called Chebika, Tamerza and Mides near the Algerian border. In the middle of the Sahara desert you suddenly and completely unexpectedly appear between salt and rubble and offer an overwhelming sight. For this reason, they are also called the “balconies of the Sahara”.

The mountain oases are worth making a detour in an off-road vehicle. Admire the tenacity of the palm trees that steadfastly grow between the rocks.

Chebika: The former Roman observation post on the road to Tapace (today Gabes) and to Theveste (today Tebessa in Algeria). The oasis is still inhabited by a few families who wait ten months of a year for the date to be harvested.

Tamerza: The place is hidden behind a mountain range made of granite, which seems to be fortified on the slopes of a huge canyon. From here you have a magnificent view of the wide plain. It has been an important location for the film industry for years: scenes from the Bible in particular are filmed here.

Midès: Connected by a road to the town of Tamerza, the mountain oasis of Midès is located near the border with Algeria. The “Midès Canyon” (a three kilometer long gorge) and its surroundings have already been used as a backdrop for several well-known films.

The “Lézard Rouge”

The “Lézard Rouge” or the “Red Lizard” originally ran under a different name as the Pasha's train and ran in the north of Tunisia. The diesel locomotive and its six luxury carriages are designed entirely in the style of the colonial era. From Metlaoui train station, he will take you on a journey of discovery into the Selja Gorge, which is only accessible by rail.