Positioned at the top of a mountain, Douiret and Chenini are mesmerizing destinations for those searching for a remote and distant place to recharge their batteries, unwind and immerse oneself in an incredible adventure.
To make the most of your stay in these Berber villages, WildyNess guides you through what to do in Chenini and Douiret.
The Road to Chenini:
Chenini, which is located 558 kilometers far from Tunis, is reachable after approximately 7 hours drive. As you can tell, the road is a bit long. Thus, we recommend an early departure in the morning from Tunis. To optimize your time during this long trip, we will reveal to you a comfortable and faster road.
From Tunis, take the road from Ben Arous, Nabeul, Enfidha to El Jem. We advise you to take a short break in the El Jem kiosk in order to have a break, get lunch and drink coffee. These short breaks are the key to making your long distance trips comfortable.
From there, expect 4 hours 38 minutes drive to Chenini. Take the road to El Hancha, Agareb, Skhira, Gabes and then Tataouine. From there, drive from C207 to Chenini for 18 minutes. And here you are finally in Chenini. But once there, you will lose track of time.
If this is not what you’re looking for, here is another alternative.
You may also be interested in: 3 Amazing Road Trips in Southern Tunisia
A less exhausting travel option to the Southern Tunisia
Train is one of the available means of transportation to the southern part of the country. It is very simple and handy. From Tunis station, take a train to Gabes. For a smooth trip, we advise you to check schedules and fares in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises on the day of your departure.
Once arrived to Gabes, you need to take the route to Tataouine. For that, you need to rent a car, preferably 4*4, in order to explore the four corners of the region of Chenini safely and efficiently. On the way, you can check the magnificent sea of Maharas, a coastal town.
It’s now time for a photography break to memorize your journey and introduce a change to your trip. The olive trees stretch as far as the eye can see. The landscape brings you some peace and calm, we bet you need at this point in your itinerary.
Spend the night in Tataouine
A night In Tataouine is a great idea. The inn Tataouine les bains can be a great option. A nice place to relax after a day on the road. Indeed, this inn offers fresh and traditional dishes to spoil your taste buds.
If you don’t find spending the night in tataouine a good idea, continue your way to Chenini. There, you can find a few pleasant options for accommodation.
History of Chenini
Located 18 kilometers from Tataouine, Chenini is one of those Berber troglodytic villages southern Tunisia is known for. The long geological history of the area culminated in a unique and authentic landscape, characterized by a mountainous relief. Indeed, this village spreads along a cliff joining the ruins of a ksar at the top.
From prehistoric times, humans were in this village and survived the hard times. The indeginous people of North Africa, known as Amazigh, settled in Chenini.
These inhabitants settled in the plain of El Ferch and the East of Djebel Demer.
What to Do in Chenini
Visit the Mosque of the Seven Sleepers
This fascinating village tells many stories and legends. Ranging from the troglodytic houses, the castle at the top of the hill to the mosque of the seven sleepers and the remaining traces of a river, the region encompasses the entire history of the region.
In the midst of the yellowish frame of houses, the mosque remains bright white to infuse an authentic ambiance to the scene.
Traced back in thousands of years ago, the archaeological site is deemed to bear all signs referring to in the Qur'an in Surat Al-Kahf about the place where the seven boys mentioned in the surah sheltered.
While historians usually set the hypothesis of having this place in Jordan or Turkey, the people in Chenini are convinced that it may be the one.
Not to mention that the sun daily visits the opening of the mosque on the right at sunrise, and turns it to the left when it sets. This means that the sun tends to the opening of the cave at its rising and does not hit it at sunset.
The hermitage of the mosque is also inclined in its middle in a slight bend towards the direction of the qiblah, and the place of the mosque is in the middle of two mountains and this conforms to what is mentioned in the Qur’an.
This is in addition to that it is one of the oldest houses of God in the region and an Islamic landmark. It is surrounded by the tombs of a number of righteous saints and large tombs exceeding 4 meters in length.
Walk around the village
With its inexplicable magic and overwhelming authenticity, the ksar of Chenini is one of the most visited ksours in Tunisia. A world apart, the majestic landscape is marked with a prevailing silence and an overwhelming stillness
Above, our beloved clients taking a tour in Chenini and living their best life.
Enjoy the Silence and Authenticity of Chenini
In Chenini, you can enjoy the absolute calm. Tranquility, serenity and well-being are all you need to disconnect from everyday life. For photography lovers, we advise you to take full advantage of this magical place. Chenini is really a photogenic place. Enjoy it!
History of Douiret
The first human presence in the region of Douiret dates back to more than 10,000 years ago. Its first inhabitants were the Amazigh, usually known under the name “berber”. During the Roman period, the settlers waged wars against the Romans who were in the north of the region. Subsequently, the nomadic village Douiret was built in the mountains to escape the enemy.
Douiret served a fortress. It was a strategic point to watch the directions and ensure their defense.
What to Do in Douiret?
Explore Douiret
The glowing sun rays on the landscape give you a glimpse of the softness of the south and offer you a decor worthy of the thousand and one nights. To explore the ksours and meet locals, trekking is the best activity. Certainly, you should expect a moderately difficult route. But, it is absolutely worth the detour. Gather your courage and let your soul catch the freedom and charm of Douiret.
Credit: Houssem Aoun
Visit the plateau of the marabout and know more about the culture of the place. Climb the rock of the dromedary and explore the petrified waterfall. Let that feeling of awe and amazement sneak into you.
In a purely desert environment, Douiret is a true haven of peace. No room for the usual stress we are tamed to deal with. Here, the peace and calm of a remote otherworldly city gives you the time you need to unwind and unplug.
To take your trip to the next level, you can reach out to Atypic Travel or other private coaches to have some yoga and meditation classes in the heart of a berber village.
Visit Zaytouna Akarit
In Douiret and exactly in Rachada Division, Zaytouna Akarit is there to hold witness to the test of time as the oldest and largest olive tree in Tunisia.
Credit: Destination Daher
The tree was classified as such by the plant production department at the regional delegation for agricultural development in Tataouine.
As a family-owned division, it was owned by 40 members of the Akrout family and the production exceed 1200 liters in the sick years.
Its owners also confirmed that its age has exceeded 900 years. As a Shamalali olive tree exceeding 5 meters height, its circumference is 135 meters and its covered area is 1100 square meters.
Visit Ksar Ouled Debbab
This architectural marvel, which is located on a small hill in the Tataouine region of southern Tunisia, is a good example of a Berber legacy and serves as a great starting point for exploring the area's famous ksour (fortified granaries).
Credit: Ksar Ouled Debbab
Ksar Ouled Debbab looks like a Star Wars film set, but it’s not one of the filming sites. As a ‘hotel de charme’, the hotel provides guests with a distinctive southern Tunisian experience.
The basic guest accommodations, which have 19 bedrooms and 2 suites and are adorned in a typical Berber style with bright colors, have a cave-like feel.
Ksar Ouled Debbab also features a restaurant serving Tunisian cuisine, a museum of Islamic and Berber traditions, and a terrace with expansive views of the surrounding landscape.
Have Dinner in Residence Douiret
We bet you know by now that when we mention a hotel or a guesthouse, we are usually referring to a rehabilitated troglodyte house. Near the region of Dahar, an eco touristic destination, and in the exit of the village of Douiret, the residence is located. It’s a great place to have dinner or spend the night in a very sumptuous decor.
Credit: Residence Douiret
The first impression you will be having is how harmonious everything is integrated: the architecture, the landscape and the nature.
How about a hike between Chenini and Douiret?
A hike is the best way to explore both Chenini and Douiret. You can trek from one village to the other in less than 3 hours, exactly 2 hours and 30 minutes on the old path that links them. There is a narrow path you can follow to start your journey. In order to be sure of the route, use a GPS device or google maps to help you. When you reach a small slope of Chaaba El Hamra, you can clearly see the majestic olive tree. Then, as you continue advancing towards Om Waghlen, you would find splendid palm trees which testify to the richness of this ground.
Credit: Hatem Hamdi
A water source, Ain El Karma, appears on your way. You can make a small pause in this fresh place and drink the water of the Ain. Thereafter, while advancing, you find yourself in front of the white mosque of Douiret. And here you have finally arrived at Douiret after a long walk.
On this subject, we advise you not to make this excursion in the hot months. Since we are in the desert, don't forget to wear a screen and a cap or a hat to protect yourself from the sun. In low temperature seasons, we recommend that you bring a windproof vest.
Places where to spend the night near Douiret and Chenini
In Chenini, you can spend the night in the residence “Kenza”. It offers you a set of caves arranged in suite in order to preserve the authenticity, the purity and the originality of the troglodytic houses. With a traditional breakfast and a panoramic view of the village, you will have one of the most magnificent experiences of your life.
Credit: Douiret Gite
In Douiret, we recommend the “Douiret Gite”. Unusual and out of time, this authentic lodging place is hidden in the mountain to offer you an unforgettable stay in this extraordinary troglodytic village.
Once in a Lifetime Experience
Chenini and Douiret are those types of places where the more you spend time, the more you fall in love with their beauty and charm. Genuinely magical, fascinating and authentic places where you can enjoy pleasant and unforgettable moments with your loved ones.
Rocked and rythmed by the whisper of the wind, Chenini and Douiret are two must-see destinations during your visit to the Tunisian south. A little advice: don't forget your cameras to memorize your visit.
