Sometimes, getting away from the daily stress seems to be hard. Everyone needs to take a break, escape the city and the bustles of everyday life or refill their batteries. If you’re in Tunisia and you’re looking for your next dream destination, Zammour guarantees both pleasure and serenity.
In this article, WildyNess team takes you to this unique place: Zammour. The heart of this city beats to the rhythm of the sun and nature. Discover the fascinating beauty of Tunisia and its strange and silent landscape set in the middle of the desert.
Zammour, a City Rich in History and Culture
Zammour is a Berber village hidden in the heart of the Matmata Mountains, Gabes. These mountains dominate the vast plain of the Djeffara in the southeast of Chott el-Jerid and in the foothills of Djebel Dahar.
Read also: Matmata: A Journey Through Troglodyte Homes and Amazigh Heritage
Like all cities in the southern part of Tunisia, the village has its own identity, culture, and history. The modern history that shaped Zammour stretches back to World War II when the allied bombed Gabes resulting in the flee of several families to what is now known Zammour. At that time, magnificent troglodytic houses were built. Zammour was also the stronghold for the fellagas, armed militants affiliated with the anti-colonial movement in Tunisia.
Brimmed with history, Zammour has what you need to discover hidden gems. Off the beaten track and off the main roads, you will encounter extraordinary landscapes of stretched hills and bare mountains. The ksours, oases, and Berber ruins are best discovered by foot.
You will discover on foot the ksours, the oases, the Berber ruins, and other curiosities of the surrounding mountains.
Top 3 Things to Do in Zammour
Visit the Unique Troglodytic Houses
Zammour is known for its unique architecture and its particular houses. And, this comes to no surprise as it is the most famous troglodytic village in Tunisia. In Zammour, one can only be conquered by the beauty and the simplicity of the houses dug in the ground. Generally dug up to 6 meters deep, the layout of these constructions was developed by the Berbers several centuries ago.
This succession of houses, on a fragile relief, creates an unusual science-fiction type of landscape. The most observant will recognize this setting as the location of the famous Star Wars movie, especially in the hotel Sidi Driss.
At first glance, it looks like a cave, but be adventurous, cross the threshold and enter. These are as comfortable as apartments, and you will soon forget that you are inside a rock. These cave dwellings are absolutely worth a visit. It is a unique and mesmerizing experience that you will serve as a story to retell later to your friends and relatives.
Photo credit: Zammour Trekking
Visit Ksar Hallouf, a Symbol of Originality and Authenticity
Located in Beni Khedache, 9 minutes from Zammour, Ksar Hallouf is a small and charming Ksar of Berber. On a rocky outcrop, Ksar Hallouf dominates the village and is crossed by a wadi bordered by a bunch of palm trees. The site remains calm and quiet, away from the tourist surge. For a peaceful rest after your exploring day, you can take one of the six ghorfas, aka rooms.
It is important to know that the access to these ghorfas is a little steep, but the last meters are cemented.
One of the ghorfas shelters is a traditional oil factory, an absolute must-see. If you visit between November and January, you will be able to participate in the olive picking with the local families.
These kind-hearted villagers will share their knowledge with you. It’s a great opportunity to discover the local methods of olive oil production and observe the authenticity of Zammour up close. At the top, you will be able to watch the calming sunset and enjoy the breathtaking landscape.
Photo credit: Zammour Trekking
Participate in Zammour Trekking, an in-depth Discovery of its Culture
Zammour Trekking is an event that promotes sports, culture, and solidarity tourism. On the altitudes of the Berber village Zammour, this event takes place every year from March 19 to March 22 and is a gathering of people from all over Tunisia to show their activities, arts and sports, culture, tourism, and economic energies from all over Tunisia.
During 4 days and 4 nights, visitors will live an immersive experience in the local culture. The event caters to the best local and authentic experiences tourists can wish for. You will be able to observe the traditional costumes of the region (lahfa, barnous, houli, bakhnoug, margoum..), listen to local music, and enjoy many other outdoor activities. You will spend one of the most beautiful stays of your life around this campfire. You can either bring your own tent or use the local guesthouses.
Zammour Trekking also offers a craft fair where artisans and craftspeople showcase their local and territorial products. Nothing can beat the taste of local dishes made by the women of the region!
Photo credit: Zammour Trekking
Do not hesitate to enjoy this unique experience! Here is the Contact of the organizers.
| Activity | Best Time | Difficulty |
| Zammour Trekking | March | Moderate/High |
| Troglodyte Stay | Year-round | Easy |
| Ksar Hallouf Visit | Nov - Jan | Easy |
| Mountain Hiking | Oct - April | Moderate |
How to Get to Zammour by Public Transport
From Tunis, you can reach Zammour by bus. From Bab Alioua, take the bus that leads to Beni Khedech. This bus stop is the closest to your destination at about 4721 meters from Zammour, or a 62-minute walk. At this point, you can hitch a ride with one of the locals. You will be amazed by the hospitality of the villagers who will not hesitate to give you a hand and drop you off in Zammour.
If you have a rental car, you can simply follow the google maps directions to be there in about 6 hours.
Zammour, an Escape in the South
In Zammour, desert and mountains coexist to show you the marvels of nature. It’s in the way mountains defy the desert to create a fantastic and unusual landscape that Zammour lies. Discarding all the usual clichés of camel rides on the dunes, Zammour offers you a different and fascinating experience in the ruins, ksours and oases.
Far away from the tourist trails, Zammour allows you to discover a magical place. Throughout your exploration, you will be amazed by the secrets of this incredible destination. Enjoy it!
Read also:
20 Incredible and Unknown Places and Nature Attractions in Tunisia
For pre-maid itineraries, we recommend: The Soul of the South: 6 Incredible Days in the Desert & Amazigh Culture of Tunisia
If you want a personnalized itinerary tailored to your exact needs, we are here for you. Email us and will be happy to help you plan the perfect itinerary.
