Hike Desert, Canyons and Berber Villages in Tunisia

Upon arrival at Enfidha-Hammamet Airport you'll be met by your local guide, then you'll hop on a long scenic transfer south, deep into Tunisia's remote Dahar region. Here you'll find one of the oldest mountain ranges in Africa inhabited by the Amazigh, the indigenous people referred to as the Berbers. Over the course of the week you'll be hiking through a striking arid landscape, dotted by rocky foothills and desert valleys, oasis towns, wild canyons and ancient villages carved out of rock. The region's allure extends beyond its historic citadels into the boundless expanse of the Grand Erg Oriental, in the Sahara Desert. Tonight you'll bed down in a characterful family-run gite in the town of Douiret, a stunning mountaintop Berber village where you'll enjoy the unique experience of sleeping in traditional troglodyte cave-like rooms.

Enjoy a traditional Berber breakfast at your guesthouse, then set off on foot and descend the hill of Douiret, along a scenic trail immersed in a barren landscape, with rocky hills and red plateaus dotted by palm, fig, and olive trees. You'll be trekking along one of the 12 stages of the Great Dahar Crossing, Tunisia's first long-distance trail, reaching the impressive 12th century ksar (castle) of Chenini in time for lunch. This former fortified granary stretches into the tops of two mountains, separated by the white-washed mosque of the Seven Sleepers in the middle. Today, the hamlet is still inhabited by about 600 people, although much of this ancient village is in ruins. Step back in time as you wander around the cave dwellings and narrow alleys, then catch a transfer back to your cosy gite in Douiret. Tonight you'll tuck into a traditional homecooked dinner, featuring Tunisian dishes from the area.

Leave Douiret after breakfast and transfer two hours north towards Zammour, an authentic Berber village hidden in the heart of the Matmata Mountains. Today's hiking trail winds through rocky hills and valleys typical of the Dahar region, with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscapes. You'll also pass an old olive press, a small oasis and several small settlements where you can get a unique perspective of Berber farming traditions and learn about the resilience of these remote desert communities. Reach the well-preserved Ksar Hallouf in the afternoon, a former stronghold against invaders, with time to explore its unique architecture. Tonight you'll bed down in another authentic troglodyte guesthouse located on a permaculture farm on the outskirts of Zammour.

Start early today to embark on a more challenging yet rewarding route to the top of Jbal Mzanzen (610m), one of the highest points in the Dahar region. Setting off in Zammour, the trail leads into the foothills of a prominent mountain range characterised by rocky slopes and sparse vegetation, typical of semi-arid regions. As you ascend Jbel Mzanzen, the terrain can be rugged and uneven, requiring some careful navigation. At the top, you'll be rewarded with some breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, dotted by ancient ruins and fortified granaries, testimony of a rich cultural heritage amidst the stark beauty of the desert landscape. Next, transfer to Douz, the gateway to the Great Oriental Erg. Pay a quick visit to the fascinating desert museum, then settle into your comfortable desert camp in Sabria, and tuck into dinner around the fire. Enjoy your first night under the stars, lulled by the tranquillity of the desert and the twinkling of the stars.

Grab breakfast at your camp, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure into the Tunisian desert. Today you'll hike among the monumental beauty of the Saharan dunes, accompanied by a caravan of camels which will be carrying your kit. The Grand Oriental Erg is known for its striking sand formations, sculpted by the wind, which reach impressive heights and create breathtaking vistas that extend as far as the eye can see. At sunset, you'll pitch your tents and enjoy the spectacle of the dunes bathed in a golden glow. Later, when night falls, warm up around a campfire. Far from any light pollution, watch the desert sky revealing itself in all its splendour, studded with bright stars and perhaps even a few shooting stars. Tuck into a delicious meal before you fall asleep in a comfortable bivouac, listening to the gentle rustling of the sand.

Wake up in the remoteness of the Sahara, then trek back to Douz via a different route traversing more giant dunes. Enjoy a well-deserved shower in the fixed camp, before continuing by transfer. Stop off at the vast Chot el Jerid salt lake, the largest salt lake in the Sahara with a surface area of more than 2,700 square miles. With luck, you may be able to admire its rainbow-coloured salt deposits. Your scenic journey ends in the old city of Tozeur, a beautiful oasis with thousands of palm trees, known for growing the best dates in all of Tunisia. You'll have time to explore the vast oasis, as well as the old medina and its marvellous geometric architecture. Tonight you'll stay at a luxury riad, a heaven of peace with hidden interior courtyards filled with vegetation, a swimming pool and a spa where you can try an (optional) traditional hammam.

Grab breakfast, then leave Tozeur behind and take a short transfer to Sidi Bouhlel, 20km northeast of town. Prepare to be blown away at each turn and bend as you hike through an impressive canyon with towering cliffs, winding paths and hidden pools amidst stunning rock formations that date back millions of years. This site is also the filming location of several famous movies, such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones. This afternoon, rest your legs as you embark on a long journey back up north. You'll spend your final night of the trip in the charming seaside town of Hergla, a hidden Tunisian gem along the Mediterranean coastline in the Gulf of Hammamet. Compared to other popular resorts nearby, Hergla preserves an authentic small-town charm and it's the perfect place to relax after a busy week exploring the arid wilderness of Dahar. If you have energy, join an optional farewell dinner with your group, then get some rest in the comfort of your local guesthouse.

After seven days in the arid mountains of Dahar and the Sahara Desert,it's time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers and head back to the airport for your flight home. Enfidha Airport is just a short drive away, so your host can arrange a transfer any time you choose to depart today. If your flight is later in the afternoon or evening, you can make the most of your time – perhaps soaking up the sun on one of Hergla's beaches. Alternatively, get lost in the town's alleys shopping for local crafts, immersed in the picturesque cobblestones, whitewashed walls, cobalt windowframes and pink bougainvillea, with the sea providing the perfect backdrop.