Sahara Desert, Tunisia - Part I

No stay in Tunisia would be complete without a visit to the south and the Sahara Desert. The largest desert in the world occupies the southern third of Tunisia and stretches east and west into Libya and Algeria. Ten of us traveled into the Sahara with a private guide leader, Saïd, four other guides, twelve camels, and supplies for two days and two nights.

We started our trek around 2:00 in the afternoon under overcast skies from the tiny oasis of El Faouar. Our biggest surprise was just how cold the desert can be, both during the day and at night. Up close the Sahara is more impressive than any pictures, videos, or film can portray.

Sahara Desert

Leaving El Faouar

A River in the Desert

Resting in the Sand

Three Children Play in the Sand

Preparing Dinner

Everything is Done by Hand

Cooking Over an Open Fire

Camels in the Desert

Mohammad Keeps Dinner Cooking

Campsite