While most travel guides say that Douz is the place to try out a camel ride, our experience in Tozeur was hard to beat. While we were at the Belvedere Rocks, our newfound friend Chebbi took us to the owner of the camels who seem to hang around the rocks. We were offered a variety of camel tours and ended up choosing an excursion that would take us to an authentic Berber encampment south of town late in the afternoon, where we would have supper, and then back to Tozeur after nightfall.
It cost us 30 dinars each for the camel rides (supper was not included). The rustic authenticity of the Berber encampment where Chebbi took us was unforgettable: we were truly now in the land of the nomads. The ride back, in the black of night, was something to remember as well. To be (relatively) alone in the desert after dark is almost like a spiritual experience.
The man running the camel-ride excursions can be found at the Belvedere Rocks. Ask around if you don't see him.
Written Jun 17, 2006
After you have seen a few of Tozeur's buildings, it is likely you will want to know more about the bricks that are used to build them. For an interesting look into Tozeur's brick heritage, go to the Belvedere Rocks, where you will find locals able to direct you to the brickyard some 5-10 minutes further away on foot.
We were fortunate to meet a local man named Chebbi, who was nice enough to take us to the brickyard and have a local artisan show us how the bricks are made. We were also shown some handmade pieces of pottery, which are made from the same white and red clay as the bricks, but in different proportions. As a token of gratitude, we bought a hand-made earthen teapot, which made a nice souvenir.
At the brickyard, we also learned that the local government has decreed that at least 30% of the exterior of all new buildings in Tozeur must be made using these bricks. It is a great way to preserve this unique heritage and ensure the livelihood of the brickmakers.
Written Jun 17, 2006
For the first time in my life I saw the banana tree growing out in the nature. It belongs, I suppose, to a palm tree spicies. The banana tree has very beautiful and a bit unusual flower. We never stop learning, that is why I adore travellings.
Updated Nov 29, 2005
The whole group was pi..off, forced to wait for the jeeps which never comes. We were almost ready to give up! The situation was saved by the local Zoo guide, very fanny guy, who cheered up all of us with his jokes. The one with the scorpion was the funniest.
Updated Dec 25, 2004
There are number of species in the Zoo and all of them live in the desert of Sahara. Here you can see Coke-drinking dromedary, which was very funny, but these desert foxes attracted me the most. They are amazingly cute with that huge ears on proportionaly small body.
Updated Dec 25, 2004
There are two sections of the Zoo, one with the animals and the second where the beautiful desert garden is situated.
The doorway to the animals section is build in the traditional local style with huge bird-cage on the top of it.
Updated Dec 25, 2004
Since we had to wait again for the jeeps to arrive, (after spending couple of hours in local museum for the same purpose), we were taken into, so-called, Tijani's Zoo du Desert, which is situated about 10km far from the town. The local road was very dusty although we were passing through oasis greenery where more then 200,000 palms grow.
Updated Dec 25, 2004
About 40 kilometres away from tozeur, along am unpaved track (and sometimes driving above high dunes) one can reach the desert city of Mos Espa - which in Star Wars is one of port cities on planet Tatooine.
All the film location - complete with (plastic) buildings - are still there for you to see. it's quite a sight in the middle of the desert - it really feels like you've landed on a different planet
Written Dec 3, 2002
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