Djerba to Ksar Ghilane: Honest Day Excursion Review

Thinking about a day trip from Djerba to Ksar Ghilane? So, it’s almost a Tunisian adventure a lot of people consider when visiting the island of Djerba. Ksar Ghilane is like this oasis town out in the Sahara Desert, promising thermal springs and sand dune vistas. But, is it truly worth the long haul? That’s very what this review aims to help you decide.

What to Expect from the Drive

Okay, so the drive, that can be a big part of the day. It’s roughly a four to five-hour drive each way, yet depending on the specific route and any stops. Very keep that in mind when you’re planning things out because a significant portion of the day is taken up with being on the road. The scenery, too it’s, well, changing. At the beginning, there’s the island scenery which gives way to olive groves and then it shifts toward a more desert-like place. By the way don’t think it will bore you because the shifting scenery is nice.

A part of the trip also takes you across what is basically a causeway that connects Djerba to the mainland. That too, it’s a stretch of road that really offers up views of the coastline. Once you are inland, expect things to turn pretty arid rather soon. The roads are paved, yet the quality can vary, and you’ll also see that, a bit. It may be bumpy in certain sections.

Potential Stops Along the Way

The drive can include a few stops, seemingly. One very frequent one is at a place known as Medenine. What that is known for are its “ksars.” Ksars tend to be fortified granaries, and they were built by Berber communities to keep their stuff safe. The Ksar Medenine, notably, it’s the one that appeared in Star Wars. Yeah, you heard right! Another potential stop might be at Tataouine. That has another pretty impressive ksar. The region all around Tataouine is very what gives Star Wars its name too, so that’s a nice place to go.

Ksar Ghilane Oasis Experience

Finally at Ksar Ghilane! First impressions are a pretty dramatic shift as you arrive, in fact. All of a sudden you are in this oasis with palm trees. Now picture yourself dipping into this thermal spring. The water feels very refreshing, with this consistent temperature all year long. People say that that water has curative features due to its high mineral stuff.

It’s not big. Rather think more about it in that way as a large pond-like area than as an enormous swimming pool. Many people just go take a dip, hang out for a while and enjoy just the very unusual setting, actually. It’s not very often you can swim at the foot of the Sahara dunes!

Activities in Ksar Ghilane

Ksar Ghilane too it’s more than just the hot spring. People tend to find available options. You often have quad biking. And that really lets you zoom across the dunes, that, very, it gives you a thrill! Dune bashing can be thrilling, or there are camel rides. The camel rides usually tend to be a bit slower paced. Both will surely help you go enjoy the surroundings.

Those things are available on-site. Sometimes your tour operator will offer that as part of your package. Be aware of what you’re getting so there are no nasty surprises. Some may be built-in. Some things can be added at extra cost. That also provides local community jobs that, in some respects, makes it a bit useful.

Is It Worth the Trip? The Pros and Cons

Okay, time for what might be the decider for you, actually: figuring out if this lengthy trip tends to be a fit, now. First the positive points. Getting into the Sahara Desert for one day? Almost many find this special, with a true sense of place. The thermal springs, also, that, give an enjoyable, calming way to just unwind.

Now there is what could seem challenging, and that often plays into the length, since you’ll spend a very considerable time being in transit. The Sahara part you encounter is actually more desert scrub than giant dunes, yet keep expectations somewhat in check. Plus, the spot tends to get crowded as well. At peak times the oasis tends to feel smaller, as many people are around.

Consider This

Very consider your style if you are going, that too. Is that going to involve mostly travel time just to be somewhere unusual? This, in that case could be great! Looking to spend a bigger amount of time there without transit? In short an overnight might be more suitable than this one-day excursion. The one-day trip might feel kind of fleeting for what goes with being out and back for only one day.

So, to assist get some clarity in making any plans for visits. I have added a list below with bullet-points.

• Pros: Access Sahara desert. A very special spring to relax and unwind.
• Cons: Takes up a lot of time in the Sahara which could impact what you were hoping to achieve. At peak times can get rather populated impacting the Oasis.
• What you must consider: Determine how far you would want to go for visits for what may feel a shorter or fleeting trip. Also factor an over-night trip for longer visits in place of short one-day excursions.