Hike Desert, Canyons and Berber Villages in Tunisia

A highly recommended trip to Tunisia! Great guide (Ahmed), great hikers, great variety of landscapes to hike. A perfect short getaway but in a totally different culture and landscape.

I recently went on this week long hiking trip and it truly exceeded my expectations. I felt like I was on a holiday of a life time! The people were like minded and we all got along so well as we had a lot in common. The accommodation was so cool and after a full day of hiking, beautiful views I can honestly say I have never slept better.

All the hotels are very unique (some are a bit problematic for taller people, but still very interesting). Cool views on the hikes, lot's of food.

I consider myself a traveller, but honestly, this trip was very approachable and appropriate even for a less adventurous hiker. It is a hiking trip (so not suited for someone seeking luxury and easy days), with hikes appropriately graded as moderate. And I loved every minute!

Our guide for the whole tour, Ahmed, was knowledgeable, funny, authentic, honest. . he took such good care of us. Everything was smooth from start to finish. I also messed up my arrival transport and Houssem worked it out for me, no complaints. The guides went out of their way to accommodate the varying levels of fitness and enthusiasm, always kind and smiling. The local tour guide in Zammour was Ziad, and he was a wonderful guide and such a good human. The camel drivers were awesome and Abdelmajid and Fatih sang traditional songs by the campfire in the Sahara and made us fresh bread in a sand pit fire.

The hikes are just challenging enough, with regular breaks. Ample water provided, and needed, so was glad I brought a water bladder and electrolytes. We were well fed, although a bit repetitive, I was never hungry but did have some snack items with me, as per the kit list.

The hotels were 2 or 3 star, as is the norm in Tunisia, but clean and so unique! Sleeping in cave homes in a berber village, cute BnBs, a tent base camp and one night of tent camping. Such an experience!

Advice: if you are a vegetarian, bring nuts or other portable proteins. Bring layers but don’t overdo it, as you will wear just hiking clothes all week. A collapsable backpack is great so you can bring just the necessities on the camel for the desert portion.

The MBA travellers were amazing people and everyone was quickly integrated, respectful of space but also so open and cheerful. I had a solo supplement so I could have some downtime in the evenings, but if that had not been possible, I could easily have shared space with these other great, considerate people.

I have now travelled to 49 countries and this trip ranks easily in my top 5. If you have any concerns on Tunisia, know I never once felt unsafe or even uncomfortable in the whole 10 days. We were clearly welcome, and Ahmed is a seasoned guide who will keep you comfy cozy. I am often cold at night and he scouted ample blankets for every stop and I was never cold. Thank you Ahmed for the trip of a lifetime. I truly feel I have seen what Tunisia has to offer, and wow! 5 stars.

What an incredible week. The itinerary was brilliant, and a great group dynamic. I especially loved the hiking around Douiret, Ksar Hallouf and Chenini and staying in the caves (I cannot imagine a better night's sleep than in a cosy, silent cave up a mountain). Ahmed is a brilliant guide, very attentive to the needs of his guests, as well as being thoughtful, funny and full of interesting information. He helped me find vegetarian food (nuts are a great source of protein and lots of varieties are available), and I really recommend ojja (Tunisian shakshuka) which is delicious and you can ask for no egg. You might want to bring teabags if you're embarrassingly addicted to tea. Our driver Aziz was also great and the local guides we met along the way were really special too. The bus journeys on the first and last days are comfortable but long, so bring podcasts to listen to as you gaze at the scenery. The roads are pretty straight though so it's possible to read (I'm not normally someone who can read in a vehicle). I stayed on afterwards in Mahdia and visited El Jem. I recommend brushing up on your French if you are going to travel independently afterwards, I've done a lot of miming :)

This was my first MBA trip and I was so impressed with the organisation before and during the trip. The accommodations were all so different and really unusual (sleeping in a cave and camping!). The hikes were varied and challenging enough to be accessible yet with spectacular views and all the local guides, who were so knowledgeable of the areas, really brought the spirit of Tunisia alive! Ahmed, our tour guide, was the perfect host to inform and organise our day to day travel experience. His patience and care to educate the group on all aspects of life in Tunisia was fantastic. He made us all laugh and threw in some oranges as a post hike treat! Great communication from all involved at MBA.

This trip was a holiday of a life time- The hikes were breath taking due to the views and scenery. The tour guide had such a wealth of interesting knowledge about Berber villages and the Sahara desert which he shared with us through out. The trip was extremely well organised and I loved every second.

Wow, what a country and what a trip. This was my first MBA trip and definitely won’t be the last, hiking really is the best way to discover a place. Our guide Ahmed was fantastic, and a special thanks to Aziz our driver too. Everyone we met was so welcoming and knowledgeable.

Some sections of the trail were more technical than I expected, and the guides sometimes moved ahead quite quickly, so it’s worth being prepared for that.

I’d also recommend spending a couple of nights in Tunis or nearby, it’s well worth a visit.

Overall a fantastic experience that I will never forget!

I'll just pop feedback for our guide, Ahmed, in here. He was excellent. Knowledgeable, engaging, organised, always helpful and with excellent English. A real asset to his company

This was truly the trip of a lifetime. The itinerary was incredible - we visited so many amazing sites that weren't crowded with tourists, which made the whole experience feel much more personal.

Our guide, Ahmed, did a phenomenal job. He was so knowledgeable about Tunisia and consistently went above and beyond to make sure everyone in the group was comfortable and taken care of. If you want a well-run trip that genuinely lets you see the country, I highly recommend this one!

Nice trekking through many different landscapes, from the white sands of the Sahara to the red canyons near Touzer to the brown rock homes of the Berbers. The group of 12 was the perfect size for dynamics and interaction. The van for travel between treks was spacious and comfortable. The guide Ahmed was very informative, caring, and attentive to all needs. Accommodations were always the best available, and usually had some very interesting features (like the ones dug from a rock). The level of exertion is properly classified as a 3.

Ahmed was excellent. We had a blast.

This hiking tour of Tunisia was my first trip with MBA, and I would be happy to book with the company again. The tour included everything I had hoped for: scenic hikes, history lessons, unique lodgings, and enough time to relax. It is hard to find a destination where there are no other tourists on the hiking trails yet your accommodations have internet access and hot water, but Tunisia delivered on both! I felt very well taken care of during the entire trip. Ahmed was an excellent leader, keeping us organized, fed, and entertained throughout the trip. There were extra challenges completing the tour during Ramadan but Ahmed handled everything to ensure we had a similar experience to those travelling at other times of year. He is a great ambassador of his country and is the type of person Tunisia needs to help boost tourism to this beautiful place. One note is that the kit list should include rain gear; don't assume that because you are travelling in the desert you won't get wet! Overall I would recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys hiking and is interested to tour this gem of North Africa.

This was my first MBA trip and it definitely won’t be my last, it was excellent from start to finish. The hiking was amazing with varied terrain and scenery amongst the stunning landscapes of southern Tunisia. We hiked in mountains, canyons and the highlight was hiking barefoot in the Sahara desert with the camels and our hardy camel drivers. The accommodation was full of character and really good throughout from the cave room in Douiret to our fantastic desert camp. The food was filling and plentiful and a real highlight was watching our camel drivers make the bread in the sand. I have to make a special mention for our guide Ahmed, he was brilliant and went the extra mile to make sure everyone had a great time. He was helpful, professional, friendly and an all round really good guy. Also a big thank you to our driver D’Ali who was very good at his job! Thank you MBA for a really well organised trip, I had a fantastic time with a wonderful group of like minded people.

I was so impressed by this tour as my first with MBA. I had high expectations from reading the other reviews but what I didn't expect was how well picked the accommodations were. All were clean and high quality but also really unusual and quirky, from a guesthouse carved into rock (in an abandoned Berber village) to modern tents in the desert and a really beautiful and peaceful Riad. In nearly all places, we were the only tourists there. The weather changed a lot so my best advice is to pack for all weathers. I used vest tops and thermals, sometimes in the same day!

Big shout-out to Ahmed, our tour guide. He did lots of small things to make sure our experience was what we wanted (from navigating streets, buying oranges, explaining lots of history!) I lost my wallet in the desert and he really did all he could to call people, find it and get it back to me (despite us being 3 hours away!)

We began in the Berber town of Douriet, abandoned in the 1990s. Arriving late at night, we could barely see the guesthouse door, but at dawn the entire town and valley magically appeared in breathtaking light — absolutely worth waking up before breakfast. With a local guide, we explored the old olive press, the mosque, and traditional dwellings carved into the landscape, imagining the town once alive. It reminded me of Matera in Italy, near my hometown. The hikes were varied and exciting: a mix of terrains including some scrambling in Zammour, walking barefoot in the desert of the Grand Erg Oriental, and navigating the canyon of Sidi Bouhlel. Other highlights included the Seven Sleepers Mosque, Ksar Hallouf, and the oasis town of Tozeur. If possible, add a day or two to make the most of being in Tunisia — I added a day in Tunis to visit the medina. I’m quite particular about food and usually rely on finding simple options myself during group tours, but Ahmed, our guide, was exceptionally committed to making sure I had meals I enjoyed — far more attentive than I’ve experienced on similar trips. The transfers on the first and last days are long (5–6 hours), but the bus is very comfortable — just bring a book or laptop. Fathi, the driver, was friendly and easygoing throughout. Overall, a beautifully designed itinerary with diverse landscapes that made every day unique and inspiring.

This was my 5th MBA trip — and it definitely didn’t disappoint. I had a fantastic week with a great group of people, staying active while discovering the real Tunisia.

A big thank you to our guide, Ahmed, who was excellent throughout. He took great care of the group, made sure everything ran smoothly, and kept the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable.

A special mention as well to our driver, Fathi, who did a wonderful job and always had a warm smile.

The accommodation was full of character, the food was plentiful and very good (I’m a veggie) and the whole trip was very well organised. It offered a good balance of activities and downtime.

If you’re looking to spend a week in beautiful weather, hiking through impressive landscapes and learning more about what Tunisia has to offer, I would highly recommend this trip.

Great week hiking and exploring the varied scenery, with a great group of people and an excellent guide.

I’m a repeat MBA traveler, and this trip ranks right up there with the best of them. As always, everything was exceptionally well organized and smoothly executed. Communication before and during the trip was clear and consistent, the staff were friendly and empathetic, and the group was full of like-minded trekkers. The itinerary offered a wonderful mix of culture, history, and hiking.

Our guide, Ahmed, was outstanding. He truly had our backs from start to finish and consistently went above and beyond to ensure we were well cared for every step of the way—all while keeping the atmosphere light and fun. A special thanks as well to our driver, Ali. Not only was he excellent at his job, but he always had a smile and was a pleasure to get to know.

I also added three days at the beginning of the trip, and that turned out to be a fantastic decision. I spent a day exploring Tunis (the Medina, Carthage, the Bardo Museum, and Sidi Bou Said), a day in Dougga—which is a must, in my opinion—and a day visiting El Jem. Houssem at MBA was incredibly helpful in arranging these extra days, and I thoroughly enjoyed touring with guides Anas and Ahmed.

A wonderful week in Tunisia with a friendly group, beautiful views, and lots of good food. Just the right balance of hiking and culture. Big thanks to Ahmed who did a great job and to the local guides Abdel Magid & Fathy in Douz who led us during a sandstorm!

This was my first MBA trip. The itinerary was well organised and the accommodation really special! The scenery was beautiful and history was fascinating. As someone who doesn't hike often (but weight trains) I found the intensity fine. The food was plentiful and delicious!

I particularly enjoyed the days spent in the Sahara desert. After experiencing the challenge of a sandstorm, we enjoyed the most beautiful clear night sky with shooting stars. We had a great group and our guide Ahmed was fun, and dedicated to our wellbeing and went the extra mile, particularly in catering for different dietary requirements in the group, ordering extra harissa(!) and organising birthday cakes! I would recommend adding some extra time to for independent travel around other parts if possible (e. g. Tunis, Carthage, El Jem, Kairouan). Make sure you take layers in the winter, as in the night, particularly in the north of the country it can get cold (I went in February).

My first MBA trip made a positive impression. All the front end was convenient and easy to navigate and the trip itself, booked last minute, went without hitch. The tour company communicated well and the trip leader was both likeable and very capable. In terms of content the only suggestions would be to add a night at the start and finish to take in, for example, El Jem / Mahdia / Kairouan.

Very relaxing, with everything organised for us. Much simpler than navigating Tunisia ourselves. Enjoyable hikes although I would have been happy if they were a little more challenging.

Ahmed put a lot of effort into making us feel comfortable and organising the trip for us, dealing with any issues that came up very well.

Lots of attention to dietary requirements appreciated, however the vegan option was sometimes much smaller. Eggs and tuna feature heavily in Tunisian food!

This was my first organised hiking holiday so I wasn't sure what to expect but the trip was better than I had imagined. The days were were well-filled but not pressurised, and the hikes were generally excellent but not too long or difficult for someone who is reasonably fit. I wanted them to be reasonably strenuous and they were. The variety of accommodation was interesting. We enjoyed the troglodyte rooms - cut into the cliff, being snug in the small tents out in the Sahara, and enjoying the luxurious bathroom in the riad. The trip was well-organised with special diets carefully catered for. Despite what it says in the notes, the food provided was not particularly spicy! So, overall, this was an excellent experience which I would highly recommend.

A great mix of accommodation and terrains for hiking. Two long transfer days but this didn’t detract from the experience. Whilst hiking is classed as moderate, it was worth noting that some elements were quite technical and your need a good for heights on a couple of the sections. Packing list was not specific enough for the cold night temperatures.

The hiking was varied, from desert to dunes and canyons and a great way to see a different side to the country. Some of the travel days were longer than anticipated once rest stops were added in but the transport was comfortable and the roads good. One word of warning if travelling in the winter - it can be very cold particularly at night so layer up appropriately

A really well organised trip with activities that showcased Southern Tunisia well. Xmas night meal/wild camp in the Sahara was a standout.

A very different hiking trail compared to the ones I usually do. Hiking through the sand dunes and the wild camping experience were the highlights for me. The rest of the landscape and viewpoints were somewhat similar to the hikes. The guides were very helpful, and I enjoyed the trip throughout.

Awesome hiking and views. Accomodating leader. If booking in winter months be prepared for it to be very cold at night!!