Ksar Ouled Soltane
The most photogenic ksar in Tunisia — four storeys of stacked grain-storage cells, perfectly preserved, glowing red at sunset. Used as a Star Wars filming location.
South-East · Tunisia
Tataouine
Berber ksars, abandoned mountain villages and the Star Wars planet's namesake.
Tataouine governorate is mostly stone desert and Jebel Dahar — a chain of low mountains where Berber villages were built defensively, perched at the top of cliffs.
Chenini, Douiret and Guermessa are the three classic abandoned ksour villages, each with a hilltop mosque still in use. The fortified granaries (ksars) like Ksar Ouled Soltane are some of the most photogenic structures in North Africa.
George Lucas borrowed the name for his desert planet — and several Star Wars locations are still here, including Ksar Hadada and the moisture-farm exterior at Chott el Jerid.
What to see in Tataouine
Chenini Berber village
Abandoned hilltop village with a still-active mosque at its centre. The white domes against the ochre cliffs are unforgettable; sunrise is the best time.
Douiret and Guermessa
Two further hilltop Berber villages, less restored than Chenini, more atmospheric. A 4×4 day trip from Tataouine covers all three.
Ksar Hadada
A former troglodyte hotel that doubled as the slave quarters of Mos Espa in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Now restored as a guesthouse and museum.
Getting there
Djerba Airport (DJE) is 160 km north — 2 hours by car. From Tataouine town, a 4×4 with a local driver is the best way to reach the ksars and villages. Louages connect Tataouine to Médenine and Gabès.
Where to stay
Limited but characterful. Dakyanus Hotel in Tataouine town for a comfortable base; Ksar Hadada for a once-in-a-lifetime troglodyte stay; new desert ecolodges around Ksar Ghilane (technically in Kebili but reachable from here).
Food & culture
Berber cuisine dominates: barley-flour breads, lamb tagines with prunes, and ouija (a fiery tomato-and-pepper sauce). Tataouine's date harvest (October) is one of the best in Tunisia.
Practical tips
October–April is the only sensible season — summer temperatures exceed 45 °C. Always travel with a local driver/guide for the ksar and village circuit; signage is minimal. Bring cash; ATMs are limited outside Tataouine town.
Frequently asked questions about Tataouine
Did Star Wars film here?+
Yes — Ksar Hadada was Mos Espa's slave quarters, Ksar Ouled Soltane appeared as background, and the planet Tatooine itself is named after Tataouine.
Is Tataouine safe?+
Yes for tourist areas and the established ksar circuit. The Libyan border is to the south; do not approach it without permits.
How many days do I need for the Tataouine ksars?+
Two full days lets you see Chenini, Douiret, Guermessa, Ksar Ouled Soltane and Ksar Hadada at a comfortable pace.