Oasis of incredible charm better known as "Desert Door", Douz is situated in the far south of Tunisia. Its strategic position of "last outpost", proximity to other places of interest such as the Schott El Gerid, Matmata, Tozoeur , Zaafrane, Tamerza, Ksar Ghilane, tourist attractions, mechanical assistance available on site, the possibility of staying in good facilities and its roads easy journey by any car or vehicle, Douz make the transition required of every hiker . Recently arrived in the tourist area, we find the famous arched masonry of square of the festival that in its silent majesty seems to communicate: "here is the immensity of the Sahara." There is virtually impossible to remain insensitive releases that all'alone mystical this endless expanse of with its sand dunes and white, if you have the good fortune to arrive at sunset, this experience will leave without a doubt a track indelible in the hearts of everyone. The oasis was until recent times the only important stop for the caravans coming from the deep South and aimed at northern Tunisia and now in the age of GPS and satellite navigation systems that have replaced the stellar navigation wise men of the desert, Douz has not lost its charm.

But Douz is famous throughout North Africa for another peculiarity: the production of dates. The oasis is home to the largest palm grove in Tunisia with hundreds of thousands of date palms. Fruit and vegetable flavors now lost, the "bread in the sand", the Kous Kous, the hospitality of the people, an exceptional climate all year round, making it a favorite destination oasis for many tourists who daily have the opportunity to visit the sand dunes of Saharian's Erg riding the dromedaries, cool and majestic navigators of the desert, venture among the dunes on board Dune Buggys or for the more daring, to live a unique experience flying over the Sahara in an aircraft or hang gliders to ultralights engine. Every Thursday it is literally transported to the local life by visiting one of the most characteristic of all Africa. Tastes and smells that meet buds and pupils, oriental spices and perfumes, local crafts, clothing and especially the experience of being able to attend the vivid negotations in the area devoted to trade in livestock where dromedaries are in the spotlight. Nothing could be simpler then in the evening, returning to one of the comfortable Hotels on the spot, meet these majestic animals back home with their rhythmic step slow and completely carriageway deal offering tourists an unusual spectacle. It must be very careful because they do not have the fanalini on the tail!

Festival of Sahara
Every year in late December, the oasis is literally overrun with tourists for its wonderful "Festival of Sahara", an event that takes place in the tourist area and draws a collection of the nomadic tribes from Tunisia, Algeria, Libya and Egypt
This incredible folk event, the duration of five days is a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds unknown to us. It opens with the "big parade", followed by songs, dances, traditional wedding ceremonies and then move on to races dromedaries, racing skills and dexterity, demonstrations of hunting in speed, always at the back of these animals imperative. The events are more spectacular called "fantasias", where the Bedouin riders will start to gallop through the desert by showing gifts acrobatics unique. Performing arts and music, handicrafts and suk, local food, great kindness and sympathy of the population are the contours of this event expected and famous in the world.

Fabio Crivelli