Chott el Djerid
Sahara's largest salt pan, famous for its otherworldly landscapes and Star Wars filming locations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical sunrise views
Chott el Djerid
Best Time
Magical sunrise views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sahara's largest salt pan, famous for its otherworldly landscapes and Star Wars filming locations.
"Watching the sunrise over Chott el Djerid is an unforgettable experience. "
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Temperatures can exceed 50°C in July. Carry ample water, especially if you plan to step out of your vehicle. :droplet:
🧥 Pack Layers
Despite the desert heat, mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cold. Warm clothing is recommended. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunrise Spectacle
Witnessing the sunrise paint the salt flats in vibrant hues is an unforgettable, peaceful, and breathtaking moment.
Tatooine Landscape
Experience the vast, flat expanse that served as the filming location for Star Wars' desert planet, Tatooine.
Salt Pan Mirages
Keep an eye out for fascinating mirages that shimmer across the endless salt flats, adding to the surreal atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Star Wars & Otherworldly Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Temperatures can exceed 50°C in July. Carry ample water, especially if you plan to step out of your vehicle. :droplet:
🧥 Pack Layers
Despite the desert heat, mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cold. Warm clothing is recommended. :cloud:
🚗 Drive Carefully
The salt pan is vast and can be uneven. Be mindful of the terrain and potential for strong winds. :oncoming_automobile:
📸 Capture the Otherworldly
The unique landscape is a photographer's dream. Look for reflections and the vast, flat horizons. 
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Temperatures can exceed 50°C in July. Carry ample water, especially if you plan to step out of your vehicle. :droplet:
🧥 Pack Layers
Despite the desert heat, mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cold. Warm clothing is recommended. :cloud:
🚗 Drive Carefully
The salt pan is vast and can be uneven. Be mindful of the terrain and potential for strong winds. :oncoming_automobile:
📸 Capture the Otherworldly
The unique landscape is a photographer's dream. Look for reflections and the vast, flat horizons.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the surreal, otherworldly beauty of Chott el Djerid, especially during sunrise and sunset, calling it an unforgettable and peaceful experience. The vast salt flats and their resemblance to Tatooine from Star Wars are major highlights. Some mention strong winds and extreme heat as factors to consider.
"Sunrise is great in this place.😍
Unreal sunrise over an endless salt desert
Watching the sunrise over Chott el Djerid is an unforgettable experience. The vast salt flats seem to stretch forever, glowing in shades of pink, orange, and gold as the first light touches the ground. The silence is surrea, no crowds, just wind and stillness. The reflections in the shallow water create a magical, almost otherworldly landscape. It's one of the most peaceful and breathtaking moments I've had in Tunisia. A must-see for nature lovers and early risers looking for raw, untouched beauty."
George Tomuș
"This was a fabulous experience travelling from Tozeur to Doug. Wind was so strong that they were waves in the salt pan. This is the second largest salt lake in the world and a wonderful experience. There are plenty of places to pull up and to take in the atmosphere. We ran into a sandstorm as well so it was a full experience in thisjourney."
Ross Daniels
"Guess where they filmed Star Wars! This is the planet Tatooine, and it's such a unique place! It's completely flat with the hills in the far distance, and Chott El Djerid feels like you've just landed on another planet. It's a dried-out salt lake, about 90km across, and you can see white or brownish salt as far as you can see. Isn't it amazing? We went on a well-air-conditioned tourist bus, but when we stepped outside, on the very middle of the "lake", the temperature rose above 50 degrees Celsius in July! So, it's a good idea to bring and take water aplenty. It's funny, though, because there are so many tourist buses here, there's a really tiny kiosk (it's a tent) where you can buy ice-cold Coca-Cola! Buy one, and you'll feel like you're in an infamous dessert commercial for that marque! You will definitely feel the dessert, the salt lake, the burning sun and the flowing water beneath the broken salt flakes. I'll never forget this experience!"
Morten Kristensen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chott el Djerid is accessible by road, often as part of a tour from nearby towns like Tozeur or Kebili. Many visitors cross it on their way to or from these oases.
Yes, you can drive across parts of the salt pan, especially on designated routes. However, be aware of the terrain and conditions.
The largest salt pan is located between the oases of Tozeur and Kebili, and also near Douz.
While independent travel is possible, many visitors opt for guided tours for convenience and to learn about the area's history and filming locations.
Many travelers enjoy experiencing it as part of a road trip between oases, stopping to admire the views and take photos.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets required for Chott el Djerid as it's a natural landscape. Access is generally free.
Chott el Djerid is an open natural area and can be visited at any time. However, sunrise and sunset offer the most spectacular views.
While entry is free, you might encounter small kiosks selling souvenirs or drinks, where purchases are optional.
It's generally safe, but be mindful of extreme temperatures, strong winds, and the uneven salt surface. Stick to marked paths or drive with caution.
Yes, numerous tour operators offer excursions to Chott el Djerid, often combined with visits to nearby Star Wars filming sites.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere you can pull over safely offers incredible photo opportunities. The vast, flat expanse and unique textures of the salt are stunning.
Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting, with soft colors and long shadows. Midday can be harsh due to the bright sun.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness. Consider a polarizing filter to manage glare from the salt.
After rain or when there's a thin layer of water, you can capture stunning reflections, creating a mirror-like effect.
Look for the iconic flat landscape that resembles Tatooine. Some tours might take you to specific spots used in filming.
🎫 🏜️ Onsite Experience
Temperatures can be extreme, exceeding 50°C in summer midday. Mornings and evenings are much cooler, sometimes requiring warm clothing.
Yes, you can walk on the salt flats, but be cautious as the surface can be brittle and uneven.
Chott el Djerid is primarily a salt pan with limited wildlife due to the harsh conditions. The focus is on the unique geological landscape.
Basic facilities like small kiosks selling drinks and souvenirs can be found along the routes crossing the salt pan.
Light, breathable clothing for the heat, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. Bring a jacket or sweater for cooler parts of the day. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are minimal. Dress children in light, protective clothing and hats. Consider a guided tour that can make the journey more comfortable and engaging for younger travelers, perhaps highlighting the Star Wars connection.
🚀 Star Wars Enthusiasts
Many tours specifically cater to Star Wars enthusiasts, taking visitors to recognizable filming spots. Even without a specific tour, simply driving across the salt flats will evoke the feeling of being in a galaxy far, far away. Don't forget your camera to capture your own Tatooine adventure!
📸 Photographers
The play of light during sunrise and sunset is particularly spectacular, casting a warm glow and creating long shadows. Key photographic advice: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the immense scale. A polarizing filter can help manage glare from the salt. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including strong winds and potential sandstorms.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Star Wars Connection
While specific filming locations might require a guided tour to pinpoint, simply driving across the expanse evokes the feeling of being on Tatooine. The stark beauty and unique geological formations contribute to the immersive experience for fans. It's a chance to step into the galaxy far, far away and see where cinematic history was made.
Beyond Star Wars, the landscape itself is a marvel. The sheer scale of the salt pan, often described as the largest in the Sahara, is awe-inspiring. Visitors often report seeing mirages, further enhancing the feeling of being in an alien environment.
Navigating the Salt Flats
It's crucial to be cautious when driving. While there are established routes, the surface can be uneven and brittle. Sticking to routes used by other vehicles or tours is advisable. Some visitors have encountered sandstorms, adding an element of adventure to their journey.
For those not driving themselves, organized tours are a popular option. These tours often provide well-equipped vehicles, like air-conditioned buses, and knowledgeable guides who can point out filming locations and share insights about the salt pan's geology.
The Magic of Sunrise and Sunset
The stillness and silence of these moments, broken only by the wind, contribute to a deeply peaceful and almost spiritual experience. The vast, flat expanse reflects the sky, creating a mirror-like effect that enhances the surreal beauty of the landscape.
Many reviewers emphasize that waking up early for sunrise or staying out for sunset is a must-do. It's described as an unforgettable experience that offers raw, untouched beauty and a profound sense of tranquility, far from any crowds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit