
Mos Espa
Step onto Tatooine at Mos Espa, a legendary Star Wars film set in the heart of the Tunisian Sahara. Explore Anakin Skywalker's world.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the desert heat

Mos Espa
Best Time
Beat the desert heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step onto Tatooine at Mos Espa, a legendary Star Wars film set in the heart of the Tunisian Sahara. Explore Anakin Skywalker's world.
"It feels like you've truly landed on Tatooine. Bring water, a hat, and your camera – the light here is unreal."

🚗 4x4 Recommended
A 4x4 is best for navigating sandy tracks. If you don't have one, consider a guided tour from Tozeur .
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The desert sun is intense. Stay hydrated to enjoy your visit to Mos Espa.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Podrace Arena
Central Mos Espa
Stand where Anakin Skywalker raced to freedom. Imagine the roar of the crowd and the speed of the podracers.

Anakin Skywalker's Home
Residential area
Explore the humble dwellings that once housed young Anakin and his mother, Shmi.

Desert Landscape
Surrounding Mos Espa
The vast, golden dunes of the Sahara provide a breathtaking backdrop, truly transporting you to Tatooine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Desert Travel Essentials
Star Wars Fan Pilgrimage
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4x4 Recommended
A 4x4 is best for navigating sandy tracks. If you don't have one, consider a guided tour from Tozeur.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The desert sun is intense. Stay hydrated to enjoy your visit to Mos Espa.
📸 Camera Ready!
The light in the desert is incredible for photos, especially during golden hour.
💰 Small Toilet Fee
There's a clean toilet available, but it requires a small payment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 Recommended
A 4x4 is best for navigating sandy tracks. If you don't have one, consider a guided tour from Tozeur.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The desert sun is intense. Stay hydrated to enjoy your visit to Mos Espa.
📸 Camera Ready!
The light in the desert is incredible for photos, especially during golden hour.
💰 Small Toilet Fee
There's a clean toilet available, but it requires a small payment.
⏳ Time Your Visit
If not a huge fan, 20-30 mins might be enough. Fans can spend longer exploring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mos Espa is a highly recommended destination for Star Wars fans, offering an authentic glimpse into the Tatooine landscape. Visitors praise the immersive atmosphere and the well-preserved film set, especially during the magical golden hour light. However, some note that the experience could be enhanced with better amenities and tidier presentation of market stalls.
"MOS Espa is an incredible stop near Nefta for Star Wars fans and desert explorers alike. Built for The Phantom Menace, the set still stands proudly amid the dunes — its weathered buildings blending perfectly with the Sahara’s golden tones. It’s quiet, cinematic, and feels like you’ve truly landed on Tatooine. Bring water, a hat, and your camera — the light here is unreal. For all my female travelers: there is a clean toilet but you pay a small amount."
Koel Ganguly
"Visited as part of a couple of days in Tunisia tour, it looks amazing as you drive up to it. The movie set is largely still intact and with imagination is great.. but the main Street is lined on both sides with cheap market stalls, and some tourist props, there were a few interesting bits but not much.
This could be awesome with some tidying up and thought - proper toilets, a cafe, put the market stalls inside the buildings !! it could be incredible, come on Tunisia take our money!!!"
D P
"Amazing. !!!
Absolute must. I was so excited.
Travel by 4 x 4 over the desert, passing a mirage or two, ascending/descending vertiginous dunes, to arrive at (with John Williams music "Star Wars opening bars" )to view MOS EISLEY!!!!.
Deserted after the first usage then re used and only due to fans of the "Universe far Far away" removing some sand and the second trilogy location rebuild ,and then the Government realising that this would be/maybe a tourist attraction
Add-on to a small group Tunisia tour that (seriously) for me was a compelling reason to pay the extra.
I am admitting folks. I am over 70 ,children 49 ,48 (First iteration of Star Wars ) and 30 ( 2nd Gen) I am a died in the wool fan of the cinematography, storyline, fairy tale, reality, good v bad (and those in between)
The hustlers selling camel rides and cold drinks made this feel even more authentic (ignore them, they go away)
I think that someone, some where , in a galaxy quite near Tunisia , realised that adults would want to visit the set of an imaginary space port , in the middle of a vast sand desert ,on an imaginary planet,"
Musicians Mum
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While it's possible to reach Mos Espa from Tozeur with a regular car, sandy terrain can be challenging. A 4x4 is highly recommended for easier navigation. Many visitors opt for guided tours which often include transportation.
From Tozeur, you can hire a taxi or join a guided tour. Tours often combine Mos Espa with other desert locations like Ong Jmal, making it a convenient way to explore.
Yes, numerous tours operate from Tozeur and Douz, catering to Star Wars fans and general desert explorers. These tours often provide transportation and local insights.
Accessibility can vary depending on weather conditions. Heavy rain can make the sandy paths difficult to traverse, even for 4x4s. It's best to check local conditions or opt for a guided tour.
Many visitors enjoy the journey as much as the destination, describing it as an expedition with potential mirages and dune ascents/descents. Traveling with experienced drivers in 4x4s enhances the adventure.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a formal ticket system for entry to the Mos Espa film set itself. However, local vendors may charge for services like camel rides or photos, and there's a small fee for using the toilet facilities.
Mos Espa is an outdoor film set and doesn't have official opening hours. It's accessible during daylight hours. Visiting during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, is recommended.
No, there is no specific entrance fee to walk around the Mos Espa film set. The site is largely open to the public, though some local vendors may approach you for services.
Yes, you can visit independently if you have a suitable vehicle (preferably a 4x4) and are comfortable navigating desert terrain. However, many prefer guided tours for ease and local knowledge.
The main restriction is the environment itself – the desert can be harsh. It's advisable to visit during cooler parts of the day and be prepared for the heat and sand.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers stunning light for photography, casting long shadows and bathing the set in a warm glow. Early mornings are also good to avoid harsh midday sun.
The Podrace Arena, the main street with its unique architecture, and the surrounding desert landscapes are all highly photogenic. Capture the weathered details of the set against the vast desert.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or your tour operator before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert and set architecture. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. Protect your gear from sand and dust.
Consider capturing the contrast between the weathered, alien architecture and the natural beauty of the Sahara. Photos with camels or local vendors can add an authentic touch, but be mindful of their presence.
🎫 ⭐ Star Wars Fan Experience
For dedicated fans, Mos Espa offers an immersive experience, feeling like stepping onto Tatooine. The set is largely intact and evokes the world of Star Wars, especially with imagination.
Mos Espa was famously built for 'Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace' and was also used in 'Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones'.
If you're not a major Star Wars fan, you might find the set a bit sparse and could be underwhelmed. A brief visit of 20-30 minutes might suffice for casual explorers.
Yes, LEGO has released several sets related to Mos Espa, including dioramas of the Podrace. These are popular among fans and collectors.
Absolutely! Tunisia is dotted with Star Wars filming locations, including Matmata (Luke Skywalker's home), Djerba, Tataouine, and Sidi Bouhlel Canyon.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚀 Star Wars Superfans
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Making of Mos Espa
The original set was built with temporary materials, but its popularity among fans led to its preservation and even reconstruction for later use. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Star Wars saga and a unique destination for pilgrims from across the galaxy. Visiting Mos Espa offers a chance to walk through the very streets where iconic scenes, including the thrilling Podrace, were filmed, providing a tangible connection to cinematic history.
Navigating the Tunisian Desert
When planning your desert excursion, preparation is key. Always carry plenty of water, as the desert heat can be intense. Sun protection, including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, is essential. Light, breathable clothing is recommended. Some visitors have noted that heavy rains can make the desert paths difficult to traverse, even for robust vehicles, so checking local conditions is advisable. The drive itself, however, is often highlighted as a memorable part of the experience, offering stunning desert vistas and a true sense of adventure.
Mos Espa for the Dedicated Fan
While the set itself is the main draw, the surrounding desert landscape adds to the atmosphere. The unique lighting conditions, particularly during sunrise and sunset, create a cinematic backdrop that enhances the Star Wars feel. For those who want to extend their connection to the saga, LEGO Mos Espa sets and dioramas are also popular, allowing fans to recreate the magic at home. Remember to bring your camera to capture the otherworldly beauty of this iconic filming location.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit