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An oasis town known as the 'Gateway to the Sahara'. Douz,
where the dunes stretch on and on reminding us of the
frailty of our defences against this great expanse of sand.
The village, gateway to the Sahara, clings proudly to its
traditions and during the Sahara Festival in December
extends a welcome to visitors to share the excitement of the
camel races and fantasias - Arab horsemen racing their
richly adorned desert thoroughbreds over the sands, Berber
songs and dances, traditional marriage ceremonies and the
famous desert-bred "Slougui" (Greyhound) races.
Long before its "discovery" by visitors Douz has been the
outpost of the desert and each Thursday, the market day,
nomads arrive for the customary trading and barter of
camels, horses, bringing crafts, minerals "desert roses",
woven blankets, richly adorned saddles and silver Berber
jewelry. From here the Saharan safaris and meharees depart
for the Great Erg Oriental in the Tunisian Sahara. For a
memorable and genuine experience of desert life specialized
tourist agencies and Douz Voyages offer a week long safari
on camel back and on foot.
Cultural Events &Festivals:
- Tourism Saharan Day (12 November).
- Sahara Douz Festival (November/December). |
