What it is
Douz is the last town before the dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental, the sand sea that runs into Algeria and Libya. Camel treks and 4×4 trips run from here to desert camps, the best known being Ksar Ghilane, an oasis with a hot spring and a Roman fort. On the way south you cross the Chott el Jerid, a salt flat around 5,000 square kilometres in size, with a causeway straight across it. Matmata, with its pit dwellings dug into the ground, and the palm oases at Tozeur and Chebika are on the same circuit.
Why go
It gives you real Sahara without the nine-hour approach Morocco demands. A two-night loop from Tozeur or Douz covers the salt flat, the oases and a night in the dunes.
When to go
October to April. November and March are close to ideal. Summer is above 42°C and most operators do not run treks then; the ones who do are not the ones to travel with. Winter nights in the dunes drop close to freezing. Sandstorms are most likely in spring. Check current travel advice for the southern border zones before booking.
Most people stay 1-2 nights.