Kebili, Tunisia

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Kebili, Tunisia

Region: Kebili

---

Geographic Coordinates: 33.705000, 8.965000

Climate: Hot and dry climate with low precipitation, and occasional sandstorms. Summers are extremely hot with temperatures reaching up to 50°C, while winters are mild with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C.

Population: 163257

Language: Arabic

---

Kebili is a charming desert town located in central Tunisia, Close to the Algerian border. It’s positioned on the brink of the Sahara Desert and is renowned for its picturesque oases, Sand dunes, And traditional Berber customs. The population of Kebili is around 20, 000 people, And it’s considered one of Tunisia’s primary tourist hotspots. The most popular attraction in Kebili is its numerous oases. These serene gardens are surrounded by palm trees that offer much-needed relief from the scorching desert heat.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through these beautiful gardens or explore them further on a camel or horse-drawn carriage ride. Another must-visit destination in Kebili is its towering sand dunes made up of fine golden sand that provides breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape. Tourists can hike to the top of these hills for panoramic views or try their hand at sandboarding – an exhilarating activity that involves sliding down steep slopes on specially designed boards. Ksar Ouled Soltane – an ancient fortified granary dating back to medieval times -is another historic site worth exploring in Kebili.

This impressive structure features rows upon rows of storage rooms where locals once stored their crops during times of drought or famine. For those fascinated with traditional Berber culture, Kebili offers plenty of opportunities to learn about this way of life. Visitors can attend local festivals where they can see traditional music and dance performances while sampling local cuisine and purchasing handmade crafts such as pottery and textiles. Besides natural beauty and cultural attractions, Kebili also offers plenty of outdoor activities for adventure seekers like guided hikes through nearby mountains or off-road vehicle tours across rugged terrain.

Overall, Tourists will find something suitable for everyone in Kebili – whether you’re interested in history, Culture, Nature or adventure tourism! With stunning oases, Towering sand dunes & rich cultural heritage; it’s no surprise that this small desert town has become one of Tunisia’s top tourist destinations.

---

---

1. Ksar Ouled Soltane is a fortified granary complex that dates back to the 17th century.
2. Chott el-Jerid is a large salt lake that attracts many tourists.
3. The Oasis of Tozeur is a lush oasis with palm trees and gardens, located near Kebili.
4. Chebika Waterfalls are a series of cascading waterfalls in the mountains near Kebili.
5. The Douz Sahara Festival is an annual celebration of Saharan culture and traditions held in the town of Douz, near Kebili.
6. Matmata Underground Homes are unique underground homes carved into rock formations in Matmata, a town near Kebili.
7. Jebil National Park is a protected area that encompasses sand dunes, rocky landscapes, and desert flora and fauna.
8. El Ghriba Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in Africa located on the island of Djerba not far from Kebili.

---

1. The major industries and businesses in Kebili, Tunisia are:
• Agriculture
• Tourism
• Handicrafts
2. The region is known for its production of:
• Dates
• Pomegranates
• Grapes
3. The oases in the area also attract tourists who come to:
• See the traditional architecture
• Experience desert life
4. Handicrafts such as:
• Pottery
• Weaving
• Basket-making
5. Additionally, there is some small-scale mining activity for:
• Phosphates
• Salt

---

1. The ancient city of Tacapae in Kebili was a significant Roman settlement during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.
2. Kebili is home to Berber tribes that have inhabited North Africa for thousands of years.
3. In the 7th century AD, Arab armies conquered North Africa and established a new Islamic civilization in the region, including Kebili.
4. Ibn Khaldun, a famous historical figure in Tunisia, lived in Kebili during the 14th century AD as a scholar and historian.
5. France colonized Tunisia in the late 19th century and established colonial administration in Kebili.
6. During World War II, Allied forces fought against German and Italian troops near Kebili as part of battles across North Africa.
7. Tunisia gained independence from France after a long struggle for self-rule led by nationalist leaders like Habib Bourguiba in 1956.
8. Today, tourists visit Kebili for its desert landscape and enjoy camel rides and other desert adventures as part of desert tourism activities offered there.

---

1. Kebili Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the region, including artifacts from ancient civilizations.
2. The Oasis of Kebili: This oasis is a beautiful natural site with palm trees, water springs, and traditional houses.
3. Douz Desert Festival: Held annually in November, this festival celebrates the traditional music and culture of the desert.
4. El Ghriba Synagogue: Located in nearby Djerba Island, this historic synagogue is one of the oldest Jewish pilgrimage sites in North Africa.
5. Medenine Old Town: This old town features traditional Berber architecture and is home to many historic buildings and landmarks.
6. Chott el-Jerid Salt Lake: One of Tunisia’s largest salt lakes, Chott el-Jerid offers stunning views and unique wildlife sightings.
7. Tozeur Artisanal Zone: This artisanal zone features local craftspeople creating pottery, textiles, jewelry, and other handmade goods.
8. Chebika Waterfall: Located just outside Kebili in the Tamerza Mountains, this picturesque waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and stunning cliffsides.
9. Sahara Desert Tours: Many tour companies offer guided tours through Tunisia’s Sahara Desert for an unforgettable adventure experience.
10. Matmata Underground Houses: These unique underground homes were carved into rock formations by Berber tribes centuries ago & are now open to visitors for exploration.

---

---

---

1. International Festival of the Sahara: This annual event takes place in December and celebrates the culture, music, and traditions of the Saharan region.
2. Date Festival: Held in October, this festival is a celebration of Kebili’s most important agricultural product – dates. Visitors can enjoy traditional music, dance performances, and sample various date dishes.
3. Sidi Bouzid Festival: This festival takes place in July and honors the patron saint of Kebili’s neighboring town of Sidi Bouzid. It includes religious ceremonies as well as cultural performances such as traditional dances and songs.
4. Oasis Festival: Celebrated in May or June, this festival highlights the importance of oases to Kebili’s economy and way of life through exhibitions, workshops, concerts, and camel races.
5. Mouloudia Celebration: This religious celebration marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad with processions through town streets followed by communal meals at mosques or homes.
6. Independence Day: On March 20th each year Tunisia celebrates its independence from France with parades featuring military displays alongside cultural events like musical performances or art exhibitions.
7. National Women’s Day: August 13th is dedicated to celebrating women’s rights achievements across Tunisia with speeches from prominent female figures along with cultural events including music concerts or poetry readings.

---

• Brik à l’oeuf: a traditional Tunisian dish consisting of a crispy pastry filled with egg, tuna, and harissa.
• Couscous: a staple dish made from steamed semolina grains served with meat or vegetables.
• Mechouia salad: a spicy grilled vegetable salad made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic.
• Tajine: a slow-cooked stew made with meat or fish and vegetables.
• Restaurant El Mansour: known for its traditional Tunisian dishes such as couscous and tajine.
• Restaurant La Palmeraie: offers Mediterranean cuisine using fresh local ingredients.
• Café Sidi Bouhlel: serves traditional Tunisian breakfast dishes like brik à l’oeuf and fresh orange juice.
• Chez Ali Baba restaurant: popular for its grilled meats such as kebabs and lamb chops cooked over an open flame barbecue pit.

---



Parks and Recreation

1. Parc National de l’Ichkeul: This park is located near the city of Kebili and is known for its beautiful landscapes, wetlands, and bird watching opportunities.
2. Oasis de Ksar Ghilane: This oasis offers visitors the chance to relax in hot springs, go on a camel ride through the desert or take a dip in the natural pool.
3. Sahara Desert Tours: Visitors can take guided tours through the Sahara Desert by jeep or camelback to explore its unique landscape.
4. Jebil National Park: This park offers hiking trails and stunning views of sand dunes and rocky terrain.
5. Lac de Tunis: Located just outside of Kebili, this lake offers water sports such as kayaking and windsurfing.
6. Quad Biking Tours: Visitors can rent quad bikes for an exciting adventure through the desert landscape surrounding Kebili.

---



Experience The Extraordinary.

---