Southern Tunisia

[chmielan]

It seems that travelling in southern Tunisia is restricted because of closure of the military zone for turists. Where exactly is the military zone? Where can I check the exact border of the military zone?

[Chris Scott]

I believe they mean the Grand Erg south of the oases like Douz and left of the pipeline - it is not an area of military activity (like a firing range), more a sensitive border zone. There are no signs.

Chris S

[Yves]

Hi,
what they call "Sperrgebiet" in German is the area south of a line approximitly through Nalut in the east to Remada, Kamour in the west and then streight westwards.
There are some marks on the recent Michelin 741.

Yves.

[MoMix]

Actually the area borders are not perfectly clear even to the
miliary personnel supposed to check. You can, however, ask
for permissions to drive in the south contacting, among the
others:

Syndicat d'initiative
Avenue Hedi Chakeur
3200 TATAOUINE
(proxima hôtel Gazelle : WP N 32°55.58 E 10°26.70)
Mr Bechir Ali
Tél 75 850 850
Fax 75 850 999

As far as I know, Mr Ali Bechir accepts to fax the documents
to Camping Du Desert at Douz (expect to pay something for
this service, though).

Cheers,
Mario

[Yves]

Hi MoMIx,

there had been a recent change.
From the next season (starting in September I guess) on permits will require a (real, not formal) tunisian guide during the whole journey. In summer no permits are issued anyway.
The challange actually: there are no acredited guides ...

Thus, we have to wait until autum to see how the new regulations will be applied.

Yves

[MoMix]

Hi Yves,

yes, I heard about it. And the rule was supposed to be
applied since June if I remember correctly. But I just came
back from the south and no one I asked knows about this.

Anyway, I agree it's something that must be kept in mind
and that's why I would call the Syndicat d'initiative and not
directly Hedji or Habib at Douz.

Cheers,
Mario