Metlaoui Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and tips for staying safe in Metlaoui, Tunisia. This guide includes information on local culture, transportation, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Metlaoui

Metlaoui is a town in the Tozeur Governorate of Tunisia, located in North Africa. It’s known for its stunning natural landscapes, with the dramatic Chott El Jerid salt flats and Atlas Mountains in the distance. The town is situated on the edge of the Sahara desert, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking outdoor adventures and breathtaking vistas.

List of Places to Visit in Metlaoui

Here are some of the top places to visit in Metlaoui:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Red Lizard Train: This historic train takes tourists on a scenic tour through Metlaoui and the surrounding areas.
  • The Palace of Cheikhi: A beautiful palace built in the early 20th century as a residence for a wealthy merchant. Today, it’s a museum that showcases local history and culture.
  • Dar Cheraït Museum: This museum displays traditional Tunisian arts and crafts, including pottery and textiles.

Natural Attractions of Metlaoui: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Seldja Gorge: A stunning natural canyon that stretches for miles through the desert. Visitors can hike, bike or go for a scenic ride on a horse-drawn carriage through the canyon.
  • Sahara Desert: For an unforgettable experience, book a desert safari and explore the vast, golden sand dunes of the Sahara.
  • Chott El Jerid: A massive salt flat that stretches out to the horizon, one of the world’s largest salt flats.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Metlaoui

Metlaoui offers a variety of scenic routes for hiking and biking enthusiasts. The most popular include:

  • Hiking through the Seldja Gorge
  • Biking through the desert, along the salt lakes or up the Atlas Mountains

Best Things to Do in Metlaoui: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the top things to do in Metlaoui:

  • Take a scenic train ride through the mountains and the desert
  • Go for a camel ride in the Sahara Desert
  • Take a hot air balloon ride for a truly breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding landscape.

Week-Long Itinerary for Metlaoui

Here’s an itinerary for a week-long trip to Metlaoui:

Day 1 Arrival and check in to accommodation
Day 2 Take a scenic train ride through the Red Lizard Train
Day 3 Enjoy a camel ride and explore the Sahara Desert
Day 4 Go on a hiking or mountain biking trip through the Seldja Gorge
Day 5 Visit the Palace of Cheikhi and the Dar Cheraït Museum
Day 6 Take a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s eye view of the city and landscape
Day 7 Departure from Metlaoui

Food and Drink Scene of Metlaoui

Metlaoui offers a range of tasty local dishes and refreshing drinks.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Couscous: A staple dish in Tunisia, with a vegetable or meat stew spread over a bed of fluffy couscous
  • Brik: A crispy pastry stuffed with spicy vegetables and egg or meat.
  • Lablabi: A hearty chickpea soup with bread, garlic, and seasonings.

Local Beverages

  • Mint tea: A refreshing tea that’s sweetened with sugar and served with fresh mint leaves.
  • Boga: A sweet, spiced tea that’s made with ginger, cinnamon, and other spices.

Where to Stay in Metlaoui: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several options for accommodation in Metlaoui, including:

  • Dar Hi Eco-Lodge: Located in the heart of the desert, this eco-lodge offers stunning views and sustainable tourism practices.
  • Hotel Royal Tozeur: A reliable option for a four-star stay in the city of Tozeur, close to the airport and several popular sights.
  • El Mouradi Tozeur: Another four-star option with an outdoor pool, spacious rooms, and easy access to many local attractions.

What to Buy in Metlaoui: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Metlaoui has several unique souvenirs and local products that visitors can bring home, including:

  • Pottery: Tunisia is known for its intricate, colorful ceramics, which are often sold in local markets.
  • Textiles: Another traditional Tunisian craft, local textiles include tapestries, blankets, and tablecloths with intricate patterns and vibrant colors.
  • Dates: Tunisia is famous for its delicious dates, which can be bought fresh or in a variety of prepared forms (such as a paste) to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Metlaoui

Tunisia is a Muslim country, and visitors should respect local customs and dress modestly. Smoking is accepted in Tunisia, but it’s important to be mindful of those around you, especially in crowded places.

Best Time to Visit Metlaoui

The best time to visit Metlaoui is during the cooler months from October to May, where temperatures are more manageable. Summers are sweltering, and many businesses may be closed due to Ramadan.

Do’s and Don’ts of Metlaoui

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Dress modestly
  • Drink bottled water
  • Tip generously for good service

Don’t:

  • Take photographs of people without asking for their permission
  • Eat or drink in public during Ramadan
  • Use your left hand for eating or greeting others

Safety and Health

Safety in Metlaoui

Metlaoui is generally safe, but visitors should watch out for petty theft and scams in touristy areas. It’s best to avoid leaving your valuables unattended and to use authorized taxi cabs.

Health in Metlaoui

Tap water in Metlaoui is not drinkable, but bottled water is readily available. It’s recommended that visitors get a Hepatitis A vaccine and keep insect repellent on hand to avoid mosquito bites.

Getting to Metlaoui: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Metlaoui

The nearest airport to Metlaoui is Tozeur-Nefta International Airport, located about 30 km away. Flights to this airport may be limited, and visitors may also consider flying into Tunis-Carthage International Airport (approximately 420 km away) and taking a connecting flight or traveling by bus or rental car.

Bus Stations Near Metlaoui

Tunisia has a reliable bus network, with regular routes connecting most cities and towns. The nearest bus station to Metlaoui is located in Tozeur (30 km away). Tickets can be purchased at the station or in advance.

Other Options

Visitors may also choose to hire a private driver or rent a car to explore the area. However, it’s worth noting that driving in Tunisia can be challenging due to the language barrier, local customs, and busy roads.

How to Get Around in Metlaoui

The most convenient way to get around in Metlaoui is by taxi, which can be hailed from the street or arranged through your accommodation. Shared taxis are also an affordable option but may take longer. Additionally, visitors can go sightseeing by bike or by foot to reach the town’s must-visit destinations.

Where to Go Next from Metlaoui: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider after your visit to Metlaoui:

  • Tozeur: Located just 30 km away, this charming desert town has a beautiful palm grove and a large traditional market.
  • Kairouan: This important Islamic city is located approximately 220 km from Metlaoui and has several stunning mosques and madrasahs.
  • Sidi Bou Said: This picturesque seaside town with stunning and distinctive architecture is located approximately 400 km from Metlaoui.

Conclusion

Metlaoui is a beautiful town in Tunisia that offers an incredible mix of outdoor adventure, traditional culture, and breathtaking beauty. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors will be well-equipped to explore everything the town and the surrounding area have to offer.