The border region of the Tunisian Sahara has a wealth of sights and experiences to offer holiday makers. Shade and tranquillity can be enjoyed at the oasis towns of Tozeur, Chebika, Tamerza and Nafta whilst on the road into the desert, the great salt lake of Chat El Jeri, with its mirages and salt sculptures sits at the foot of the Atlas Mountains.
Tozeur, on the Western Edge of the Sahara
By far the largest oasis town in the region, Tozeur is situated near the southern range of the Atlas Mountains. The oasis covers an area of around 25 miles, a dense patch of greenery against the ochre landscape of the desert. Tozeur’s palm groves are sustained by 200 mineral springs. The water from these springs has always been prized, attracting many people from the Romans to the Berber tribes who still populate the area.
Chebika, Tamerza and Nafta-the Oasis in the Desert
Just an hour or so jeep ride from Tozeur are three very different kinds of oasis. Chebika, Tamerza and Nafta are all famous for their tranquil settings that make a pleasant respite from the arid desert landscape.
Chebika is situated amongst the mountainous gorges of the desert scrub land. Springs tumble down from the mountains, flowing through gorges to feed the local wadi or river. The springs also sustain the azure blue oasis pools surrounded in palm groves, which were once the bathing pools of Sufi Muslims.
Chat El Jeri-the Tunisian Salt Lake
Outside Tozeur is another natural phenomenon: the great salt lake of Chat El Jeri. A natural salt flat, it stretches along the base of the Atlas Mountains. Its glistening salt crystals, give the landscape a lunar quality. Here and there, around the narrow water channels that run just along the surface of the salt flat are pink veins of algae that thrive in the salty environment.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire