Douz is a Tunisian town of slightly over 27,000 inhabitants. It serves as an important entryway into the Sahara desert, and is a favorite stop for hikers, backpackers, and motorcyclists who trek through North Africa. Camel and four-wheel-drive expeditions into the desert depart from this town on a regular basis. Within Douz, tourists can check out the Museum of the Sahara, with lots of information about the unique climate and culture of the surrounding region. Another attraction is the Palmeraie, a nearby desert oasis, with acres upon acres of palm and date trees.
Fruit can be bought for cheap from open-air stands at the Douz Market. On the edge of town is the Ofra Sand Dune, a large and easy-to-reach sand dune where people can hike or ride camels. Every year at the end of November or beginning of December, hotels in Douz fill up with tourists who come for the International Festival of the Sahara, a four-day extravaganza of dancing, feasting, and music. It can be tricky to find a hotel in Douz, especially when the Festival is happening. Fortunately, EasyToBook.com offers numerous listings of Douz hotels.