Medenine, Ghomrassen, Guermessa and Chenini

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As-salam 'alaykum! (a little Arabic for ya aka G'Day)

Today we left Djerba headed to Tataouine, very excited as the photo's of this region are what made us decide on coming to Tunisia! We are entering the Ksour Region. First stop was Medenine which was pretty cool saw the ghorfas, although it rained when we arrived (not expected when so close to the Sahara!) but it didn't damper our enthusiasm. Climbed up onto the rooftops of the Ksar then headed off again on the road to Ksar Haddad which is another of the Ksour in the Tataouine. This was also made famous in Star Wars Phantom Menace - where Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader) lived as a child. This was pretty cool, it used to be a hotel, but was closed down unfortunately as would have been a great place to hang out!

Then we were off to Ghomrassen, which was the first of the old abandoned ruins of Berber hilltop villages. Then to Guermessa, another ruined Berber Village, first sight of this was pretty incredible as you could see how far along the mountain range the ruins continued but also the white mosque stood out perched high on the hilltop which looked amazing. I think our driver Faouzi thought we were crazy but we decided to hike almost to the top, in the middle of the day as the 4 x 4 could not drive any further! But alas too bloody hot, so half way up and a zoom lens was good enough for us!

Last stop for the day, before reaching Tataouine, was Chenini, probably the most visited of the old berber hilltop villages and the most picturesque. We climbed to the top and took some great pictures, pretty amazing felt like we had stepped back into another world with kids riding donkeys and old men in their galabeya's and cane walking sticks, incredible mountain views and rocky scenery!

The arrived to Sangho Hotel Tataouine for late lunch then headed ionto tozn for a browse and back to hotel for dinner! A great day which we both thought was tres fantastique! Au revior for now!

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Photos

Mosque
Mosque & Ghorfas of the Ksar in Medenine

Ksar Shops
Shops in the Ksar of Medenine

Us Ksar
Us at Ksar Haddad

Inside
Breakfast anyone?

Ghomrassen
Berber hill fort of Ghomrassen

Guermessa I
Ruined Berber Village which merges into the landscape

Guermessa II
Scenic Rock formations tower over the village

Chenini
Ruined Berber village with a white mosque perched between two ridges dating from the 12th Century AD