The Dahar Geopark is a unique place in the world, nestled in the heart of Southeastern Tunisia. Spanning over 6,000 km2 across the governorates of Gabes, Médenine, and Tataouine, this true open-air museum is a territory where the Earth is not a mere landscape, but a living memory. It extends from the region of Remada in the South to the region of Matmata in the North, passing through the Jebel Tebaga of Medenine and covering exactly twelve municipalities. The central coordinates of the Geopark are 33° North and 10° East. Approximately 330,000 people live within the Geopark area. Between the dunes of the Sahara and the reflections of the Mediterranean, its valleys and cliffs tell the story of our planet through a succession of geological Eras spanning 250 million years.
As Tunisia's first pilot and pioneering project, the Dahar Geopark is set to make history by becoming, in April 2026, the first territory in Tunisia to obtain the UNESCO Global Geopark label.
An Exceptional Geological Heritage
The Dahar Geological Park is a land of contrasts where scientific treasures of international importance are revealed. Among them is Jebel Tebaga of Medenine, the only Marine Upper Permian outcrop in Africa, witnessing the breakup of the supercontinent Pangea and the birth of the Tethys Ocean. You can also walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs, such as the famous Tataouinea hannibalis, whose remains were discovered here, or admire the oldest traces of fossilized plant life.
The territory is structured by majestic cuestas offering breathtaking panoramas, and is home to secret canyons, oasis valleys, and plateaus swept by desert winds.
A Living Territory
The Dahar Geological Park is not limited to its geological wonders. It is, above all, a land of life, extending across the governorates of Gabès, Medenine, and Tataouine. This territory is home to nearly 330,000 inhabitants, heirs to a unique expertise. For millennia, local populations have known how to read this landscape and adapt to it with rare intelligence. You will discover:
- Ksour: (Fortified granaries used to store harvests), true architectures of resilience and sharing perched on the ridges.
- Troglodytic dwellings: Dug into the hillsides or loess deposits (fine-grained, wind-blown sediment), which maintain a natural coolness against the desert heat.
- Jessour: (A traditional water management system consisting of earth and stone dikes), a network of terraces that captures rare rainwater to sustain ancient olive groves and fig trees, such as the famous Al Akarit olive tree, one of the largest and oldest in the world.
A Living Laboratory for Science and Education
With its 28 inventoried geosites, the Dahar Geological Park is a territory of knowledge and transmission. Every year, it attracts researchers, students, and enthusiasts from all over the world. The collaboration between the National Office of Mines, universities, and local stakeholders allows for the development of innovative educational programs, school visits, and training for young geotourist guides.
Live and Explore the Geopark
The Dahar Geological Park is not a static museum: it is a vibrant and generous territory. We invite you to discover it through:
- Signposted geotourism circuits, blending scientific discovery and cultural immersion.
- Guided or self-guided hikes through gorges, Berber villages, and plateaus.
- Encounters with artisans, farmers, and inhabitants—the guardians of ancestral traditions.
- Authentic accommodations: Troglodytic houses, rural gîtes, and charming guest houses.
A Commitment to the Future
Becoming a UNESCO Global Geopark is, for us, an affirmation of our commitment to sustainable tourism that respects natural and cultural balances. It is also a strong desire to support local economic development, highlight traditional skills, and share with the world a vision of resilience in the face of climate change.
Prepare Your Journey to the Heart of the Earth
Whether you are a scientist, a hiker, a lover of authentic cultures, or simply curious, the Dahar Geological Park promises a unique experience. Let the landscapes guide you, be surprised by the legendary hospitality of its inhabitants, and walk on the same lands as the dinosaurs, the Berbers, and the caravanners of yesterday and today.
Welcome to the Dahar Geological Park. Here, time is written in millions of years, but the emotion is always immediate.