Getting Here

Most probably you will be coming up from one of the big southern hubs like Djerba or Gabes or Tozeur.

If coming from Djerba then there are two main routes by road, the more scenic involves taking a ferry from Ajim (Djerba) to Jorf (mainland). The ferry which costs less than a dollar for a car saves quite significant driving time all the way around up to Mareth where you turn inland and into the mountains. About 2.5-3 hours' drive. Alternatively, you can use Roman Causeway (El Kantara) to leave Djerba this adds about 30 minutes but avoids any potential queue at the ferry Olive groves before stark mountain terrain The coastal road up to Matmata is paved in decent condition winding through olive groves before stark mountain terrain.

If you are using public transport, then Gabes is your primary transfer point. Gabes is connected to Tunis by train and long-distance bus (louage). From the Gabes louage station, you can catch a white-and-red striped van (louage) directly to Matmata. These depart only when full.The journey from Gabes takes about forty five minutes to an hour. Sometimes, you may need to take a louage to Matmata Nouvelle first, and then switch either to a local taxi or another van for the final fifteen kilometer leg to Matmata Ancienne.

Adventure travelers always associate long journeys with ultimate discoveries at the end of the road. From Tunis, it is about five to six hours (approximately 450km) on the A1 highway up to Gabes and then inland. Signage for Matmata becomes very clear once one has entered the area of Gabes. Parking here is also informal; a large dirt area exists at the top of the pit where you shall leave your vehicle-it’s safe enough but do not leave any valuables visible in your car since this shall be an open public space.