Racing through the Sahara Desert in Tunisia to the Star Wars filming location

As-salamu alaykum!
I have arrived at Tozeur, an oasis in the southern desert of Tunisia.
This time, I rode a quad bike and raced to the Star Wars filming location in the Ong Jemel area on the outskirts of Tozeur!

Desert oasis Tozeur

Tozeur, the largest oasis city in southwestern Tunisia.
As a hub where people come and go, the city center is bustling with energy.
Arab architecture and old townscapes remain, and the souks (markets) and stalls are lined with everything from delicious-looking local food to fruits, clothes, and what appear to be trinkets.
As the gateway to Sahara Desert tours, it offers many activities starting from here, including the breathtaking Tamerza Gorge, camel rides, and tent safaris in the desert, which Tunisia proudly boasts.
The content and timing can be arranged according to your stamina and preferences.

Racing through the Sahara Desert on a quad bike

A quad bike, a vehicle similar to a four-wheeled motorcycle.
In Japan, it's a familiar vehicle known as a buggy.

It's very easy to ride.
Pressing the button on the right makes it go, releasing it slows it down, and the brakes work like those on a bicycle.
With four wheels, it offers stability and can handle both roads and off-road terrain with ease.
At first, I struggled a bit and almost got left behind by the guide, but I quickly got used to it and was able to enjoy the surrounding scenery.
We head from Tozeur to the Ong Jemel area of the Sahara Desert.

Your backside might get sore, but the experience of racing through the vast desert is truly exhilarating!
I enjoyed driving through the endless desert, passing by strange rock formations shaped by the wind, as well as essential animals like camels and sheep.

We also visited the filming location of The English Patient along the way (I haven't seen it, so I'm not sure).
The sun and sand dust are intense, so hats and sunglasses are a must!
The guide was wearing a scarf.

Desert Oasis Zulu

After passing through breathtaking scenery that never gets old, we arrived at Mos Espa in Ong Jemel.
This is the Star Wars filming location!


The set from Episode 1 remains intact, and it feels like a Jedi with a lightsaber or a cool vehicle might land at any moment.
The movie set looks like metal but was actually made of wood.

Ever since I watched it as a child under my father's influence, I was obsessed with watching the desert and pod race scenes from Episode 1.
Being able to come to the world of the movie was very moving, and I had goosebumps the entire time.

Moreover, since the movie was released in 1999, it must have been filmed a few years before that.
Nowadays, the road to get there is somewhat developed for tourism (it seems you can get there just by asphalt roads), but back then, it must have been an unexplored area.
Conceiving the idea, choosing this location for filming, traveling all the way here to act, filmmaking is truly amazing.
Costumes are also available, so you can take wonderful photos.


Even without knowledge of Star Wars, driving yourself and gliding through the desert is a very valuable experience.
A quad bike tour that is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime unforgettable adventure is an activity I highly recommend!
Why not experience the exhilaration of racing through while feeling the wind against the majestic backdrop of the Sahara Desert?
It is sure to leave a strong impression on your heart.