Star Wars filming locations in Tunisia: Tozeur, Matmata, Djerba and the ksour
The scenes set on Tatooine, the desert planet of Star Wars, were filmed in southern Tunisia, in 1976 for the first film and in 1997 for The Phantom Menace. You can visit the Mos Espa set and the Ong Jmel rock near Nefta, the Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata, the Ajim cantina on Djerba and Ksar Hadada. The Lars homestead on the chott and Ksar Ouled Soltane lie in the area several European foreign ministries advise against.
Checked on 20 October 2026
The planet Tatooine, where Luke Skywalker grew up, was born in southern Tunisia. George Lucas filmed the desert scenes of the first Star Wars, Episode IV, there in 1976, and returned in 1997 for The Phantom Menace, Episode I, released in 1999. Some of the sets are still there: the town of Mos Espa in the dunes near Nefta, the troglodyte house in Matmata, the cantina in Ajim on Djerba, and the ksour of Medenine and Ksar Hadada. They fall into two areas: the Jerid around Tozeur in the west, and Djerba and the ksour in the east.
The filming locations at a glance
| Location | Film | What you see | Area advised against |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mos Espa, near Ong Jmel (Nefta) | Episode I | the town set, still standing in the dunes | outside the zone |
| Ong Jmel (Nefta) | Episode I | the "camel's neck" rock and dunes | outside the zone |
| Lars homestead, Chott el Djerid | Episode IV | exterior of the Lars family farm | south of the line, advised against by several ministries |
| Hotel Sidi Driss (Matmata) | Episodes IV and II | interior of the Lars home, in a troglodyte hotel | outside the zone |
| Ajim (Djerba) | Episode IV | exterior of the Mos Eisley cantina | outside the zone |
| Ksar Hadada (Ghomrassen) | Episode I | Mos Espa quarters, in a ksar partly turned into a hotel | outside the zone |
| Medenine and Metameur | Episode I | ghorfas of the ksour | outside the zone |
| Ksar Ouled Soltane (Tataouine) | filming disputed | fortified granary with 287 ghorfas | south of the line, advised against by several ministries |
Several European foreign ministries advise against everything south of a line running from the Algerian border through Tozeur, Douz and Tataouine to Zarzis. The other filming locations lie north of this line. Your country's advice:
| Country | Official advice | Source |
|---|---|---|
| France | The country is under heightened vigilance and a state of emergency in force since 24 November 2015. Keep away from demonstrations and from places where security forces are posted, avoid night travel off the main roads, and fly or use the motorway to reach the south-west. A passport has been compulsory since 1 January 2025. Advised against (red): the far-south Saharan area near Libya and Algeria (military zone created in August 2013, entry by prior permit), the town of Ben Guerdane, and Mounts Orbata, Selloum, Semmama, Chaambi and Mghila. Advised against unless essential (orange): the desert south and east of the Bir Rjim Maatoug – Borj Bourguiba – Ben Guerdane line; the areas between Mounts Chaambi, Semmama and Mghila, south of Mount Selloum and around Mount Orbata; in Jendouba and Le Kef governorates, a 5 km strip along the Algerian border except roads to official crossings. Check with the authorities before visiting rural areas between Kasserine, Sbeitla, Sidi Bouzid and Gafsa off the Gafsa-Kasserine and Gafsa-Sidi Bouzid roads. Table de Jugurtha (Le Kef): on organised tours with a guide. Its map, dated 4 February 2026, also shows an orange strip along the whole Algerian border. | Ministère de l'Europe et des Affaires étrangères (France Diplomatie), Conseils aux voyageurs, Sécurité (Site last updated 15 September 2026) |
| Belgium | With due vigilance, travellers may visit Tunisia except the border areas with Algeria and Libya. Outside the coastal zone, use certified tour operators and agencies in close contact with the Tunisian security services. Heat (over 40 °C) and forest fires in summer. Strongly advised against: the Algerian border area west of the Jendouba – Le Kef – Kasserine – Feriana – Tameghza (Tamerza) axis, and the mountain areas of Kasserine and Le Kef governorates; the Libyan border area south of the Rjim Maatoug – Bir Ellouza – Bir Aouine – Borj Bourguiba – Remada – Ben Guerdane axis (military zone). Travel in the far south requires a permit from Tataouine governorate. | SPF Affaires étrangères, Commerce extérieur et Coopération au Développement (Belgique), Conseils aux voyageurs (Site last updated 2 October 2026) |
| Switzerland | Travel to Tunisia is considered generally safe. The political, social and economic situation is tense (demonstrations, strikes, possible curfews); the 2015 state of emergency remains in force and the risk of terrorist attacks persists nationwide. Reach your destination before nightfall. Advised against: the Algerian border area west of the Tabarka – Tozeur road, including the whole of Kasserine governorate (kidnapping risk in the Chaambi, Selloum and Mghila mountains); the Libyan border region. Tourist and non-urgent travel advised against south of the line Algerian border – Tozeur – Douz – Tataouine – Zarzis. The towns of Tabarka, Tozeur, Douz, Tataouine and Zarzis may be visited with the stated precautions; desert trips only in a group with a reliable local guide. | Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE, Suisse), Conseils pour les voyages (Site last updated 3 November 2025) |
| United Kingdom | Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Tunisia; higher risk around religious and tourist sites, festivals, government buildings and places where foreigners gather. State of emergency since 2015, frequent checkpoints. Demonstrations mostly at weekends and on national dates (14 January, 17 December). Possible power cuts in summer. Against all travel: Chaambi Mountains National Park; military operations zones of Mounts Salloum, Sammamma and Mghila; the militarised zone south of El Borma and Dhehiba; within 20 km of the Libyan border north of Dhehiba; Ben Guerdane and its surroundings. Against all but essential travel: north and west of Ghardimaou (Jendouba governorate), including El Feidja National Park; within 20 km of the Algerian border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates south of Jendouba town, including Chemtou; the whole of Kasserine governorate, including Sbeitla; within 10 km of the rest of the Algerian border south of Kasserine governorate; within 10 km of Mount Mghila; Mount Orbata; within 75 km of the Libyan border, including Remada and El Borma, excluding Zarzis, the C118 road and Medenine governorate north of it. Travelling against FCDO advice can invalidate travel insurance. | Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO, ministère britannique des affaires étrangères), Foreign travel advice (Site last updated 24 July 2026) |
| Germany | The security situation has broadly stabilised, but the terrorist risk remains high, including at busy tourist spots; stronger police presence in summer. State of emergency nationwide. Decree-Law 54 provides up to ten years in prison for spreading 'false information' online. Desert trips only in organised groups with a guide. Travel advised against: south and south-east of the line Algerian border – Tozeur/Nefta – Douz – Ksar Ghilane – Tataouine – Zarzis; the immediate Algerian border area, especially the mountains from Ain Draham to Kasserine governorate inclusive; Mounts Chaambi, Selloum and Mghila; individual, unorganised desert tours. Ben Guerdane and surroundings: particularly tense. A strip of about 20 km along the Libyan border and part of the southern Algerian border are military zones closed without a governorate permit. | Auswärtiges Amt (ministère fédéral des affaires étrangères, Allemagne), Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise (Site last updated 6 October 2026) |
| Luxembourg | Luxembourg's foreign ministry publishes no Tunisia-specific advice: it refers travellers to the travel advice of Belgium, France and Germany. | Ministère des Affaires étrangères et européennes, de la Défense, de la Coopération et du Commerce extérieur (Luxembourg), Avis de voyage (accessed 20 October 2026) |
| Ireland | High degree of caution and strong security awareness; state of emergency since 24 November 2015. Avoid unnecessary travel, especially at night outside urban areas, and demonstrations (frequent on Friday afternoons in city centres). Do not travel: Chaambi Mountain National Park; within 30 km of the borders with Algeria and Libya; Ben Guerdane and surroundings; the militarised zone of Tataouine governorate south of (but not including) El Borma. National Guard permission needed for some desert areas near the Algerian border. | Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA, ministère irlandais des affaires étrangères), Travel advice (Site last updated 16 July 2025) |
| Sweden | Since 30 March 2023, following an improved security situation, the Swedish ministry only advises against specific border and mountain areas. Against all travel: within 30 km of the Libyan border and Ben Guerdane; the militarised Chaambi, Samamma, Mghila, Selloum and Orbata mountains; the area south of El Borma and Dhehiba. Against non-essential travel: within 30 km of the Algerian border south of Jendouba town, except the Table de Jugurtha plateau; within 5 km of the Algerian border from Gafsa region southwards, except the town of Tamaghza (Tamerza). | Utrikesdepartementet (UD, ministère suédois des affaires étrangères), UD avråder (Site last updated 30 March 2023) |
| Denmark | The whole country except the orange and red zones: stay alert and follow the authorities, media and your travel agency. High terrorist risk; state of emergency, checks at tourist sites, photo ID compulsory. Do not go alone into the mountains or desert: use recognised agencies and guides. Red (very high risk): Mounts Chaambi, Salloum, Sammamma, Mghila and Orbata; the area south of a line passing south of El Borma and Remada and north of Ben Guerdane. Orange (non-essential travel advised against): the Algerian border area from south of Jendouba and Ghardimaou (P6 road) to El Borma, except Jendouba, Le Kef and Dahmani towns (yellow); Kasserine governorate except Kasserine town (yellow); the area south of a line from El Borma to south of Zarzis, including Remada but not Tataouine (yellow). | Udenrigsministeriet (ministère danois des affaires étrangères), Rejsevejledninger (Site last updated 18 May 2026) |
| Poland | State of emergency in force; photographing military and government sites or security forces is forbidden (arrest of at least 5 days possible). After the summer 2026 heatwave, electricity, running water and fuel supplies are back to normal and bottled water is gradually returning to shops. Level 3: region 1, the Sahara and desert areas near the Algerian and Libyan borders, excluding tourist routes; region 2, the central-western mountains (Mounts Orbata, Selloum, Semmama, Chaambi and Mghila). | Ministerstwo Spraw Zagranicznych (ministère polonais des affaires étrangères), service Odyseusz (Site last updated 3 September 2026) |
| Czechia | Increased caution during the stay, especially outside hotel resorts; avoid crowded places off the usual routes, isolated areas and going out at night; restrict photos to resorts and monuments, no public buildings or strangers. State of emergency since 24/11/2015. Warning against travel: areas near the Algerian and Libyan borders; mountains of Kasserine and Le Kef governorates; towns around Siliana and Kasserine; the desert south of the Bir Rjim Maatoug – Borj Bourguiba – Ben Guerdane line; the north-western mountains. The country sheet adds: high risk west of the Ain Draham – Jendouba – Le Kef – Kasserine – Sidi Bouzid – Gafsa – Tozeur line and south of the Tozeur – Kebili – Medenine – Zarzis line; south of Tataouine, military zone, governorate permit to request 4 to 6 weeks ahead outside organised tours. | Ministerstvo zahraničních věcí (ministère tchèque des affaires étrangères), Upozornění na cesty (Site last updated 10 April 2025) |
| Netherlands | Yellow for most of the country: specific security risks. Red, do not travel: the border area with Libya, largely a military zone, especially south of Ben Gardane; the desert areas south of the Al Borma – Remada – Ben Gardane line (criminals and terrorist groups, increased kidnapping risk); the Algerian border from west of the town of El Kef southwards, keeping at least 2 km from the border; the Chaambi massif and the Mghila, Semmama and Salloum mountains (armed clashes, explosives and landmines). Orange, essential travel only: the area between the south of the town of Tataouine and the Al Borma – Remada – Ben Gardane line; the town of Kasserine and its surroundings. Limited terrorist threat, state of emergency since 2015, road checks; outside the coastal area, travel with tour operators and agencies certified by the Tunisian Ministry of Tourism. Regular demonstrations, especially in Tunis. | Nederland Wereldwijd (ministère néerlandais des Affaires étrangères), Reisadvies Tunesië (Site last updated 17 September 2026) |
| Norway | Not checked by Sabaro: see Regjeringen | |
| Austria | Not checked by Sabaro: see BMEIA | |
| Italy | Not checked by Sabaro: see Viaggiare Sicuri | |
| Spain | Not checked by Sabaro: see exteriores.gob.es | |
| Portugal | Not checked by Sabaro: see Portal das Comunidades | |
| Finland | Not checked by Sabaro: see Ulkoministeriö (um.fi) | |
Our guide to safety in Tunisia gives the details for the whole country.
Around Tozeur: Mos Espa and Ong Jmel
Mos Espa, the Tatooine town of Episode I, was built in the dunes north-west of Nefta, close to Ong Jmel. The set is still standing. A crescent-shaped dune, a barchan, is moving across the site at about 15 m a year, according to research reported by phys.org in 2014, and the sand is slowly reaching the facades.
Nearby, Ong Jmel, the rock shaped like a "camel's neck", served as a set for Star Wars and The English Patient. Admission has been charged since 2018, and restoration work worth TND 132,000, about €39,000, is under way, according to La Presse de Tunisie. It lies outside the areas advised against, 12 to 15 km north of the line.
The Lars homestead, where Luke lives with his uncle and aunt, was filmed on Chott el Djerid, the great salt flat, near Nefta. This set lies 3 to 6 km south of the line, in the area several European foreign ministries advise against.
A 4x4 tour from Tozeur covers the Nefta dunes, the chott, Mos Espa and Ong Jmel in 4 hours, with hotel pick-up and a driver, from about €80 per person. To stay nearby, The Mora Sahara Tozeur, on the edge of the desert facing the chott, and Dar HI Life in Nefta are the closest to the sets among the hotels chosen by Sabaro. The area is covered on our Tozeur and Nefta page.
Matmata: the Lars home
Matmata is a Berber village 600 m up, 40 km south-west of Gabès, known for its troglodyte houses dug around circular courtyards. The Hotel Sidi Driss, one of these houses turned into a hotel, was the interior of the Lars home in 1976 and was used again for Attack of the Clones, Episode II, released in 2002. Parts of the set can still be seen.
From Djerba, Matmata is reached via the Ajim ferry and Gabès: Houmt Souk is 111 km from Gabès, about 2 hours 15 by road.
Djerba: the Ajim cantina
Ajim, the port in south-west Djerba where the ferry leaves for the mainland, stood in for Mos Eisley, the spaceport town of Episode IV, in April 1976. According to the Routard guide, the building used for the cantina exterior is a former bakery, now abandoned, in the centre of Ajim, and a fisherman's house about 3 km to the north played Obi-Wan Kenobi's home. Both are freely accessible. Djerba, its beaches and its hotels are covered on our Djerba page.
The ksour of Medenine and Tataouine
A ksar (plural ksour) is a fortified Berber granary made of vaulted cells, the ghorfas, stacked around a courtyard.
- Ksar Hadada, 5 km from Ghomrassen and about twenty kilometres from Tataouine, has been partly converted into a hotel. George Lucas filmed Episode I scenes here in 1997, for the Mos Espa quarters.
- Medenine and Metameur: Episode I scenes were filmed in the ksour of Medenine, which had up to 6,000 ghorfas in the early 20th century, partly demolished since.
- Ksar Ouled Soltane, 17 km south-east of Tataouine, is often cited as a filming location; the Routard disputes it. This ksar of 287 ghorfas on three to four levels lies 17 km south of the line, in the area advised against.
The "Tataouine and Chenini" excursions sold from Djerba go through Chenini and Ksar Ouled Soltane, two sites several European foreign ministries advise against.
When to go
Southern Tunisia is pleasant from October to April. In July, average highs reach 40 °C in Tozeur; in January they are 17 °C, with nights around 7 °C. For a night on the edge of the desert, see our guide to a night at the gateway to the Sahara.
Read next
Frequently asked questions
Where was Star Wars filmed in Tunisia?
In the south: at Mos Espa and Ong Jmel near Nefta, on Chott el Djerid, at the Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata, in Ajim on the island of Djerba, and in the ksour of Medenine and Ksar Hadada.
Does the Mos Espa set still exist?
Yes, it still stands in the dunes north-west of Nefta, but a dune is advancing across the site at about 15 m a year.
Can you visit Luke Skywalker's home?
Yes: the Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata, used as the interior of the Lars home, can be visited, and parts of the set are still there. The exterior of the farm, on Chott el Djerid, is in the area several European foreign ministries advise against.
How much is a tour of the sets from Tozeur?
From about €80 per person for 4 hours by 4x4, with hotel pick-up.
Are the Star Wars sets in an area advised against?
Most are not: Mos Espa, Ong Jmel, Matmata, Ajim, Ksar Hadada and Medenine are outside the areas advised against. The Lars homestead on the chott and Ksar Ouled Soltane lie south of the Tozeur - Douz - Tataouine line, beyond which several European foreign ministries advise against travel.
Official sources
- France Diplomatie, Tunisie (accessed 20 October 2026)
- GOV.UK, Tunisia travel advice (accessed 20 October 2026)
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