: Tours and Excursion

The Mides Oasis, also known as the Mides Canyon or the ancient mountain village of Midès, is one of the most visually arresting destinations in the Tunisian highlands. Perched precariously on the edge of a deep, serpentine canyon, the abandoned ruins of the old Berber village stand as a silent witness to centuries of history. When you visit this remote outpost near the Algerian border, engaging a private guide allows you to safely navigate the steep canyon walls and discover the intricate irrigation systems that have sustained life here for over a millennium. The site gained international fame as a filming location for the movie The English Patient, where its dramatic cliffs and winding paths provided a backdrop of rugged elegance.

The Geological Marvel of the Mides Gorge

The canyon at Mides is a geological masterpiece, characterized by layered sedimentary rock that reveals the environmental history of the region. The sheer walls of the gorge drop into a fertile valley floor where a permanent stream supports a lush ribbon of date palms, pomegranate trees, and orange groves. Hiking through the base of the canyon with a private guide provides an intimate look at the flora and fauna that thrive in this sheltered microclimate. The geological formations are particularly striking at midday when the sun illuminates the deep crevices, highlighting the contrast between the parched upper plateaus and the verdant life below. It is a place where the forces of water and time have carved a path of incredible beauty through the desert mountains.

Heritage of the Mountain Berber People

The old village of Mides was tragically abandoned following catastrophic floods in 1969, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful collection of stone and mud-brick structures. These ruins are a classic example of traditional Berber defensive architecture, designed to blend into the mountain slopes while providing a vantage point over the surrounding territory. Walking through the empty doorways and narrow alleys, visitors can imagine the bustling community that once controlled the trade routes through these mountains. The resilience of the local people is still evident in the new village of Mides, where residents continue to cultivate the ancient oasis, maintaining the traditional farming techniques passed down through generations of mountain dwellers.

Attractions in the Vicinity

• Tamerza Waterfall: A cascading mountain spring located in the largest of the region's oases, offering a cool respite from the heat.
• Chebika Oasis: A stunning mountain oasis famous for its natural pools and its role as a backdrop in several major films.
• Sidi Bouhlel Canyon: A rugged landscape known for its dramatic rock formations and its history as a Star Wars filming site.
• Tozeur Palm Grove: A massive agricultural marvel featuring over 200,000 palm trees and a complex water distribution system.
• The Red Lizard Train: A historic 19th-century train that takes passengers through the spectacular Selja Gorges nearby.

Explore the Highlands with Expert Guidance

The mountains of Tunisia hold stories that only the locals truly know. Our professional private guides are dedicated to providing you with an authentic and deep understanding of the Mides Oasis, ensuring your adventure is as educational as it is breathtaking.