Oasis Marathon Trail
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAfrica / Tunisia
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions167.98 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Get ready for the adventure of the year ! From November 16 to 23, 2026 , immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience in the heart of Southwest Tunisia .
The program includes a 120km race divided into 6 stages and a special night stage, through dunes, mountains, oases and the sea. A unique route combining wild nature, Berber traditions and the fascinating history of the island of Djerba.
The event is accessible to hikers of all levels . Take on the challenge, push your limits, and let yourself be captivated by the magic of the Tunisian desert!
The highlights
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A unique journey
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Varied landscapes
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Open to hikers
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average distance/day: 20 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 218 m
- Average daily descent: 218 m
Hiking
- Average distance/day: 20 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 218 m
- Average daily descent: 218 m
Management
French
President of the Oasis Marathon Trail
A former marathon runner , he completed a 42.195 km race in 2 hours and 28 minutes, a performance that testifies to his strong affinity for endurance. Passionate about sports for over 20 years, he has enthusiastically and creatively dedicated himself to organizing sporting events.
In 2005, he created, with his friend Moncef Felli, the Marathon Trail des Oasis — a multi-stage adventure in the heart of the Tunisian desert, designed to promote Saharan tourism , sustainable development and ecotourism.
Under his leadership, this extraordinary race quickly became an unmissable event, attracting more than 2000 international participants
More than a competition, it's a showcase of Tunisia's authentic and varied landscapes: dunes, oases, troglodyte villages, canyons and coastline
His vision: to make sport a powerful means of showcasing Tunisia's rich cultural and environmental heritage , while creating a human and community-based adventure that transcends athletic performance.
A landmark of Tunisian sports tourism, it has organized more than 320 sporting events and brought international recognition to Tunisia.
Mountain guide (AMM)
Head of Communications and Partnerships for the Oasis Trail Marathon
It plays a key role in coordinating messages, promoting and enhancing the event in order to ensure consistency in communication around the competition.
He participated in several sporting and cultural events.
He also works for his company, UP & OP, a committed, independent and creative audiovisual production company, with a strong focus on brand video, promotional films, digital advertising, event videos, reports and documentaries.
It offers comprehensive support , from pre-production to post-production, with services such as editing, color grading, motion design, and visual effects.
Program
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Arrival
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arrival in Tunisia
Day 1 -
"The Merazigues Trail" The Song of the Dunes
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 87 m
- Negative elevation 87 m
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 87 m
- Negative elevation 87 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning run: 18 km
This stage offers an introduction to the desert. You'll need to manage your energy (2nd day of the race) and your progress through the dunes, which can hold a few surprises.
Surface type: dunes + track and very little road
Departure: Place des Festivals
Arrival: Place du Souk Artisanal (the arrival will be a real festival)
After the race: return to the hotel (shower) and lunch in Douz.
Transfer to the J'bil camp and arrival in the late afternoon at the bivouac prepared by the support team. Witness the sunset, a unique and magical moment, in the heart of the Sahara, at the foot of the Grand Erg Oriental... Around a campfire, you will enjoy bread baked in the sand and a typical dinner.
7pm briefing
Fall asleep in your Berber tent, or simply under the stars, lying on the still-warm sand...
Day 2 -
"The emperor's name is dromedary."
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 26 km
- Positive elevation gain 106 m
- Negative elevation 106 m
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 26 km
- Positive elevation gain 106 m
- Negative elevation 106 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Breakfast at the campsite and morning run : 26 km
Location: gateway to the desert
Stage of immersion in the desert entirely on unstable surface on the tracks of infinity.
Surface type: sand and track
Departure: in the desert in the middle of nowhere, a straight track leading back to the Ksar (fortress in Arabic)
Arrival: Ksat Ghilane Oasis
Relax in the hot spring so dear to Michel Orchilles!
Lunch and free time - 7pm briefing - Dinner
And a short evening stroll around the oasis
Dinner and overnight stay from Thursday 21st to Friday 22nd: camping at KSAR GHILANE
(Kebili Governorate)
Day 3 -
"Flyover of the Matmata mountains"
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 225 m
- Negative elevation 225 m
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 225 m
- Negative elevation 225 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Location: Matmata
Morning run : 18 km
A typical mountain stage with canyons carved by water and time on either side of the route.
Surface type: camel track, tabias, small dahars, and it climbs a little bit at the end.
Starting point: in the village of Techine
Arrival: absolutely spectacular in the suspended village of Toujene
We will be in the heart of Berber country. Lunch and a short walk in Matmata.
Dinner and overnight stay from Friday 22nd to Saturday 23rd in Matmata (Gabès Governorate)
Day 4 -
From one labyrinth to another – from “Tataouine… I’m running there!… on the trail of the penal colony!”
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 454 m
- Negative elevation 454 m
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 454 m
- Negative elevation 454 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning run : 16 km
A typical mountain stage with canyons carved by water and time on either side of the route.
Departure: a track in the Dahar
Arrival: at Douiret, a troglodyte village, via the Mosque of the Seven Sleepers (Chenini)
Lunch in Douiret and after lunch transfer to Djerba. 7pm briefing
Dinner and overnight stay from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 24th: hotel in Djerba (Medenine Governorate)
Day 5 -
"The 3 faces of Djerba, the island of the Lotus-eaters" In search of Ulysses
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 377 m
- Negative elevation 377 m
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 377 m
- Negative elevation 377 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning run: 21 km (a half-marathon) - Rolling stage
Surface type: road (5 km) + track, tabias and sopra (16 km)
Start and finish: Mellita (Azdine's birthplace)
The village festival. Lunch at the hotel.
Free afternoon (some ideas for visits: Houmt Souk, the Ghriba synagogue in Erriadh, the oldest synagogue in the world, Dar Dhiafa...)
Fishermen's dinner with feet in the water, head in the stars... presentation of trophies and souvenirs.
Overnight stay from Sunday 24th to Monday 25th: hotel in Djerba
Day 6 -
J'MEL NGO - In the footsteps of Star Wars
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 54 m
- Negative elevation 54 m
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 54 m
- Negative elevation 54 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Breakfast and allocation of 4x4 vehicles
Morning run : 21 km, a true half marathon
Location: Southwest of Tozeur
Surface type: rolling stage on track + dunes - not a single square centimeter of tarmac!
Arrival: at the foot of "Ongh J'Mel"
Nomadic lunch. After lunch: transfer to Douz via Chott El Jerid (salt lake).
7pm briefing at the hotel.
Day 7 -
Back
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Back to France
Day 8
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Registration and participation in the Oasis Trail Marathon
- Round-trip air transport
- Transfers in Tunisia
- All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation in hotels and campsites
The price does not include
- Transfer to/from Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- For the runner : his sports equipment
- For the guide (who may also be a hiker): walking shoes or good sneakers
- Sandals to rest your feet
- A sleeping bag for those who get cold easily (nights in the desert can be cold, but blankets are provided on site)
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Clothing to bring
- Woolens, jackets, windbreakers (cool evenings 11 to 14°C)
- Light clothes for walking and warmer clothes for the evening
- A rain cape (optional)
- Also bring a swimsuit and a bath towel
- During the day, it's advisable to wear white clothing, preferably with long sleeves. This offers better protection. Even at this time of year, the sun is very strong. Ideally, choose cotton clothing that's fairly loose-fitting.
