Star Wars film locations in Tunisia.
Although there are a decent number of websites around with information, I could not find a knowledgeable guide in Tunisia that was familiar with all of these sights. Hopefully this will help a few people track down some of these sights in the future.
I visited in 2017 and unfortunately all of the pics are from a camera phone.
Djerba
Before 2010, the Mediterranean Island of Djerba was known as a European package holiday destination due to its white sand beaches. However, because of the 2010 Revolution and the 2015 terrorist attacks, tourism was non-existent when I was there.
It was still a beautiful, friendly and tranquil island to relax for a few days while visiting 3 key Star Wars (original) film locations in Tunisia. Flights were cheap and easy to book from Europe.
Ben’s Hermitage
“I don’t know any Obi-Wan, but old Ben lives out beyond the Dune Sea.“
Old Ben’s Hermitage (33.741330, 10.734934) appeared in Star Wars: A New Hope. It was where Ben Kenobi resided on Tatooine while waiting for Luke to follow him on some damn fool idealistic crusade. It was amazing to see in this condition after all of these years.
It was being used as an old fishermen’s storage hut when I visited.
Tosche Station, Djerba
“But I was going into Tosche Station to pick up some power converters!”
The Tunisian temple of Sidi Jemour (33.831545, 10.747947) was used to film Tosche Station – a power station and repair shop just outside Anchorhead.
These scenes were cut from the original version, but it’s a cool building along the coast and well worth a look.
Mos Eisley Cantina, Ajim
“Mos Eisley Spaceport. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious.”
The Mos Eisley Cantina (33.724481, 10.750282).
Although not much to see, this crumbling former bakery is one of the coolest Star Wars sights in the world.
It’s hidden away on the dusty streets of Ajim, the main ferry port leading to mainland Tunisia.
“These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.”
Many of the original Mos Eisley scenes from A New Hope were filmed around here, but the area has changed so much it was hard to find exact locations.
Lars Homestead (exterior)
“Well, if there’s a bright center of the universe, you’re on the planet that it’s farthest from.”
The highlight of visiting the Tunisia Star Wars locations was visiting the exterior set of the Lars Homestead where Luke Skywalker grew up on Tatooine.
It is located on the salt lake of Chott el-Djerid, just west from the nearest town of Nefta (Nafta) on the road to Algeria. Using GPS location 33.842905, 7.779067, it is barely visible from the road. A 4×4 is recommended if you plan to drive out to it. If not, it is at least a 30 minute walk from the road.
The location was originally used in A New Hope and the fibreglass home was rebuilt for Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. It was restored again in 2012 from a crowd-funding page (http://savelars.com/).
This is probably the coolest thing I’ve ever seen on Earth. Anywhere.
Hotel Sidi Idriss, Matmata – Lars Homestead (interior)
The interior of the Lars Homestead (33.542645, 9.967269) was shot at the Hotel Sidi Idriss in Matmata – my favourite hotel on the planet.
The hotel was originally built in the Berber town of Matmata in 1969. It is carved into underground chambers in the traditional troglodyte style of the area.
It was used in the original films as well as Attack of the Clones where you can see many props and cast and crew photos that were left behind.
They unfortunately do not serve Aunt Beru’s famous blue milk, so bring your own food colouring.
Tataouine
Although no scenes were filmed directly in Tataouine, it was obviously the inspiration for Luke’s home planet.
Ksar Medinine (33.347279, 10.492297), Ksar Hadada (33.100097, 10.314639) and Ksar Oued Soltane (32.788401, 10.514684) are located nearby and were all locations used to film young Anakin’s home at Slave Quarters Row in the prequel films.
Ksars (or ksours) are traditional Berber attached rows of houses. These ksars often included a granary (or ghorfa) which appeared in many of the scenes.
Mos Espa, Ong Jemal
Although the Mos Espa set (33.994249, 7.843016) near Ong Jemal was used in the prequel films, it is still a surprisingly interesting stop.
The set is fairly well preserved and allows visitors to wander around the three-dimensional town which is slowly being engulfed by the desert.
The main gate, life size streets, surrounding buildings and moisture vaporators are surprisingly intact considering the harsh climate.
It is the most “touristy” of the Star Wars sights in Tunisia. At the time this consisted of one of two souvenir vendors and someone who made me some local tea.
Jundland Wastes – Sidi Bouhlel
“The Jundland Wastes are not to be traveled lightly. Tell me, young Luke, what brings you out this far?”
The Jundland Wastes (34.033524, 8.282265) were filmed in what is often referred to as “The Star Wars Canyon” due to the amount of filming that was done here.
It is located north-east of Tozeur and contains quite an extensive number of film locations including scenes with Tusken Raiders, the Jawa Sandcrawler and where Jawa’s ambush R2-D2.
It was also used to film scenes in the Indiana Jones film Raiders of the Lost Ark and The English Patient. For another film related travel blog, check out my favourite travel films.
It is a beautiful area and a great place for a picnic. There are absolutely no facilities, so bring everything you need.
Tunis
After exploring all of the Star Wars film locations in Tunisia, do not forget to check out some classic sights such as the Bardo National Museum and the well preserved Roman ruins of Carthage. This country has a lot to offer.
Tunisia Travel – Useful Information
Visas: not required for most countries.
Money: ATMs in the larger cities.
Electrical Outlets: European outlets (usually)
Useful Tips
- Check the security situation before you book as this can change quickly.
- Ensure you have all GPS locations and offline maps saved before you leave. Guides/drivers you book in advance might not be familiar with all of the sights (even if they insist they know).
- A 4WD is recommended for the sights around Ong Jemal / Tozeur / Salt Lakes.
- May the Force Be With You.
- For the sights around Tozeur, it might be the easiest to book something locally if you don’t have your own transportation since they will be most familiar with the area.
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