If you’ve ever wondered where the desert planet Tatooine from Star Wars came to life, you can visit many of the real sets in southern Tunisia: from the iconic Mos Espa spaceport near Tozeur to ancient ksour and desert canyons used in The Phantom Menace, A New Hope, and more. This Star Wars filming locations guide covers the best-preserved spots and how to reach them.
Stay at the Tunisia Star Wars Filming Locations
Some of the filming locations have been transformed into hotels where you can stay in the Star Wars world!
1) Star Wars film locations: Tozeur & Nefta
For many movie buffs, Tozeur and Nefta are the top places to visit on their tour of Tunisia. But for Star Wars fans, one of the reasons to visit this part of Tunisia is Mos Espa. But there is more.
Mos Espa
The spaceport in Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace & Episode II, Attack of the Clones
Mos Espa is a fictional city specifically built for these two Star Wars movies in the middle of the desert near Nefta, Tozeur. This is where Anakin Skywalker grew up, the slave boy who eventually becomes the greatest enemy: Darth Vader. In Mos Espa, you can still see a part of the used film set surrounded by desert dunes. Walk through the various houses and check out the fake houses. It can get hectic here, after sunset 15 trucks came in. Choose your time wisely.
Fun Fact: It takes you 2 hours from Tozeur to reach the film set.
Ong Jemel (Camel’s Neck)
Seen in the Pod Race in Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace
The rock (near Nefta, Tozeur) resembles the neck of a camel and is briefly seen during the famous competition: pod race. Climb the rock to have a good view of the Chott el-Gharsa sand plain around you. If you’re lucky, you’re driver will drive like he was in the pod race (driving up the rocky mountains even!). So much fun!
Fun Fact: It takes you 1.5 hours from Tozeur to reach the film set.
Sidi Bouhlel (Star Wars Canyon)
The canyon from Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope & The Phantom Menace
Visit the Sidi Bouhlel Canyon also known as the Star Wars Canyon because nine scenes were filmed here. This canyon can also be seen in Indiana Jones-Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).
Chott El Jerid
Luke Skywalker homestead in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.
Remember Luke Skywalker’s homestead? It’s located in the white salt stretch of Chott El Jerid where it was shot in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.
2) Star Wars film locations: Tataouine
Inspiration for Planet Tatooine.
The planet Tatooine is named after the town of Tataouine in the south of Tunisia. This is where Luke Skywalker grew up.
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Tataouine – Ksar Ouled Soltane
Hometown of Anakin Skywalker in his early years in Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Originally, Ksar Ouled Soltane was a grain warehouse/cellar for Berber tribes.
Tataouine – Ksar Hadada
Served as Slaves Quarter in Mos Espa in Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Ksar Hadada, a former grain warehouse/cellar, is a town about 30km from Tataouine. In the movie, it was a slave quarter. Well-known is the scene where Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn (played by Liam Neeson) confers with Shmi Skywalker.
Tataouine – Ksar Hallouf
Known from Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Rumour has it that this was the place where George Lucas came up with his ideas for the films. The granaries in the Medenine region date from the 13th century and are still in good condition.
3) Star Wars film locations: Matmata
You can also visit various places from the Star Wars films in the Matmata region.
Hotel Sidi Driss
Lars Homestead in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Hotel Sidi Driss is one of the most popular Star Wars locations. It’s a hotel, but also an outdoor bar. Check out the various memories hanging on the walls, including photos of how filming was done here at the time.
Matmata desert
The Matmata desert was the inspiration for the moon landscape in the movies. No need to go to the moon for that or use CGI!
4) Star Wars film locations: Djerba
Djerba – Home of Obi-Wan Kenobi
The home of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
Along the coast is an old fisherman’s cottage that was once Obi-Wan’s Hut, aka the home of the Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. French urban artist Space Invader has created a mosaic here of the fictional character in Djerba.
Djerba – Abu Miswar Mosque
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Abu Miswar Mosque is located on Djerba Island. George Lucas viewed pictures of a site inspection at this mosque in 1975. Ultimately, this mosque did not make the film.
5) Some Extra shots
Tunisian culture and heritage were also the inspiration for the Star Wars films. Visit Berber villages to see the similarities in housing, cloaks (oh and yes the cloak comes in brown ánd black), dangling off cliffs …
May the force be with you!
What to pack for Tunisia?
Make sure to bring these top 5 items on your trip to Hurghada:
- Snorkel set: for seeing all the fish and coral in the sea
- Camera: to take amazing photos of your trip!
- Sunscreen: don’t get sunburned when visiting Egyptian temples!
- Microfiber towel: compact towel to take everywhere with you & that dries quickly!
- Hat or cap: for sun protection
Use my ultimate packing list to have everything in your luggage for your trip.
Transportation in Tunisia
Popular transport to travel within Tunis includes minibuses, buses, taxis, and private drivers. We used a mix of private drivers and taxis.
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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Tunisia
Where can I visit real Satar Wars filming locations in Tunisia?
You can visit iconic real life Star Wars filming locations in southern Tunisia, clustered around Tozeur, Nefta, and Tataouine
What movies were filmed at Mos Espa and Nefta?
Star Wars Epsiode 1 The Phantom Menace and Star Wars Episode 2 Attack of the Clones.
Do I need a 4×4 to explore the Sahara?
A 4×4 vehicle is not strictly necessary to reach the edge of the Sahara, but it is highly recommended. For a safe experience, specialized 4×4 vehicles are preferred.
Can I visit the Star Wars hotel (Hotel Sidi Driss) in Matmata?
Yes, you can visit the Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata, which served as the Lars homestead in the Star Wars franchise.
The Star wars location is really a must to visit when you are in Tunesia!
Indeed, and there are so many Star Wars film locations to choose from! 😍
I love your blog about those Star Wars film locations in Tunisia. Beautiful landscape. No wonder it was an inspiration for Star Wars!
Thanks! Sometimes we don’t need to go into a galxy far far away, just to Tunisia! 😉