#2: [24-Mar-04]

14-Nov-2003 -- We were on a two weeks' vacation in Tunisia with our motorbikes. After our visit to 34N 9E, we wanted to visit the Tembaïne mountain. Starting in Douz, we took the direct track to Ksar Ghilane (a tourist camp in an oasis). After about half of the distance, the track to the Tembaïne mountain leaves the main trail.

About 20 km from the mountain, we found that we had come as close as 10 km to the confluence point 33N 9E. Then we found some tracks, going straight towards the CP, and so we decided to try and follow them. About two km from CP, there were some small houses and the tracks disappeared in the small dunes. But no problem for our bikes.

Although this CP lies in the middle of the Great Eastern Erg (erg = sand sea), it was relatively easy to drive; only the last two kilometres were difficult. At the Confluence Point we found small dunes in every direction, the only vegetation being small and dry bushes.

A remark for safety: There is only little traffic on these tracks (only a few tourists' jeeps per day, except probably in mid-season, but don't count on them). Make sure you have enough fuel and water with you. Don't try to get there with the typical small, two-wheel-drive rental cars. Use two independent vehicles. Hire a local guide if you're not used to drive/navigate in the desert. Get proper description of the tracks you want to use.

Continued at 32N 10E.