Grand Erg Oriental

The huge Sahara desert encompasses much of Tunisia's interior, and the Grand Erg Oriental, an expanse of sand dunes, is the most magnificent part of the desert.

The ever-shifting desert sands have molded these lyrically stunning dunes into a bizarre and lovely landscape of gigantic waves.

For many people, Grand Erg Oriental is an adventure playground where they can ride dune buggies and go on camel treks, but nothing beats sitting atop one of these massive sand dunes and watching the sun set over the Sahara.

The desert village of Douz is the closest settlement, from where you can plan camel, trekking, and 4WD excursions, as well as multi-day treks to the sand dunes.

• Location: Grand Erg Oriental, Tunisia
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: In the Sahara Desert, the Grand Erg Oriental is a vast erg or "field of sand dunes."
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: From March until the beginning of May is the optimum time to visit the Grand Erg Oriental.