Corbeille
A basin cut deep into the rock on the northern edge of the town, densely covered with palms. It was once fed by 152 springs, which in turn watered the palm grove; most of them have since dried up.
Tunisia
Nefta
City
Nefta is the second major oasis of the Djerid, about 25 kilometres west of Tozeur between the Chott el Djerid and the first sand dunes. The town is known for the Corbeille, a palm-filled rocky basin, and as the centre of Sufism in Tunisia.
by Felix Gillen
Nefta is the second major oasis of the Djerid, about 25 kilometres west of Tozeur between the Chott el Djerid and the first sand dunes. The town is known for the Corbeille, a palm-filled rocky basin, and as the centre of Sufism in Tunisia.Nefta has just over 20,000 inhabitants and an old town of patterned mud brick. It lies close to the Algerian border on the edge of areas covered by official travel warnings: check the current travel advice, such as the UK FCDO Travel Advice, before you go.
Sights in Nefta
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Historic Landmark
Old Town of Nefta
The Old Town, like in Tozeur, is built from light mud bricks with ornamental patterns. Mosques and Zaouias lie between the alleys, including the Great Mosque Sidi Salem from the 15th century.
Zaouia Sidi Bou Ali
Mausoleum of the Sufi saint Sidi Bou Ali in the Palmeraie, credited with leading Nefta to Sunni Islam in the 13th century. A pilgrimage takes place here every year.
Palmeraie of Nefta
The Palmeraie, also known as Ras el Aïn, covers a good 1,600 hectares and yields Deglet Nour dates. Many palm trees were lost when most springs dried up in the early 1980s.
Restaurants in Nefta
Café directly on the Corbeille, on the northern edge of the city. A stop during your stroll through the palm oasis.
Legacy
SufismFollowing the Islamic conquest, Nefta became a center of Sufism. The town counts around one hundred marabouts.Sidi Bou Ali: This saint is said to have introduced Sunni Islam to Nefta in the 13th century; an annual pilgrimage is made to his zaouia.Great Mosque of Sidi Salem: dating from the 15th century.Oasis and Palm GroveThe palm grove covers a good 1,600 hectares and produces Deglet Nour dates. Previously, 152 springs from the Corbeille irrigated the gardens, but most have dried up since the 1980s.FilmScenes for films like The English Patient and Star Wars were shot around Nefta. The set of Mos Espa is located in the desert near Ong Jemel, off the Nefta–Tozeur road. It lies close to the Algerian border and is visited with organized tours; check the current official travel advice beforehand.
Arrival and Getting Around
Getting ThereLouage: Shared taxis run regularly from TozeurPlane: Tozeur-Nefta Airport is located about 20 kilometers awayCar: National Road RN3 runs through the townAccommodation and DiningNefta has only a few restaurants. Many travelers stay in Tozeur and visit Nefta as a half-day trip.Travel and Safety AdviceCheck the current official travel advice before you go, for example the UK FCDO Travel Advice for Tunisia. The German Federal Foreign Office advises against travel south of the line from the Algerian border via Tozeur/Nefta to Douz, against the immediate border area with Algeria and against individual, unorganised desert tours.
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