"Chenini, Douirat and Ksar Ouled Debbab" Shanini by JLBG

Shanini Travel Guide: 47 reviews and 93 photos

The Dahar plateau is the westernmost tip of the Atlas range. While the Atlas crosses the whole northern Africa from west to east, the Dahar plateau ranges north-south. This is a semi-desertic region where several Berber villages are clutched to the slopes of the mountain.
Ksar Ouled Debbab (wrongly given as Qasr Awlad Debbab in VT location data base) is one of these (look at the map under "things to do") and possibly the best preserved.

Chenini (wrongly given as Shanini in VT location data base) was inhabited when we last visited it in 1978. It seems that now it is a touristy destination and that, as in Matmata, traditional dwelling are preserved for tourists only. However, even if it is no more as it was, the situation of the village, on the summit of a hill is worth the visit.

Douirat is close to Chenini : only about 10 km. In 1978, it was at the same time inhabited but in poor condition. I have learned that there had been some rehabilitation that had taken place. If this is true, it is really worth a visit.

Intro Written Mar 24, 2005
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Reviews (38)

Hide and seek Restaurants (1)

You will not be surprised if you do not find any restaurant in these places. When we visited these places, there was... more travel advice

An inhabited marabout Local Customs (4)

This picture shows a "marabout". You will find many of them in Tunisia (much more than in any other country of the... more travel advice

Donkey carrying water and two children - Shanini

Donkey carrying water and two children Local Customs (4)

On this picture, taken close to Douirat, a donkey is carrying both a large metal can of water and two children. In these... more travel advice

Camel carrying wood and water Local Customs (4)

The woman on this picture must be from a wealthier family as they own a camel, which is much more expensive than a... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Stones falling !

Things to Do (32)
See All Ksar Ouled Debbab, a non restored part

Comments (13)

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volopolo Aug 12, 2009 at 2:07 AM

Great picture at the begin of the website
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LoriPori Jan 15, 2007 at 3:20 AM

Very intriguing page Jean-Louis, especially the troglodytic houses and marabuts. Its a particularly harsh environment for the people who live there.
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Trekki Sep 4, 2005 at 8:43 PM

Stunning sceneries ! What a pity that the hotel in Ksar Ouled Debbab is no longer running, thic place looks fantastic ! Thanks for sharing these excellent pictures !
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sachara Aug 9, 2005 at 12:35 PM

Jean-Louis... as usual a fascinating page of a very interesting area of Tunisia. And of course.... excellent pictures !! A really delight to read your pages.
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whitecliff62 Jun 15, 2005 at 12:13 PM

Nice to see a place where tradition is still a way of life, well done to you.
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matcrazy1 Apr 16, 2005 at 10:09 PM

Thank you very much for showing us the most interesting, in my opinion, part of Tunisia: ksars on desert hills, marabouts, natives, donkeys and, right, no restaurants.
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olja1234 Apr 16, 2005 at 3:11 AM

Your presentation is absolutely great as always. I enjoyed! Greets.
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Karolina01 Apr 12, 2005 at 5:48 PM

Nice opening picture, very very interesting tips.
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freya_heaven Apr 10, 2005 at 1:49 PM

You have certainly been to some off the beaten track places in Tunisia, Jean-Louis! Wonderful page & fantastic photos of local life. Shame the hotel idea didnt take off. (~_~)
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mariev Apr 10, 2005 at 6:29 AM

The photos are absolutely gorgeous ! When i went there, in 2000 Douiret was completely empty but it seems some work had been done on the walls along the way (none on the Mosque if i compare with my pics)