"Le Lézard rouge" Al Metlaoui by JLBG

Al Metlaoui Travel Guide: 12 reviews and 38 photos

From Metlaoui, you can (no, you must!) take the '"Lézard rouge" (Red Lizzard). It is the former Bey of Tunisia special luxury train, built in 1900-1920. It has been brought to Metlaoui a few years ago and is now running for tourists on a regular basis from Metlaoui to the phosphate mines of Moulares, on the railroad used to bring out the phosphates, following Oued Seldja and it's breathtaking cliffs.
On a former visit, in 1974, the Red Lizzard was not yet in Metlaoui but it was possible to go on the phosphate train, on request. I wrote in January to be allowed to. We left for Tunisia in July without any answer, so we passed by Metlaoui but could not visit Oued Seldja. Back home, I found a letter that said, OK, you can come on the phosphate train when you like.... I finally did it, much later, on the touristy Red Lizzard !

Last visit to Al Metlaoui: Mar 2002
Intro Updated Sep 14, 2004
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Reviews (6)

Oued Metlaoui Things to Do (5)

Water in Oued Metlaoui is not crystal clear as it carries phosphate from the quarries and sand. Along its bank, the... more travel advice

Oued Seldja Things to Do (5)

Oued Seldja is running through this gorge. Instead of taking the Red Lizzard, you can walk to visit the gorge but it is... more travel advice

The cliffs are high Things to Do (5)

On both sides, the cliffs are high. A few shrubs are growing, enough to feed a whole flock of local sheep ! The sheep... more travel advice

We are in the Sahara Things to Do (5)

We are in the Sahara ! Where is the sand ? This is the northern part of the Sahara. The desert is by far not covered... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Friendly restaurant in Metlaoui

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Comments (11)

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Pablos_new Jul 1, 2008 at 11:54 PM

Very interesting! I thought before that Tunisia is only beaches and desert ;)
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evaanna Jun 15, 2008 at 2:09 AM

What great scenery on this train ride! Wish it wasn't so hot there!
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LoriPori Feb 19, 2007 at 6:07 AM

Riding on the Red Lizard seems the best way to see this area.
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DAO Jan 15, 2007 at 7:18 AM

Hi, I actually created my page when I saw your page. I am still looking for my old photos. We rode in the first carriage, it was great!
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barryg23 Mar 19, 2006 at 1:04 PM

I hope the Red Lizard train will be running when we visit this area next week. The scenery looks great!
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willy_wonka Dec 13, 2005 at 6:50 PM

l love the beautiful desert sceneries!
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Maillekeukeul Aug 2, 2005 at 4:28 AM

Page sympa !
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matcrazy1 Apr 14, 2005 at 8:22 AM

Fantastic train trip! Right, it a must. Hmm... I drove a car to Canyon de Mides (???) and it's a must, too.
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aussiedoug Nov 29, 2004 at 7:32 PM

Gr8 photos & tips Jean Louis. I'd love to visit the Sahara & much of nthn Africa one day.
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freya_heaven Sep 16, 2004 at 7:41 AM

Brought back memories, I enjoyed the Red Lizard train. Lovely photos (~_~)