Crossing the Chott el Djerid

There is no difficulty about crossing the Chott at any time of year on the causeway which carries GP 16 from Kriz (near Tozeur) to Bechri (near Kebili), except perhaps after heavy rain, when part of the road may be under water. During the hot summer months there will certainly be no problem. From Tozeur the road at first runs through steppe country, mostly flat; then all at once the salt crust of the Chott comes into view, stretching endlessly into the distance, interrupted here and there by pools of water. To the south can be seen dunes planted with palms, marking the Nefzaoua oases. Along the road are occasional souvenir stalls offering sand roses ("roses du Sahara"). A signpost points to a sand-surfing school, where visitors can learn the art of surfing on polyester boards fitted with rollers.