From Tamerza we drove southeast toward Tozeur through the same road we took in the morning. We met herds of wild camels along the way; sometimes they crossed the road. In the middle of the road suddenly the Landcruiser turned right off the main road and entered a vast, plain salt lake known as Chott El Gharsa. There was no water there as it’s not rainy season. During the hot afternoon you could see fata morgana on the horizon.

We didn’t meet and see any other car or living things during crossing of Chott El Gharsa. Although it is not as big as Chott El Jerid (the largest chott in Sahara desert) on the Southeast of Tozeur, the size it’s still stunning. The road then became rougher and rougher. As if on the highway, Sa’if, the driver, drove the Landcruiser at 80 – 90 KM/hours. The car was shaking very hard and very noisy. At one time the left side of the road was higher then right side so I felt as if we were ready to turn upside down. And Sa’if didn’t even slow down, still at 80 – 90 KM /hours. Fantastic. Scary. Give me some more! Oh of course, I did buckle up.

Luckily this was not Sa’if bad day so we crossed Chott El Gharsa safely (I know I am exaggerating it J ) and reached Ong Jemel (translated as camel neck) which is our gateway to Sahara. Ong Jemel is a rock formation that said to looks like camel. But honestly, I didn’t see any resemblance to camel figure. Anyway I leave it to you to judge it. Take a look at the pictures. As usual, click on thumbnail to view it in original size.

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