Famous Star Wars Tunisia Locations Worth a Look

Many famous Star Wars scenes were shot in Tunisia, including those of Luke Skywalker's childhood home.

Several locations throughout Tunisia were used in the first six “Star Wars” movies except “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.” These locations helped depict Tatooine, the fictional home planet of Luke Skywalker.

And guess what? You can go visit them (someday). Perhaps one of the most unique spots is the Hotel Sidi Driss, located in the Tunisian desert in the village of Matamata. A traditional troglodyte cave dwelling, the hotel was used as Luke Skywalker’s childhood home in “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” in many scenes of Luke growing up with his aunt Beru and uncle Lars.

Let’s take a look at the hotel and some of the other Star Wars Tunisia locations featured throughout the popular films.

Hotel Sidi Driss in Tunisia

May the force be with you at Hotel Sidi Driss. Neil Rickards / Wikimedia Commons

The Hotel Sidi Dress is open to visitors year-round and costs only $20 per night.

It features five pits connected to several underground tunnels and staircases that you can imagine a young Luke running throughout.

Hotel Sidi Driss in Tunisia

“Star Wars” fans will recognize this Tunisia hotel as Luke Skywalker’s childhood home. Andy Carvin / Wikimedia Commons

While visitors can certainly stay the night, it’s worth noting that the cave rooms have no windows, and the beds you’ll be sleeping on are actually cots.

Hotel Sidi Driss in Tunisia

A “Star Wars” fan visits the Hotel Sidi Driss in Tunisia. Drew Hess / Wikimedia Commons

This hotel is less about luxury and comfort and more about experiencing Star Wars’ Tunisia.

Die-hard fans certainly won’t care.

Hotel Sidi Driss in Tunisia

This is reminiscent of the Mos Eisley Canteen. Hugo Nanni / Wikimedia Commons

Don’t forget to visit the bar though and imagine drinking a cold one with Luke or Yoda.

Chott el Djerid in Tunisia

20th Century Fox

The exterior of the Lars homestead was actually filmed about 186 miles away at Chott el Djerid, a dry salt lake in southwest Tunisia.

The salt flats provide the dusty, supernatural look of Luke’s home planet.

Ong Jemel in Tunisia

Mosaic North Africa

Ong Jemel, known as “the neck of the camel,” is located in Southern Tunisia and is featured in both “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.” It’s particularly prominent in the scene when Darth Maul lands on the planet and releases the Sith Probes.

Visitors can take a vehicle tour with tourism groups like Mosaic North Africa to visit the famous rock.

Sidi Bouhlel in Tunisia

Mosaic North Africa

Another site that you can visit is Sidi Bouhlel, aka “Star Wars Canyon,” which was iconic in “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.”

Fun fact: This canyon isn’t only a Star Wars Tunisia locale, it was also used as film locations for “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “The English Patient.”