Tunisia - Douz

University Finalists Trip (LIG 1998_2003), Tunisia, April 2003

Chott el Djerid

Douz

Chott el Djerid is a large endorheic salt lake in southern Tunisia.

It is the largest salt pan of the Sahara with a surface area of over 7,000 km2 (some sources state 5,000 km2). Due to the extreme climate with annual rainfall of only 100 mm and temperatures reaching 50 °C, water evaporates from the lake. In summer Chott el Djerid is almost entirely dried up, and numerous fata morganas occur.

During winter, a small tributary of water can be seen discharging into the lake.