The most famous train in Tunisia is a tourist train known as “The Red Lizard” (French: Lézard Rouge). Trains run on the narrow gauge railway intended for mining trains carrying phosphates. The starting point of the journey is the city of Metlaoui which lies 42 km from Gafsa and 40 km from Tozeur cities.
The tourist train Red Lizard run from Metlaoui to Redaief through the gorge of Oued Selja, in the region of Gafsa, in the south west of Tunisia. The train was once the property of King of Tunisia – it was a gift from the king of France to the Bey of Tunisia in the 19th century. The route is scenic – train passes through the stunning Canyons of Selja.
Red Lizard train has 6 connected wagons. One of the carriages was the bey’s private wagon another was used as a restaurant. These two carriages are richly decorated. Rest of the carriages has wooden benches or soft plush seats. Train was beautifully restored and returned into service in 1984.
The vintage Red Lizard train takes passengers on an adventurous journey that follows the natural path carved out by the Seldja Gorge at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Passengers can admire breathtaking views of central Tunisia’s beautiful rocky desert canyons and landscapes, as well as passing through mountain tunnels, over steel bridges, near natural water springs, and then finally into a green oasis.
The whole trip lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes; photo stops are planned at the best sites within the canyons. The route is 13 kilometers long.
Currently train is available only upon request. There is a possibility to book the whole train for groups. Trips can be customized.
E-mail : lezardrouge@topnet.tn
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