Ever wonder where those desolate, sand-strewn scenes in Star Wars were filmed? Luke's home, Tatooine, his aunt and uncle's homestead, the Dune Sea, and Mos Eisley were real places, and can be experienced on an adventure to Tunisia. Not only did George Lucas find the sands of Tunisia the ideal location for Star Wars, but he also filmed parts of Raiders of the Lost Ark in Tunisia. Those scenes of what was supposed to be Egypt really were the brilliant cityscapes of Tunis.

Striking vistas await the active traveller in Tunisia. From the blues of the Mediterranean Sea and the greens of the north, to the blinding sands of the Sahara Desert, Tunisia has something for almost every active traveller's tastes. Chief among Tunisia's attractions are the fascinating cave dwellings in the barren, albeit mountainous, south where the Berbers make their homes. More appropriately known as troglodytes, the region's native inhabitants took what Nature gave them and made themselves completely at home.

Today, there are some 700 such caves still occupied by the Matmata Berbers of southern Tunisia. The main center for these homes is Matmata, where those dandy scenes in Star Wars was filmed and to where thousands of tourists journey each year. Matmata residents vary in their acceptance of the city's fame; some hawk their Star Wars memorabilia. But, the dwellings remain virtually unchanged since Luke Skywalker and Obi Wan Kenobi met Han Solo and his Wookie side kick, Chewbacca. At Matmata, you can even stay overnight in one of four cave hotels, and experience something of what the Berbers deal with day in and day out.

The cave dwellings range from 35 to 50 feet wide and are about 25 feet deep. Many extend two or three levels down into the earth, and each maze of rooms is fully furnished for sleeping, storage, and general living. The main entrance is by way of a tunnel; sometimes, a ladder joins the first floor to the outside. As with medieval castles, when the ladders are removed, no one can gain access. This is a great way to keep intruders away.

In the earliest of times, the original cave dwellers recognized that they could stay cool during the scorchingly hot summer days in the Sahara. And, their white-washed walls help reflect unwanted heat.

Besides foot-power, villagers use donkeys and camels to move from place to place. Visitors can enjoy a similar experience, which helps when the day gets too hot to go far. You can rent camels or donkeys or bicycles, and cars are also available in the larger cities, like Tunis.

Away from Matmata, visitors can get closer to the troglodyte homes. But, more than likely, you will have to provide your own transportation to the out of way sites and also guide yourself into the desert. If you opt for that alternative, be sure you bone up on your survival skills, know how to read a map (and take a detailed map with you!), take a reliable compass, and just take normal precautions whenever you go off on your own.

The best time of the year to travel to Matmata is winter or early spring, when it's cooler, relatively speaking! But you can enjoy water-sports along the coast almost year round. In addition to lolling around absorbing the rays, you can windsurf, paraglide, or go boating, hiking, biking, white-water rafting, and camping all around Tunisia. You won't find yourself at a loss for something active to do!