The Red Lizard (Le Lézard Rouge)

SNCFT (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisiens)
Tunisia
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The Journey

Navigate from Métlaoui to Seldja Gorge Turnaround across a span of 15km.

Scenery Highlights
  • Seldja Gorge Tunnels
  • Deep Red Atlas Mountains
  • Hidden Desert Oasis Springs
  • Phosphate Railway Viaducts
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    1.83 hours

  • Distance

    15 km

  • Est. Price

    Affordable (TND 25 adult)

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

Diesel locomotive (SNCFT heritage power unit)

Locomotive Weight

Approx. 50–60 tonnes (typical for metre-gauge diesel shunter)

Track Gauge

1,000 mm (metre gauge)

Braking Technology

Air brakes (standard for heritage narrow-gauge rolling stock)

Route Engineering Challenges

  • Seldja Gorge: deep ravines requiring multiple steel bridges and tunnel sections

  • Saharan Atlas mountain terrain with steep gradients approaching gorge walls

  • 1896 phosphate railway alignment with tight curves on canyon ledges

  • Track damage from heavy rainfall events (2017 flood damage required major repairs)

  • Restricted clearances between tall passenger cars and narrow tunnel bores

Carriages

6 cars including lounge car and bar car; 116 passenger capacity

Built

1910 by Dyle and Bacalan, Belgium (original Bey of Tunis private carriages)

Conversion

Converted to tourist service 1984

Average Speed

40 km/h through gorge

Route History

Original 1896 line built for phosphate ore transport from Métlaoui to Sfax/Gabes

Route Length

15 km tourist route (Métlaoui to Seldja Gorge turnaround)

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    1.83 hours

  • Distance

    15 km

  • Est. Price

    Affordable (TND 25 adult)

Official Booking Provider