The Tunisian oasis town of Nefta — in pictures

A palm grove in the south-western Tunisian oasis of Nefta, by the Chott el Djerid salt lake. All photos: AFP
A palm grove in the south-western Tunisian oasis of Nefta, by the Chott el Djerid salt lake. All photos: AFP
Visitors take a stroll through palm groves in Nefta.
Visitors take a stroll through palm groves in Nefta.
Nefta is one of a few verdant oasis towns by the seasonal lake in southern Tunisia.
Nefta is one of a few verdant oasis towns by the seasonal lake in southern Tunisia.
Centuries-old irrigation systems are still in use in the region, helping to sustain farms and palm gardens.
Centuries-old irrigation systems are still in use in the region, helping to sustain farms and palm gardens.
'La Corbeille', also known as the 'Nefta basket', is a spring hollow surrounded by palms.
'La Corbeille', also known as the 'Nefta basket', is a spring hollow surrounded by palms.
A farmer harvests dates in a palm grove.
A farmer harvests dates in a palm grove.
A boy rides a bicycle in a residential area of Nefta.
A boy rides a bicycle in a residential area of Nefta.
The entrance to a traditional house.
The entrance to a traditional house.
Tunisian teacher Dhouib walks past a traditional house.
Tunisian teacher Dhouib walks past a traditional house.
Nefta has been a place of pilgrimage for Sufi Muslims since the ninth century.
Nefta has been a place of pilgrimage for Sufi Muslims since the ninth century.