If you’re a Star Wars enthusiast, you have likely imagined being on the desert worlds that were crucial to the saga—Jakku and Tatooine. These planets may appear as imaginary realms, but they are found right here on Earth! This article is a guide for fans who are eager to visit the realistic landscapes of Jakku and Tatooine.
Jakku: The Desert World from The Force Awakens
Jakku initially appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the residence of Rey, the scavenger who unintentionally becomes key to the galaxy’s destiny. Filming for Jakku was conducted in the secluded deserts of Morocco, especially in the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan, and in California’s Death Valley National Park.
1. Wadi Rum, Jordan
“Valley of the Moon,” also referred to as the Wadi Rum Desert, is one of the most breathtaking locations on the planet. The post-apocalyptic aesthetic of Jakku is perfectly complemented by the red sands, tall rock formations, and wide-open spaces.
- Where is that? Wadi Rum is situated in the southern part of Jordan, approximately 60 miles north of Aqaba, which is Jordan’s coastal city.
- What to expect? Entering the Wadi Rum Desert will make you feel as if you have traveled to another planet. You may carry the themed suit and your customized lightsaber to feel the Force flowing through you.
- How to arrive? To get to Wadi Rum, you may fly into Aqaba and then take a taxi or a jeep tour to the desert. Numerous guided tours are offered, with many visiting famous filming locations, including the site where Rey finds a downed star destroyer.
- What to do? In Wadi Rum, you can enjoy the desert just like the film crew, through guided Jeep excursions, camel rides, or by camping under the stars in a traditional Bedouin tent. Be sure to check out the renowned “Jakku Star Destroyer,” the enormous remains of a vessel that Rey explores in the movie. Although this particular set was built for the film, the scene was filmed with Wadi Rum’s breathtaking rock formations in the background.
2. Death Valley National Park, USA: Rey’s Scavenger Route
Although Wadi Rum serves as the main site for Jakku’s desert visuals, certain scenes were captured in Death Valley National Park, California, specifically in the Desolation Canyon and Badwater Basin areas.
- Where is it located? Death Valley is situated along the border of California and Nevada, USA. It ranks among the hottest locations on the planet, where summer temperatures may go beyond 120°F (49°C).
- What to anticipate? Death Valley’s stark allure reflects the dry, severe landscape of Jakku. You’ll discover salt flats, rugged formations, and sand dunes extending for miles—precisely what you would anticipate from a desert world in a galaxy far, far away. The location where Rey searches for discarded ships in The Force Awakens is particularly around Badwater Basin, the lowest area in North America.
- Getting there: You can fly into Las Vegas or Los Angeles and then drive to Death Valley, roughly a 2-hour drive from both cities. Make sure to check out the Badwater Basin to view the salt flats that were utilized for the Jakku scenes.
- Activities to enjoy: Death Valley provides various options, including picturesque drives and hiking through the distinct desert terrain. Explore Zabriskie Point for a breathtaking sight, or go to the Devil’s Golf Course for an otherworldly, rugged terrain.
Tatooine: The Birthplace of Anakin Skywalker
Tatooine, the legendary birthplace of Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker, is among the most renowned locations in the Star Wars galaxy. In reality, Tatooine was shot in the Tunisian deserts, yet its impact also reached California.
1. Tozeur and Matmata, Tunisia: Tatooine’s Real-Life Dwellings
The highlight of Tatooine’s actual filming sites is Tozeur, a town located in the southwestern region of Tunisia, encircled by extensive desert landscapes. The film’s sites in Tunisia, especially the cave-like homes and the Lars residence, are legendary aspects of Star Wars heritage.
- Where is that? Tozeur can be found in the southern part of Tunisia, roughly a 6-hour journey from the capital, Tunis.
- What to expect there? Tunisia’s arid terrains serve as the ideal depiction of the desolate, double-sunned world. You can explore Matmata, the site of the actual “Lars Homestead.” In this location, Luke’s residence was constructed in a unique design characteristic of traditional Berber architecture, wherein houses are excavated into the ground to maintain a cool temperature during the intense heat.
- Directions: Reach by flying into Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, then either catch a flight or take a long drive to reach Tozeur. When you arrive, you can explore the real sets utilized in A New Hope and other legendary movies.
- Activities: In Matmata, you can explore the troglodyte dwellings that served as the backdrop for Luke Skywalker’s modest origins. A few of these residences are still inhabited by local people today. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a picture with the iconic Lars Homestead, even though it’s now included in a hotel. The region is also home to adjacent oasis gardens, historic ruins, and picturesque desert landscapes.
2. Death Valley and the California Desert
Some of Tatooine’s other desert sequences were filmed in the Alabama Hills of California near the Lone Pine and Mojave Desert regions, providing fans with another chance to visit locations familiar to Star Wars fans.
- Where is this? This dry area is near Lone Pine in eastern California, a popular location for science fiction and Western film productions.
- What to prepare for? The Alabama Hills, with their rugged terrain, striking rock formations, and vast desert regions, are unquestionably Tatooine. Numerous other Hollywood films have also featured this region’s bleak beauty.
- Getting There: You can drive from Los Angeles (about 3.5 hours) to the Lone Pine region, where numerous attractions await you. Make sure to visit Mobius Arch, which has become an iconic site in Star Wars history.
- Activities to do: In addition to visiting Star Wars filming locations, you can go hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. The views of the desert in this region are truly astonishing.
Conclusion: Bringing Tatooine and Jakku to Life
Whether you’re a long-time Star Wars enthusiast or a fresh face to the universe, exploring the actual sites of Jakku and Tatooine will immerse you directly into the essence of the saga. From the vast deserts of Jordan’s Wadi Rum to the famous troglodyte dwellings of Tunisia, these authentic locations let you follow in the paths of your beloved characters. Whether you’re experiencing Rey’s scavenger adventures or sensing the twin suns shine upon you as Luke Skywalker once felt, these amazing sites provide Star Wars enthusiasts an opportunity to enter a galaxy far, far away—and undertake the ultimate journey.
So, pack your bags and prepare to visit the real deserts of the galaxy. Jakku and Tatooine are waiting for you!
