The Guelta d’Archei last refuge of the Nile crocodile, the Ennedi Plateau, surrounded by vast stretches of sand, and the lakes of Ounianga are among the highlights of this essential route for experienced travellers and lovers of the desert in its purest form.
Combining journeys in 4×4 vehicles with easy walks, this route takes us to both the northern Ennedi Massif and its most emblematic sites: the Guelta d’Archei, Béchiké…Combined with crossing the Mourdi Depression and visiting the Ounianga Lakes area, this gives us a comprehensive view of the desert in northern Chad and the small settlements dotted along it.
The set of lakes of Ounianga is the relic of a huge body of water that spread in this area Sahara until about 8,000 years ago. The lakes are fed by several freshwater springs, abundant enough to maintain their level despite low rainfall and high evaporation. These springs also allow the area's few inhabitants to grow small gardens in the shade of palm trees.
In the menu we have the Gorges of Béchiké, the famous Guelta d’Archei, where large herds of camels come to drink under the watchful eye of huge crocodiles, survivors of a time when the Sahara had abundant vegetation. Not far from Archei, we will explore the Kéchéli labyrinth and visit the rock paintings of Manda Guéli, a cave whose walls are covered with camels and human figures.
Like any other desert crossing trip, this route to northern Chad involves long, demanding driving days on roads in very poor condition. The Ennedi area rewards anyone willing to accept some discomfort with incredible landscapes and unforgettable personal experiences. Chad is undoubtedly a destination for travellers.
The Depression of Mourdi has vast sandy expanses and in Demi and Teguedei we will see the salt pans where this precious material is obtained by evaporation.
The Archei guelta is lmost famous in Chad, and possibly the whole Sahara, and its enormous Nile crocodiles are legendary.
The camping in the desert take place in areas without infrastructure, chosen by the guide according to the weather and each day’s schedule.