From the Ennedi to Zakuma Park
Complete crossing of the Sahara in Tchad, from the salt lakes of Ounianga to the sandstone formations of the Ennedi, then safari in the heart of Zakouma.
Duration
18 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
This 18-day circuit offers us a unique adventure through the discovery of the natural gems of the Ennedi. We travel along long roads allowing us to observe breathtaking landscapes in order to explore the major tourist attractions of the region, including Fada, the Mourdi depression, the Demi salt flats, the Téguédéï oasis, Ouinanga Sérir lake, the Archeï guelta, the Béchikéi canyons, Abéché, Am Timam, Zakuma…
Along the itinerary, discover impressive natural arches, rocky peaks sculpted by erosion, permanent gueltas where camels come to drink, and depending on the season, Saharan wildlife still present. Zakouma National Park completes this crossing with its vast plains, renowned for welcoming numerous species of large mammals and birds.
This journey allows us to travel through several of Tchad's most emblematic sites, between desert, oases, lakes, canyons and savannas, while discovering the cultural wealth of the populations who have lived in these regions for centuries.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
N'Djaména – Fada
We cross the savanna to the Ennedi, a succession of mountain ranges in the Sahara, passing through Mongo, a city in the Guéra region. The road also takes us through the cities of Abéché, Biltine, Arada and Kalait. We stop at Fada to pick up a second vehicle for added safety, in case our group consists of 2 or 3 people.
20 hours of off-road driving
Fada – Mourdi Depression
The journey continues along the western façade of the Ennedi massif to reach the Mourdi depression. We are surrounded by an idyllic and isolated landscape. We spend the night amid impressive dunes.
6 hours of track
Mourdi – Half - Téguédeï and Lake Ouinanga Serir
Dépression de Mourdi → Ounianga Sérir
A journey through extraordinary dune landscapes takes us to the Demi salt pans, a lost oasis far from everything where only a handful of inhabitants have settled. The Teguedei oasis and its small lake are particularly well-suited for observing salt extraction activities.
We continue to the Ounianga Serir lake complex where our camp is established above the only freshwater lake in the entire area, Lake Bokou.
6 hours of track
Ounianga Kebir
Ounianga Sérir → Ounianga Kébir
This morning, we offer ourselves a beautiful getaway around Lake Sérir, which invites us to swim. The adventure continues on the side of the 4 great lakes of Ounnianga Kebir which are so immense that we have the impression of being by the sea. The day ends with a bivouac on the edge of the lake.
2 hours of track
Return on Ennedi
We pass through Bir Kora before reaching the Ennedi Massif via the Mourdi Depression. Stop at Ari Nyala, before the Fada palm grove where we set up our camp.
When we arrive in Fada around noon, we have the opportunity to refuel before heading to the Archei guelta, a major attraction of the Ennedi. We spend the night near the guelta, an ideal spot to admire the sunrise and observe the morning activity of camels coming to drink.
6 hours of track
Heart of the Ennedi
We dedicate 4 days of our itinerary to exploring the most beautiful Ennedi sites, particularly along the western facade of the Ennedi massif. We embark on short hikes to explore worthy places of interest.
Heading to the Béchiké canyons, then the guelta of Archeï where hundreds of camels and crocodiles come to drink, bearing witness to the time of the verdant Sahara. A canyon, formed by high cliffs, hosts pools that are sustained by upstream springs. It is a paradise for camels whose calls become superb melodies. This incredible spectacle is to be admired at length. We take a morning walk to climb to the heights and reach a panoramic viewpoint over the guelta.
Just a stone's throw from Archeï, we wander and lose ourselves in the Kéchéli labyrinth. We have the opportunity to admire the rock paintings of Manda Guéli. This cave fascinates with its walls adorned with camels and human figures. Stop at the Terkeï massif to discover its flying horsemen and its giant cow painting. Then head to the immense Aloba arch, whose size could accommodate Notre Dame de Paris.
A detour to the magnificent Bachikélé guelta where a botanist named Hubert Gillet discovered in the 1950s trees considered endemic to the equatorial zone. We have the possibility of encountering camels and patas monkeys. Various surprising places are to be explored and allow us to spend beautiful nights in bivouac.
1.5 to 3 hours of driving per day and 1 to 3 hours of hiking per day
Route to Abéché
In the evening, we reach Abéché and then stroll through the city and market.
8 hours on the trail.
Dinner and night in a comfortable hotel.
Abeché- Am Timan and Zakuma
Abeche → Parc National De Zakouma
The great desert crossing is coming to an end. We stop at Am Timam to do a bit of shopping at the market before crossing the dry savannas.
6 hours of track
Dinner and night at the Tingat lodge in Zakuma.
Zakouma
We leave early in the morning to discover incredible wildlife. With a local guide, we can observe various wild animals including elephants, lions, antelopes, hippopotamuses, giraffes…
Dinner and night at the comfort lodge.
Return to N'Djamena
We take the road towards the capital. Upon arrival, we can rest at the hotel. After dinner in town, we are transferred to the airport for the return flight.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Visa Fees
- Single room supplements
- Travel insurance and repatriation
- Beverage during the tour
- Drinks and meals in N'Djamena
- International flight
- Tips
Included
- Hotel in N'Djamena
- Food, 4x4 vehicle and fuel
- Entrance fees to sites
- Throughout the entire trip English-speaking guide and cook Toumay travel
- Toumay Camel Team Travel
- Domestic Flights
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Chad for a tourism stay. Entry rules may change, and we recommend that you verify the information with official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Chad, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country and have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Mandatory visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada must hold a visa to enter Chad for tourism purposes. There is no visa exemption for these nationalities.
The visa can be obtained:
from the Chad embassy or consulate competent for your area before departure,
in certain cases, on arrival at Hassan Djamous International Airport in N'Djamena (visa on arrival), subject to prior confirmation with Chad authorities, and this option may be subject to conditions.
The authorized stay is generally 30 days, renewable on-site with Chad immigration services.
Authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an invitation or accommodation proof.
Health and vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to enter Chad. The international vaccination certificate (yellow booklet) will be required on arrival.
Additional vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
meningitis A, C, Y, W135 (Chad is located in the African meningitis belt),
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
rabies depending on planned activities.
Preventive antimalarial treatment (antimalarial prophylaxis) is strongly recommended, as malaria is present throughout the territory. Consult your doctor or an international vaccination center before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport and an individual visa covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should contact the Chad embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
We strongly recommend you to take out evacuation and medical expense coverage abroad when participating in our trips.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend you subscribe to them.
Should you choose to purchase one of these plans, the full terms and conditions detailing all coverage and claim procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of them, but only the participant is responsible for complying with all claim notification procedures. The participant should therefore keep this policy with them throughout their entire trip.
Frequently asked questions
A tourist visa is mandatory and must be requested from the embassy before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. An up-to-date vaccination record is required, particularly for yellow fever. The security context requires maximum vigilance. Before booking, verify with the consular authorities of your destination the entry requirements applicable to your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €250 and €450 per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, 4x4 with driver-guide and activities. International flights (€800-1,200 return) are extra. Chad remains a rare and demanding destination, reserved for experienced travellers.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to the traveler's profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Desert North
Sahara Guide from Chad, based in N'djamena
In Chad, the desert is never empty. There are the traces, the landscapes, the stories, the camps, and that light that changes everything throughout the day.
— Faris