Borkou Citadel and Toubou Village
In the sandstone citadels of Borkou, between thousand-year-old salt works and Toubou villages lost in the vast Saharan wilderness.
Duration
17 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
Embark on an immersion into the heart of the Tchad Sahara, discovering the Upper Borkou, north of Faya-Largeau. This region of the Central Sahara reveals a sandstone mountain range extending toward the Tibesti massif. In the midst of these vast desert expanses, you discover genuine rocky citadels, salt plains, Yegue villages with their straw huts, as well as numerous rock paintings and engravings, witnesses to the region's history.
This Borkou exploration circuit invites you to travel through the natural and cultural sites of this still rarely visited region of the Sahara. The itinerary combines 4x4 excursions and hiking, without relying on camels. Short vehicle journeys connect the various sites, which you then take time to explore on foot, as close as possible to the landscapes and their unique features.
Throughout this adventure, you are accompanied by Guini, head of the local agency and native of Faya-Largeau. His knowledge of the territory and his experience allow you to discover Borkou through the eyes of a region inhabitant. This expedition takes place ideally from November to February, when temperatures are more favorable for exploring the landscapes of the Tchad Sahara.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
N'Djamena – Faya Largeau
Upon your arrival at N'Djaména Airport, your local guide welcomes you and accompanies you to a concession, where you enjoy a moment of rest before boarding the plane to Faya-Largeau.
Once there, you settle into the women's camp and spend the morning resting before lunch.
In the afternoon, you set off to discover Faya-Largeau market, where you take time to stroll between the stalls and soak in the local atmosphere.
Dinner and night at the camp.
Faya, Kirdimi –Ourti,
Faya-Largeau → Ourti
You set off in a 4x4 towards the Laloua breach, where you discover a mineral landscape made up of rock formations with unique shapes and small tassilis. You take time to observe these reliefs sculpted by erosion, which give the site its particular character.
Your journey then continues to the great dunes of Ourti, where the expanses of sand offer a new setting for your exploration of the Chadian desert.
Approximately 6 hours of 4x4 and 5 hours of hiking.
Ourti – Kouroudi
Ourti → Kouroudi
You travel through the tassilis toward Ehi Kouri, across a mineral landscape marked by tormented geological formations. You progress on barely marked tracks, at the heart of these rocky reliefs with singular shapes.
For three days, you explore unusual landscapes before reaching the palm grove of Kouroudi. Upon arrival, you take time to greet local families and visit their gardens, an opportunity to discover their way of life.
Approximately 3 hours of 4x4 and 8 hours of trekking.
Dinner and night in the oasis.
Exploration of Borkou Yala
Kouroudi → Anni
From the oasis, you head towards Dowi mountain, before crossing the villages of Ani and Orori. Your adventure continues in the heart of Borkou Yala, through landscapes marked by singular rock formations.
As you explore, you discover numerous rock paintings and engravings, witnesses to the ancient history of the region. Among them are representations of boats dating back approximately 5,000 years, created at a time when the waters of Lake Tchad reached Borkou.
You also admire the salt pans and sandstone citadels that characterize these landscapes of the Chadian desert.
Approximately 6 hours of 4x4 and 12 hours of hiking.
Discovery of the Tassilis of Horum
Anni → Yarda
You continue your descent towards the south to reach Horum and Kaiser, two tassilis with jagged reliefs, where you discover ancient fortresses and ruins of villages nestled in the heart of rocky formations.
Your exploration continues to the Yarda palm grove, where you enjoy beautiful encounters with the locals, an opportunity to share authentic moments in the heart of Borkou.
You then set out to discover the rock paintings of Archana, located near the village. You are now only 20 km from Faya-Largeau.
Approximately 5 hours of 4x4 and 9 hours of hiking.
Return to Faya-Largeau and its palm grove
Yarda → Faya-Largeau
In the morning, you join Faya-Largeau and settle at the Dozanga women's camp, where you take time to rest after your journey across the Tchad desert.
In the afternoon, you discover the palm grove of Faya-Largeau, an opportunity to stroll among the palm trees and enjoy this verdant setting.
Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Faya Largeau – N'Djaména
You depart early in the morning to reach your destination around 1 p.m. Upon arrival, you enjoy some rest time before continuing this final day of your trip to Tchad.
In the evening, you have your dinner in town, then head to the airport for the next part of your journey.
N'Djamena – Paris
After an overnight flight, you arrive in Paris early in the morning, marking the end of your trip to Tchad.
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
- Hotel in N'Djaména and meals
- Tips and drinks
- International flights
Included
- English-speaking accompaniment Toumay culinary travel
- Food
- Camel outfit (camels + tracker + guide)
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