From Ennedi to Zakuma Park
Complete crossing of the Chadian Sahara, from the salt lakes of Ounianga to the sandstone formations of 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 natural gems of the Ennedi. We travel long routes 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, the Ouinanga Sérir lake, the Archeï guelta, the Béchikéi canyons, Abéché, Am Timam, Zakuma…
Along the way, discover the 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 hosting numerous species of large mammals and birds.
This journey allows you to explore several of Tchad's most emblematic sites, between desert, oases, lakes, canyons and savannas, while discovering the cultural richness of the populations who have lived in these regions for centuries.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Crossing the savanna towards Ennedi
You travel through the landscapes of Tchad savanna towards the Ennedi massif, a succession of rock formations located in the heart of the Sahara. Your route passes through Mongo, city of the Guéra Region, before continuing through Abéché, Biltine, Arada and Kalaït.
You then make a stop at Fada to pick up a second vehicle when the group has two or three travelers. This precaution helps strengthen security during your exploration of the Tchad desert.
Approximately 20 hours of track.
Crossing of the Mourdi Depression
You continue your itinerary along the western facade of the Ennedi massif, heading towards the Mourdi depression. Throughout the journey, you discover isolated desert landscapes, where vast expanses of sand offer a peaceful atmosphere, far from any hustle and bustle.
You spend the night among imposing dunes, in a natural environment characteristic of the Saharan Tchad.
Approximately 6 hours of track.
From the Salines of Démi to the Lakes of Ounianga Serir
Dépression de Mourdi → Ounianga Sérir
You cross vast dune landscapes to reach the salt marshes of Démi, an isolated oasis where only a few inhabitants live. You continue your exploration towards the oasis of Téguédeï, bordered by a small lake, where you discover the traditional activities of salt extraction.
Your itinerary continues to the Ounianga Serir lake complex, a set of lakes nestled in the heart of the Tchad desert. You set up your camp on the heights of Lake Bokou, the only freshwater lake in this complex, to enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Night in bivouac above Lake Bokou.
6 hours of track.
Ounianga Kebir
Ounianga Sérir → Ounianga Kébir
This morning, we treat ourselves to 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 to Ennedi
We pass through Bir Kora before reaching the Ennedi massif through 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 there 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 the camels coming to drink.
6 hours of track
Heart of the Ennedi
For four days, you set off to discover the natural and cultural sites of the Ennedi massif, primarily along its western face. Short hikes allow you to explore the landscapes and emblematic places of this region of Tchad.
Your exploration begins with the Béchiké canyons, before heading to the Archeï guelta, where hundreds of camels come to drink. This site also shelters crocodiles, witnesses to a time when the Sahara was verdant. Surrounded by high cliffs, the pools are fed by springs located upstream. You take time to observe the camels and listen to their cries echo through the canyon. A morning hike then takes you to higher ground, to a panoramic viewpoint over the Archeï guelta.
A few kilometers away, you continue your discovery in the Kéchéli labyrinth, before admiring the rock paintings of Manda Guéli. The walls of this cave are decorated with representations of camels and human figures. You then stop in the Terkeï massif, where you discover paintings of flying horsemen and a giant cow.
Your itinerary continues towards the Aloba arch, a monumental rock formation whose dimensions could shelter the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral.
You also make a detour to the Bachikélé guelta, where botanist Hubert Gillet discovered, in the 1950s, trees that were previously considered unique to equatorial regions. You may have the opportunity to observe camels and patas monkeys there.
Over these four days, you explore different natural sites of the Ennedi and enjoy nights in bivouac, in the heart of these Saharan landscapes.
Journeys: 1 h 30 to 3 hours of track per day.
Hikes: 1 to 3 hours per day.
Route to Abéché
After 8 hours on the track, you arrive in Abéché in the evening. You enjoy a walk through the streets of the city and its market, an opportunity to discover the local atmosphere and observe the daily life of the inhabitants. Dinner and overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
8 hours on the track.
Last crossing of the desert and discovery of Am Timam market
Abeche → Parc National De Zakouma
The great desert crossing is ending. We stop at Am Timam to do some shopping at the market before crossing the dry savannas.
6 hours of track
Dinner and night at the Tingat lodge in Zakuma.
Safari at Zakouma: Meeting Wild Fauna
You leave early in the morning for a safari in Zakouma, accompanied by a local guide. This excursion gives you the opportunity to observe Chad's wildlife in its natural environment. As you explore, you may have the chance to spot elephants, lions, antelopes, hippopotamuses or giraffes.
Dinner and night in a comfortable lodge.
Return to N'Djamena
You head to N'Djamena, the capital of Chad. Upon arrival, you enjoy a moment of rest at the hotel after the various stages of your tour.
In the evening, you have your final dinner in the city, before your transfer to the airport for your 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 circuit
- Drinks and Meals in N'Djamena
- International flight
- Tips
Included
- Hotel in N'Djamena
- Food, 4x4 vehicle and fuel
- Entrance fees at 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