Guerewol Festival, Faya, the Lakes and the Ennedi
Ritual dances of the Guérewol to the sacred crocodiles of Archei, a mythical crossing between Peul culture and the Tchad desert
Duration
19 days
From
€949/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
This grand journey to Tchad invites you to discover the richness of Fulani culture and the traditions of the Guérewol festivals, while exploring the vast Sahelian and Saharan expanses in the north of the country. From the banks of the Chari River, south of N'Djamena, to the great sandy plains of Djourab, passing through the Ounianga lakes and the landscapes of the Ennedi massif, this circuit takes you on a great crossing of Tchad, between cultural encounters, ancestral traditions and desert landscapes.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival and reception at the airport
Upon your arrival in N'Djamena, capital of Tchad, you are welcomed by your local guide, who arranges your transfer to your hotel. You settle into comfortable accommodation, carefully selected by our local agency for its cleanliness and amenities, including air conditioning and a functional shower.
Departure from N'Djamena towards Dourbali
Immersion in the Traditions of the Fulani M'Bororo
Upon your arrival at the village, you are welcomed by the Peul village chief. You witness the preparations for festivities, including traditional body paintings, in which you can also participate.
During these three days of immersion with the M'Bororo Peuls, also called Wodaabe, you discover their traditions through different celebrations and dances. You also explore the region and share moments from the daily life of nomads.
These encounters are an opportunity to better understand the social organization, customs and way of life of the M'Bororo Peuls, thanks to the explanations that accompany your stay.
Return to Ndjamena
You continue your journey in Tchad towards the Sahel, discovering the natural landscapes of this region. This new stage invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of nature, where you spend the night in a bivouac, in the middle of the Sahelian environment.
We head back to the capital, stop to buy fresh produce at the city's outskirts.
Crossing the Sahel in Chad
You head north through the vast expanses of the Chadian Sahel. As you travel, the landscapes evolve: clay lands gradually give way to sand, while cattle herds are replaced by camelids. This journey through the heart of Sahelian landscapes is also an opportunity to observe local wildlife. It is not uncommon to encounter gazelles or jackals on your path.
Massakory → Kouba Olanga
Crossing the Sahara Dunes
Kouba Olanga → Faya-Largeau
Early in the morning, you set off for a crossing of the Sahara dunes, taking advantage of the cool air and firm sand to progress more easily.
You then reach a vast oasis 70 km long, presented as the largest in the Sahara. You spend the night in a camp organized by women's groups, an opportunity to support local initiatives during your trip to Tchad.
Discovery of Ounianga Serir Lakes
You continue your journey in Tchad by passing through Wadi Doum, a place marked by the defeat of the Libyan army, whose scars are still visible today.
You then join the salt lakes of Ounianga Serir, in the heart of Saharan landscapes. You enjoy a swim in the springs with clear waters before spending the night in a bivouac on the heights overlooking the lakes.
Discovery of Lake Bokou
You will discover a set of 14 lakes, among which is the Bokou Lake, the only freshwater lake in this group. You can enjoy a swim in its waters, where many fish live, while taking care to preserve this fragile ecosystem. The use of sunscreen, soap or shampoo is therefore prohibited when swimming. You will continue this day with a ride in the dunes overlooking the lake, before spending the night in a bivouac in the heart of this Saharan landscape.
Sahara Salt Flats and Mourdi Depression
You discover the salt marshes of the Chadian Sahara, where you observe traditional salt harvesting techniques. You then head to the Mourdi depression, characterized by its shifting dunes. You spend the night in a bivouac sheltered by a barchan, in the heart of this desert landscape.
Crossing the Ennedi Plains
You travel along the western facade of the Ennedi massif, in Tchad, crossing vast sandy plains. Along the way, you discover the Nyalla, sandstone rock formations sculpted by the erosion of water and wind. You set up your bivouac in the heart of these natural formations, for a night in the wilderness in the desert landscapes of the Ennedi.
Immersion in the Ennedi Massifs (Archei, Nohi, Aloba, Bachikele, Terkey...)
You set out to discover the heart of the Ennedi massif, in Chad, through its natural landscapes and cultural sites. As you explore, you discover gueltas sheltering crocodiles, rock paintings, as well as canyons and rock arches shaped by erosion.
Your local agency accompanies you on its privileged itineraries, discovering these Saharan landscapes. You spend the night at one of its selected bivouac sites in the heart of the Ennedi.
Kalait, night in Abeche
You leave the Ennedi massif to reach Kalaït, formerly Oum Chalouba, a commercial crossroads connecting Libya, Sudan and the BET region (Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti). You then continue your journey towards Abéché, before settling for the night in a bivouac on the outskirts of the city.
Crossing the Sahel towards Mongo
Return to N'Djamena
You take the last stage of your circuit in Tchad to reach N'Djamena, the capital.
Upon arrival, a transfer to the hotel is planned to allow you to take a shower before your departure. You are then taken to N'Djamena airport for boarding, according to your flight times.
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
- International flights
- Meals in N'Djamena
- Repatriation Insurance
- Tips and Drinks
Included
- 4x4 Vehicles and Drivers and Fuel
- Bivouac equipment: mat, mattress
- Food and the Cook
- The local guide of the Toumay-voyages team
- The entries at the sites
- Travel Permits
- File fees
- Local insurance
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