Maya the Springs of Archeï
In the heart of the Ennedi massif, between sandstone citadels and crystalline springs in the vastness of the Sahara.
Duration
16 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
Set off on a 16-day circuit in Chad, discovering the desert landscapes and rock formations of the Ennedi massif. Your adventure begins in N'Djamena, from where you take the road to Abéché crossing vast desert expanses. You then head to Kalaït, then the Ennedi massif, where you explore impressive sandstone citadels. At Oyo and Chilio, you wander through rocky labyrinths with unique shapes.
Your journey continues towards Okinga and Hélio, across large stony plains. In the Hélio valley, you discover a guelta nestled amid rock formations. The exploration continues to Maya, a remarkable stop on the circuit thanks to its wildlife richness and its sources of clear, fresh water.
You then travel through Dobou, Wadi Aroué, Touboucou and Ouin Mina, where mineral landscapes, geological formations and gueltas follow one another. Your itinerary finally leads you to the Archeï guelta, one of the emblematic natural sites of the Ennedi, to conclude this immersion in the heart of the Chadian desert landscapes.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Route to Abéché, capital of Ouaddaï
Abéché – Kalaït – Ennedi Massif
You take the track towards Goz Bila and Todi, across vast desert expanses with almost non-existent relief. This route immerses you in the heart of the arid landscapes of the Saharan Tchad, where the immensity of the desert unfolds throughout the journey.
You then continue your journey to Kalaït, a town known for its violent sandstorms.
You continue your journey towards the Ennedi massif, in the heart of the Sahara in Tchad, to discover its impressive sandstone citadels. This region is characterized by a succession of rocky massifs that shape the desert landscapes.
Upon your arrival, you meet up with the camel drivers and begin your trek in the Ennedi, to discover this mineral environment. At the end of the day, you set up your bivouac in the open nature to spend the night in the heart of the desert.
Exploration of the Labyrinths of the Ennedi
Plateau De L'Ennedi → Héréro
You start your day with a walk in Oyo, discovering its rocky labyrinth with unique formations. You then head north to explore the Chilio labyrinth, located at the foot of a dune. As you progress along your route, you admire the geomorphological formations shaped by erosion, offering a diversity of shapes and reliefs.
Your exploration continues on the Ennedi Plateau, where you venture into the heart of a little-known sandstone citadel, located in the center of the massif.
At the end of the day, you reach Herereo to spend the night there..
Exploration of Okinga and Hélio Valley
Héréro → Hélio
You cross an arid plateau in the Ennedi Massif, following tracks known only to a few camel herders, before traveling across vast stony plains.
You then discover a fault line nestled in a depression, which opens onto a canyon and the giant pothole of Okinga, a rock formation shaped by erosion.
Your exploration continues in Helio Valley, where you reach a guelta in the heart of this mineral landscape.
You spend two nights camping in the open air, in the desert landscapes of the Ennedi.
Maya Canyon
Hélio → Maya
You continue your exploration of the Ennedi massif by crossing vast sandy plains, dotted with a few stunted acacias. These landscapes are home to ibex, bearded vultures and the legendary Molouhour.
Your journey continues through large expanses of fractured sandstone, before opening onto an immense canyon with red walls, where dense and tangled vegetation develops.
You then reach Maya and the springs of Archéï, where you discover groups of monkeys and date palms suspended halfway up the cliff face, seeming to defy gravity. The springs of clear and fresh water complete this discovery in the heart of the rocky landscapes of Ennedi.
Exploration of the Gueltas of Dobou
Maya → Dobou
You travel down the river course by walking among large rounded pebbles. Throughout your journey, you discover a succession of gueltas, nestled in this mineral landscape of Chad.
Your exploration leads you to the guelta of the Tamarisks, then to those of the Ostriches and the Panther, before reaching Dobou. Along the way, you also admire the immaculate sand of the Aroué wadi, which contrasts with the rocky landscapes surrounding it.
You spend your nights camping under centuries-old tamarisk trees, as close to nature as possible.
Crossing the Aroué Valley
Dobou → Touboucou
You travel through the white and winding valley of Aroué, bordered by sandstone massifs with decorations evoking true natural paintings. You progress from camp to camp, amid acacias and tamarisks, in a mineral environment characteristic of Tchad.
Your route takes you to the guelta of Touboucou, which overlooks Archeï. From the plateau, you enjoy a panoramic view of the guelta and the surrounding rocky landscapes.
Touboucou → Ouinmina
You take your vehicles for a short journey to Ouin Mina, where you discover an amazing forest of rocky peaks sculpted by erosion. This mineral landscape, nicknamed "Easter Island", is distinguished by its rock formations with unique silhouettes.
Return to Archeï Guelta
Ouinmina → Guelta d'Archei
You leave early in the morning to head back down towards Archeï and find the edges of its guelta. You then join the guelta of Archeï and its promontory, thus marking the end of your loop through these rocky landscapes of Tchad.
After lunch, you leave the Ennedi Massif to take the road towards Kalaït. This stage marks the end of your exploration of the Ennedi and the continuation of your journey in Chad.
Upon your arrival, you set up your bivouac at the edge of the town to spend the night there.
Route to N'Djamena via Mongo
Goodbye
After a night aboard the plane, you arrive in France, 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
- Visa Fees
- Single Room Supplements
- Travel Insurance and Repatriation
- Beverage during the tour
- Beverages 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 travels
- Toumay Camel Herding 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