Koe Sahara, Länsi- ja Keski-Afrikka sekä Afrikan sarvi kanssamme!
Ennedi & Ounianga
Ennedi & Ounianga Lakes, 15 days
The vast Republic of Chad in the middle of Africa is a mosaic of more than 200 tribes and over 100 languages. Christians live in the south and the landscape is lush and tropical. The north is Islamic and perhaps the most beautiful wilderness in the world – rugged Sahara from endless dunes to the towering cliffs of Ennedi, dotted with palm-fringed oases. Ennedi and the stunning oasis lakes of Ounianga require days of travel, but if you have a couple of weeks and can accept a tent as your accommodation, this trip is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience! Chad's scenery is second to none and best of all – there are hardly any other tourists here and yet the country is very safe for Western tourists.
The exact itinerary depends on many things: how long you stay at each destination, whether your car needs repairs, changing tyres, etc. So some destinations can be visited on another day, overnight stays can be in different places... In addition, there are many more places to visit, so this preliminary plan does not mention all the places to visit for the reason that not all places may even have names.
Day 1
Arrival in N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, where we will stay overnight.
Day 2
Today begins a 14-day trip to the Ennedi Plateau and the Ounianga oasis lakes in northern Chad. Along the way you will see nomads and their livestock. You may also see not only camels but also fennecs, gazelles, monkeys, jackals, ostriches. The journey will be made by 4x4 car (no air conditioning, because it would quickly break down in the Sahara). The roads are bumpy and often just tracks in the sand. At the start and end of the journey, the driving days are long, but in Ennedi, for example, the driving distances are shorter. There will also be a cook to prepare all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
On the first day you will stay overnight in or around Moussoro. Accommodation in tent.
Day 3
The journey from Moussoro towards the north-east. Overnight in a tent, possibly at a place called Ouadi Hashim. Or somewhere else!
Day 4
The journey from Ouadi Hashim to the small town of Kalait, from there on towards Ennedi Plateau. If all goes according to plan, you will arrive in Ennedi today. Overnight in Ennedi, perhaps at the Bachikele guelta.
Day 5
Driving around Ennedi: Bachikele guelta, Djoula arch, Aloba arch, Five Arch Rock, Elephant Rock, Oyo labyrinth. Overnight somewhere in Ennedi.
Day 6
Driving around Ennedi: Manda Gueli cave and rock art, Guelta d’Archei, Ouimina rock formations etc. Overnight somewhere in Ennedi.
Day 7
Departure from Ennedi via small oasis town of Fada towards Ounianga Lakes. Overnight perhaps somewhere before Mourdi Depression.
Day 8
Mourdi Depression, crossing the vast dune sea and later ending up to the small village of Demi, known for its salt mining. Stop in Demi and after that the journey continues towards Teguedei Lake and later the day you should arrive Ounianga Lakes. Overnight somewhere in Ounianga Lakes area.
Day 9
Full day in Ounianga Lakes area. The lakes are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Day 10
Departure towards N’Djamena. Overnight somewhere before Kalait.
Days 11–14
The journey continues probably via Kalait, Abeche and Mongo, but the exact route will be decided by your driver.
Day 15
Arrival in N’Djamena. After the tour we will drop you off at a hotel.
General information about the tour
Price: inquire with us
The price of the trip includes:
- All accommodations
- All transports
- All entrance fees
- Travel permit and registration fees with the authorities (compulsory for foreigners)
- English-speaking local guide
- All meals outside N'Djamena and bottle water
- Visa invitation letter
- Satellite phone (for emergencies only)
Not included in the price:
- International flights
- Visa
- Travel insurance
- Vaccinations and anti-malaria medication
- Personal expenses, such as souvenirs and tips
