CIAD
Highlights
The Guelta d’Archei and the Ennedi desert
Ounianga Lakes, mirages in the Sahara
The Gerewol dances in Mongo
Rare wildlife of Ouadi Rimé
Where we stay
Tented camps, 3* hotels in N’Djamena
How we move
4×4 Jeeps with drivers
TYPE OF TRIP
Expedition-style journey by 4×4 vehicles with experienced local drivers through remote desert regions where tourism infrastructure remains limited. The trip does not require significant physical effort, but it does demand a strong spirit of adaptability due to long travel days, several nights spent camping, and basic conditions in isolated areas where running water may not always be available. Because of the remote nature of the destination and regional conditions, the itinerary may be adjusted if necessary for safety or logistical reasons.
For more information about our trips, please consult the FAQ section.
DAY 1: departure from Italy on international connecting flights to N’Djamena.
DAY 2: arrival in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad. Opportunity to discover the city through visits to the National Museum, the Grand Mosque, and the lively local markets. Continuation towards Guéledeng, a village inhabited by Wodaabe communities, part of the wider Fulani cultural world, renowned for the spectacular Gerewol ceremonies, traditional courtship celebrations linked to seasonal transhumance across the Sahel.
Evening: dinner and first night at the Mbororo Camp, under the starry sky of the Sahel
DAY 3: full day dedicated to experiencing the extraordinary Gerewol celebrations. Amid rhythmic chants, traditional dances, and elaborate ceremonial makeup created with natural pigments, participants wear feathers, jewelry, and carefully prepared attire as part of this centuries-old courtship tradition of the Wodaabe communities. A rare opportunity to witness one of the Sahel’s most fascinating cultural celebrations in a respectful and immersive setting.
DAY 4: final morning dedicated to the Gerewol festivities, with concluding dances and farewells to the local community. Afterwards, departure towards southern Chad, crossing vast savanna landscapes and following the course of the Chari River until reaching Ngama, near Bousso.
Evening: dinner and overnight stay in Ngama
Morning: departure by 4×4 heading north through the landscapes of the Guéra region. Arrival in Mongo, the lively regional capital, with visits to local markets and small villages along the route, offering an insight into everyday life in rural Chad.
Afternoon: leaving the paved roads behind, the journey continues along sandy tracks as the landscapes gradually transition towards the edges of the Sahara. Continuation towards Oum Hadjar through increasingly arid scenery and vast desert panoramas. Camp setup in the surrounding area.
Evening: dinner at the camp in Oum Hadjar
Morning: continuation of the off-road journey through the desert landscapes of the Batha region, home to fennecs (desert foxes) and gazelles.
Afternoon and evening: the route continues along sandy tracks winding through the dunes of central Chad, at the southern edge of the Sahara. Along the way, it may be possible to spot herds of gazelles crossing the desert plains. Arrival near Kalaït, a remote outpost along historic Saharan caravan routes, followed by camp setup for the night.
Morning: visit of Kalaït, including its colorful market, old colonial-era remains, and the village wells, where camel caravans and local herders gather throughout the day.
Afternoon: continuation of the journey deeper into the Sahara, as the landscape gradually becomes more rocky and dramatic on the approach to the Ennedi Plateau. Arrival in the Ennedi region, famous for its sandstone canyons, hidden gueltas, and wind-carved rock formations. Visit to the remote Bachikélé Guelta, an important water source for nomadic communities and desert wildlife, followed by a stop at Aloba Arch, one of the highest natural arches in the world.
Evening: setup of the camp at the foot of the arch, dinner, and night immersed in the silence of the desert.
Morning: continuation of the exploration of the Ennedi Plateau by 4×4 and short treks through its rocky landscapes, characterized by sandstone spires, natural arches, and ancient rock paintings scattered across the desert.
Afternoon: continuation towards Archei Guelta, a freshwater pool hidden within a narrow canyon in the heart of the Sahara. The guelta is an important meeting point for nomadic caravans, where hundreds of camels gather to drink. It is also known for hosting one of the last surviving populations of Saharan crocodiles. Camp setup near Echiwile.
Evening: dinner at the camp under the stars.
Morning: continuation of the journey deeper into the Sahara towards Fada, the main town of the Ennedi-Ouest region. Short visit to the local market before continuing north towards the Mourdi Valley.
Afternoon: continuation of the off-road journey through the dunes north of Fada, across remote desert landscapes marked by isolated mountains and rock formations. Arrival in the Mourdi Valley and camp setup.
Evening: dinner at the camp in the Mourdi Valley
Morning: departure towards the northernmost part of the journey, close to the Libyan border. Along the way, stop at the Demi salt pans, where red salt is still traditionally extracted.
Afternoon: arrival at the Ounianga Lakes, a UNESCO-listed chain of lakes in the heart of the Sahara, surrounded by dunes and palm groves. The lakes are known for the striking contrast of their colors, ranging from green to deep blue. Opportunity to swim in Lake Boukou, part of the Ounianga Serir system, which hosts a rare species of freshwater cichlid. Camp setup near the lakes.
Evening: dinner at the camp near the Ounianga Lakes.
DAY 11: Departure from the Ounianga Lakes and start of the long journey south through the Chadian Sahara. The route crosses the dunes near Bir Kora well, with some demanding off-road sections due to rocky terrain hidden beneath the sand. Camp setup in the desert and overnight stay under the stars.
DAY 12: Departure from northern Ennedi Plateau and continuation south through sandstone landscapes shaped by wind erosion. Along the way, stop at the Rocher des 5 Arches and at Bachike Canyon, known for its narrow gorges and rock formations. The journey then continues across the Sahara, passing the remains of military vehicles abandoned during the 1987 “Toyota War” between Libya and Chad. Arrival near Kalaït, camp setup, dinner, and overnight stay.
Morning: departure from Kalaït heading east towards the Ouadi Rimé/Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve. Managed by the Sahara Conservation Fund, this vast protected area is among the largest wildlife reserves in Africa. Accompanied by reserve rangers, exploration of the Sahelian savanna landscapes begins.
Afternoon: continuation of the visit, with the possibility of spotting gazelles, Sudan cheetahs, and, with some luck, the scimitar-horned oryx, a species once extinct in the wild and reintroduced to the reserve through conservation programs. Camp setup near the reserve.
Evening: dinner at the camp near the Ouadi Rimé reserve.
Morning and afternoon: departure from the reserve and continuation southwards along the ancient riverbed of the Wadi Bahr el Ghazal, now a vast sandy corridor crossing the Chadian Sahel. The route passes through remote villages and open desert landscapes, gradually transitioning into savanna terrain. Arrival near Chaddra and camp setup.
Evening: dinner at the camp in Chaddra
Morning: continuation southward passing through Massakory and Massaguet, along the roads connecting the rural Sahel regions to the capital.
Afternoon: arrival in N’Djamena, hotel check-in, and free time to rest or explore the city one last time.
Evening: dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in N’Djamena before the return flight.
Morning: transfer to N’Djamena airport for the flight with a layover to Italy… And until the next adventure!
