Tassili of Upper Borkou, ascent of Emi Koussi, Lake Ounianga and Faya oasis.
At the summit of Emi Koussi, the roof of the Sahara at 3415 meters reveals its lunar caldera and basalt fields.
Duration
19 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
The Tibestiis an attractive destination that immerses us in the universe of a characterful desert. It is a long climb through empty expanses where immutable populations live, great nomadic herders, fierce and legendary.
This adventure allows us to understand a wild and mythical Sahara through trials on sandy and volcanic tracks. We will see from afar a bluish mass, a certain Lure mountain, an imposing mountain in a landscape of sandstone carved and shaken by various geological phenomena, including the relentless erosion of the Harmattan. We venture into the heart of one of the most beautiful Saharan landscapes, at the foot of the highest point of Tibesti, on the land of the Téda.
This circuit offers both the ascent of the Volcano which peaks at 3,445 m and the exploration of turbulent sedimentary massifs, which cluster at its base while forming one of the most sumptuous tassilis in the region. We discover sandstone citadels, vast sandy plains, arches, peaks, dunes, caves with paintings before reaching basaltic fields.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Climb towards Tibesti
We head to the northwestern part of the territory and reach Mao, in Kanembou country to pick up the track that goes due north towards the Djourab dunes.
We take advantage of a walk in Anakaza to meet large herds of camels and cross dunes up to the foothills of Tibesti which is a gigantic volcanic mass representing a rebellious and unconquered stronghold.
On the third day, we set up our camp in the middle of the Djourab dunes, we then pass the Charles de Gaulle roundabout before turning off and heading to the Ourti dune.
On the fourth day, we camp in the Borkou tassilis. These are unforgettable landscapes comparable to those of southern Algeria.
In the Tassilis of Borkou
Tibesti → Tigui Cocoïna
We explore the region, its eroded reliefs and sandstone citadels from the Laoua breach to Tigui.
We can go from citadel to citadel, they are separated by sandy plains.
We then visit the splendid Tigui Cocoïna cave with its well-preserved frescoes.
The walk lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours per day accompanied by 4x4s.
On the slopes of the volcano
Tigui Cocoïna → Emi Koussi
Today, we meet up with our camels and we propose a camel trek towards the outer edge of the caldera of Emi Koussi.
We climb slowly through the basaltic fields starting at an altitude of 930 m to stop at 3,280 m.
The trek progresses gradually through fields of basalts and ignimbrites resulting from the solidification of ash clouds, following the last volcanic eruption from a million years ago. These mineral landscapes that make up a large part of the Sahara allow us to walk while meditating.
We walk approximately 7 hours per day, ending with a bivouac in the winding courses of the wadis cutting through the slopes of the volcano.
On the third day, the day promises to be like the previous one. Yet, we notice a change in scenery when we arrive at the top. The horizon widens and allows us to see the ancient magma chamber of the giant which collapsed while forming a large caldera nearly 12 km in diameter. We have finally reached 3,280 m.
After 7 hours of walking, we spend the night in a bivouac with the characteristic cold of the altitude.
The Caldera of Emi Koussi
Emi Koussi → Erra Kohor
We venture into a lunar landscape formed by ash, abrupt relief and light green pasture that changes according to the season.
We then make the descent towards the Erra Kohor, a caldera concentric to that of the Emi Koussi.
After 5 hours of hiking, bivouac on the edge of this second crater located at 3,000 m.
The highest point
Erra Kohor → Tataï
We pass through the Tataï Pass, then climb towards the mountain summit which peaks at 3415 m above the central Sahara.
We begin the descent with the camels.
We set up our camp at 2400 m altitude.
The descent
Tataï → Kaza Maza
We descend through the basalt and ash flows of the volcano for approximately 7 hours to reach Kaza Maza.
Yi Yerra
Kaza Maza → Yi Yerra
Arrival at the small Yi Yerra oases where you will find warm springs ideal for swimming, a moment of comfort after 6 hours of hiking.
We then settle into a comfortable bivouac in a sand hollow.
Gouro
Yi Yerra → Gouro
We take our 4x4s to reach Gouro. We take a chaotic track before arriving at this charming oasis that is little frequented by tourists.
Bivouac in the surrounding tassilis.
Gouro - Ounianga
Gouro → Lacs Ounianga
We take a comfortable track 120 km from Gouro towards the Ounianga Lakes.
We complete the formalities at Ounianga Kebir and take the opportunity to admire its two large salt lakes.
Camp at Ounianga Serir with Lake Bokou, a freshwater lake bordered by blonde dunes, allowing us to enjoy swimming.
Ounianga Serir - Wadi doum - Faya
We arrive in Faya at midday.
We head to the northern part of the oasis where you can find the beautiful tassilis of Archana and Ouchi Bani, magnificent paintings and reliefs of sandstone mixed with dunes.
Faya – Birrh Oasis 110
We treat ourselves to a beautiful getaway to Archana and its paintings.
We grab a bite to eat in town before strolling through the Libyan market.
In the evening, we leave the oasis town to reach the foot of the Djourab dunes.
We camp near well 110 on a white limestone ridge.
Faya-Largeau → Birrh 110
Tingliyate – Kuba Salal
In the early hours of the day, we venture onto the dunes where the sand is still cold.
We observe strange inselbergs planted in a wide clayey basin, the bottom of the Barh and Gazal, this inland sea of which Lake Tchad is the survivor.
We can make a trip a little further west to Korotoro, the place where the remains of the australopithecus Abel were discovered, then Toumay. These clayey bottoms have inevitably been covered with sand for some years now, which has initiated a true descent towards the Sahel.
Birrh 110 → Kuba Salal
Moussoro, Massakoury – N'Djamena
Kuba Salal → Moussoro
Dinner and airport transfer.
The descent journey to the capital continues, passing through Kréda territory in Moussoro and the onion fields of Massaguette, towards the dry savannas.
We have a free day if it hasn't been used before. We dedicate this to a walk in Ounianga or Faya.
Moussoro → N'Djamena
We arrive in N'Djaména and offer you a well-deserved shower after the long journey.
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.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant au Tchad dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer au Tchad, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins deux pages vierges pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Visa obligatoire
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada doivent obligatoirement être en possession d'un visa pour entrer au Tchad à des fins touristiques. Il n'existe pas d'exemption de visa pour ces nationalités.
Le visa peut être obtenu :
auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat du Tchad compétent avant le départ,
dans certains cas, à l'arrivée à l'aéroport international Hassan Djamous de N'Djamena (visa on arrival), sous réserve de confirmation préalable auprès des autorités tchadiennes, cette possibilité pouvant être soumise à conditions.
La durée de séjour autorisée est généralement de 30 jours, renouvelable sur place auprès des services d'immigration tchadiens.
Les autorités peuvent demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une invitation ou justificatif d'hébergement.
Santé et vaccinations
La vaccination contre la fièvre jaune est obligatoire pour entrer au Tchad. Le certificat international de vaccination (carnet jaune) sera exigé à l'arrivée.
Des vaccinations supplémentaires sont fortement recommandées par les autorités sanitaires :
méningite A, C, Y, W135 (le Tchad se situe dans la ceinture africaine de la méningite),
hépatites A et B,
typhoïde,
rage selon les activités prévues.
Un traitement antipaludéen préventif (prophylaxie antipaludique) est fortement recommandé, le paludisme étant présent sur l'ensemble du territoire. Consultez votre médecin ou un centre de vaccinations internationales avant le départ.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide et d'un visa individuel couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat du Tchad de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently 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
