Faya Loop
An exceptional camel trek in the Tassilis of Borkou, in the heart of the vast palm grove of Faya Largeau.
Duration
12 days
From
€985/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
In the heart of the Djourab desert, Faya Largeau promises an atypical adventure through its oasis and palm grove that stretches for more than 70 km long. This place offers an exceptional itinerary thanks to its location in the hollow of a basin with edges bordered by many mysteries. We can go there on foot, without needing a car to explore the little-known tassilis emerging at the exit of the oasis.
Right after landing, our luggage is loaded onto camels and we set off to discover the palm grove. We immerse ourselves in the desert mysteries that surround the oasis on all sides. We leave the basin to dive into the rocky chaos scattered with blonde dunes with soft and eroded shapes and sometimes prickly and sharp ones.
We traverse Ouchi Bani and Gor Arkouma, at the heart of an erosion characteristic of sandstone plateaus. In a way, we find a ghost city shaped by erosion. We cross the tassilis of Archana and its multiple paintings, the rounded rocks of Akaboursa with its secret spring, the rocks of tchala, the pyramid mountain, the great rock of Ariminga which offers a plunging view over the oasis of Mani… We disconnect from all forms of modernity for 10 days, at camel pace, holding our breath in the desert. We move, like the Gourane nomads, without making a sound, at the mercy of the wind and the stars.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Faya
We take the flight to Faya, capital of the Borkou region and its eponymous department.
Upon arrival, we load the camels to set off immediately for the hike.
We cross the gardens of the great palm grove. These are located beyond the hospital. With their unusual irrigation system, these gardens fascinate travelers. Indeed, small channels run from the wells and allow water distribution to all the plots.
Next, we visit the camel market, the Hali rock as well as natron extraction which attracts several inhabitants from the Boboye area and those from other more remote villages.
Finally, we spend the night at Djidi under the palm trees.
Ehi Ariminga
Faya-Largeau → Ehi Ariminga
From the Faya palm grove, we take a rocky track and cross a plateau that alternates between red and white. The small date palm plantations are remarkable throughout the journey.
Then we move to the vast plateau that forms the edge of the Faya basin to the north.
We arrive at Ehi Ariminga, the rock that marks the liberation of the city by the forces of Hissen Habré. There are many vestiges from that era to be found there.
We spend the night camping.
Passage through Aya Koussa
We discover a remarkable rocky ensemble of Aya Koussa. It is a cool shade at the foot of tamarisks that seems to draw its source from an abundant water table.
We arrive on a vast plain then climb onto the plateau.
Night in the heart of the sand.
Ehi Ariminga → Arkoumanga
Towards Tchala
Arkoumanga → Tchala
After discovering Arkoumanga, our guide leads us through valleys towards Tchala. We reach the peaks of Archana which allow us to observe a sandstone cathedral and a phantasmagoric maze.
We take a walk to admire the caves and paintings. We enjoy a night in bivouac in the heart of these incredible shades of sandstone.
The beautiful landscapes of the central Sahara
Tchala → Faya-Largeau
We remain on the tassilis to enjoy a beautiful walk between sandstone canyons and dunes. This is an opportunity to explore the massifs to the northeast of Archana, towards the Gou, a large sunken and rocky valley.
Subsequently, we head back towards the south-west to wander through sumptuous labyrinths, characteristic of the beautiful landscapes of the central Sahara.
Then we leave the carved plateaus to take a rocky, lunar plain, which seems to curve towards the horizon.
We reach Faya and the tassilis of Dozanga.
Night in bivouac.
Faya
Return to N'Djaména
We take the flight to NDJ.
We settle into our hotel.
Airport transfer
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
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
- Hotel in N'Djaména and meals
- Tips and Drinks
- International flights
Included
- English-speaking accompaniment Toumay culinary travel
- Food
- Air Transfers and Domestic Flights
- Camel equipment (camels + tracker + guide)
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.
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
