Maya the sources of Archeï
In the heart of the Ennedi massif, between sandstone citadels and crystalline springs in the immensity 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
During this 16-day itinerary, we will have the opportunity to discover the most impressive Chadian gems. The adventure begins with a long drive between N'Djaména and Abéché passing through a vast desert. We reach Kalaït then the Ennedi massif which allows us to explore sandstone citadels. At Oyo and Chilio, we wander through particular labyrinths.
The journey continues to Okinga and Hélio to travel through vast stony plains, then the Hélio valley where you can find a graceful guelta. The observation of geomorphological wonders does not stop there, we still have to visit Maya, which constitutes a highlight of the trip with its rich fauna and sources of clear and fresh water. We also explore Dobou, Wadi Aroué, Touboucou, Oui Mina as well as the Archeï guelta.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
N'Djaména – Abéché
Abéché – Kalaït – Ennedi Massif
Abeche → Kalaït
We take the path that leads to Goz Bila and Todi, a vast and flat desert in the middle of nowhere.
We then pass through Kalaït, a town known for its severe sandstorms.
Kalaït → Plateau De L'Ennedi
The journey continues towards the Ennedi Massif to immerse us in sandstone citadels. It represents a succession of massifs in the Sahara.
We take the camel herders and begin the trek.
We spend the night in bivouac.
Labyrinth of Oyo – Labyrinth of Chilio – Herero
Plateau De L'Ennedi → Héréro
We stroll first through Oyo and its unique labyrinth.
We then head north to explore the Chilio labyrinth at the foot of a dune. We also spot other geomorphological gems, including a fireworks display of shapes and erosion.
We explore the plateau and venture inside a little-known citadel in the heart of Ennedi.
We spend the night in Hererо.
Okinga – Helio
Héréro → Hélio
We traverse an arid plateau following tracks that only a few camel drivers know, then vast stony plains.
We then explore, in a depression, a fissure that opens onto a canyon and the giant pot-hole of Okinga.
Finally, the Hélio valley allows us to reach its graceful guelta.
We spend these two nights in bivouac.
Maya Canyon
Hélio → Maya
Today, we travel across sandy plains where only a few stunted acacias can be found. This is the domain of ibexes, Egyptian vultures as well as the legendary Molouhour.
We thus traverse vast expanses of exploded sandstone before finally emerging onto an immense red canyon occupied by an impenetrable tangle of vegetation.
Thanks to this route, we arrive at Maya, the Archéï springs, and we are enchanted by the troops of monkeys and date palms swaying halfway up the cliff as if invisible wires were holding them. The springs of clear and fresh water also fascinate us.
Dobou – Wadi Aroué
Maya → Dobou
Descent of the river course in the middle of large round pebbles. Along the way, we spot a succession of gueltas each as magical as the last.
We have the opportunity to discover the guelta of the tamarisks, ostriches and the panther that leads us to Dobou, we can also see the immaculate sand of the wadi Aroué.
Nights in bivouac under centuries-old tamarisks.
Aroué – Touboucou – Oui Mina
Dobou → Touboucou
We travel through the winding white valley of Aroué which is dotted with sandstone massifs with painted decorations.
We progress from camp to camp amid acacias and tamarisks to reach the guelta de Touboucou which overlooks Archeï with a superb panorama of the plateau over the Guelta.
Touboucou → Ouinmina
We then resume our cars for a short hop to OuinMina and its forest of eroded peaks: Easter Island.
Guelta d'Archeï – Kalaït
Ouinmina → Guelta d'Archei
We leave early in the morning to head down towards Archeï and find the edges of the guelta.
We reach the guelta and the promontory. At this point the loop is then complete.
Guelta d'Archei → Kalaït
We have lunch before leaving Ennedi and heading to Kalaït.
We bivouac at the exit of the town.
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 and repatriation insurance
- Beverage during the tour
- Drinks and meals in N'Djamena
- International Flight
- Tips
Included
- Hotel in N'Djaména
- Food, 4x4 vehicle and fuel
- Entrance fees at sites
- Throughout the entire trip English-speaking guide and cook Toumay travels
- Toumay Camel 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.
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
