Why Chad’s Sahara Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List

The Sahara Desert is a vast and mystical expanse, but few places capture its raw beauty and isolation quite like Chad’s desert landscapes. Often overlooked by mainstream tourism, Chad offers some of the most untouched and awe-inspiring desert treks in the world. From the towering rock formations of the Ennedi Plateau to the endless dunes of the Mourdi Depression, an expedition through Chad’s Sahara is not just a journey across sand—it’s a passage through history, culture, and breathtaking natural wonders.

Why Trek the Sahara in Chad?

Unlike Morocco or Egypt, where the Sahara is more accessible, Chad’s desert remains wild and remote, offering adventurers an exclusive and deeply immersive experience. The country is home to some of the most striking landscapes in the Sahara, where travelers can walk in the footsteps of ancient caravans, meet nomadic herders, and discover prehistoric rock art etched into sandstone cliffs.

For those seeking adventure beyond the ordinary, Chad’s Sahara is an unparalleled destination—an untamed, otherworldly wilderness that few have explored.

Key Trekking Destinations in Chad’s Sahara

1. The Ennedi Plateau: A Desert Masterpiece

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ennedi Plateau is often called the “Sahara’s Garden” because of its unique rock formations and hidden waterholes. Trekking through this remote region feels like stepping onto another planet, where towering sandstone arches and wind-sculpted pillars rise from the desert floor.

One of the most famous formations, the Aloba Arch, is one of the tallest natural arches in the world, standing at a staggering 120 meters (394 feet) high. Explorers will also find prehistoric rock paintings—evidence that these lands were once home to thriving ancient civilizations.

2. The Mourdi Depression and the Lakes of Ounianga

Moving deeper into the desert, the Mourdi Depression presents an endless stretch of golden dunes and salt pans. This desolate yet mesmerizing landscape has long been a route for salt caravans, where camel trains still traverse the sands, carrying slabs of salt to distant markets.

Amid this arid expanse, the Lakes of Ounianga emerge like a mirage—a chain of turquoise and green lakes sustained by underground water sources. These lakes, also a UNESCO site, are among the Sahara’s rarest natural wonders, offering an oasis of life in an otherwise harsh environment.

3. Tibesti Mountains: Home of the Toubou People

For the ultimate trekking challenge, the Tibesti Mountains in northern Chad offer rugged volcanic peaks and deep gorges, home to the indigenous Toubou people, known for their survival skills in one of the world’s most extreme environments. Mount Emi Koussi, the highest peak in the Sahara at 3,415 meters (11,204 feet), dominates the landscape, providing a thrilling ascent for serious hikers.

Along the journey, visitors may encounter ancient petroglyphs and rock carvings, revealing stories of a Sahara that was once green and teeming with wildlife thousands of years ago.

What to Expect on a Desert Trek in Chad

Trekking across Chad’s Sahara is not for the faint-hearted. The terrain is challenging, the climate extreme, and the remoteness requires thorough preparation. However, the rewards are immense—starry desert nights, encounters with nomadic cultures, and landscapes that feel untouched by time.

Best Time to Visit: The ideal months for trekking are between November and February, when temperatures are cooler.
Travel Requirements: Travelers need a visa and, in some areas, special permits. It’s essential to travel with a reputable guide or tour operator due to the remoteness of the region.
Essential Gear: Lightweight clothing, strong hiking boots, sun protection, and plenty of water are crucial for survival in the desert.