ENNEDI MASSIF (CHAD)… THE EDEN OF THE SAHARA
December 02 - December 10, 2023
Led by Professional Tour Lecturer Michel Behar

Chad is one of the least visited of all the African countries by western tourists and therein lies its appeal. We are proud to offer a trip to this most pioneering of destinations; a land that is as wild as it is beautiful, as untamed as it is graceful. It is a land of rock arches, surprising wildlife, camel caravans traversing the sands, where genuine encounters with local people are guaranteed. 

This particular Chad tour will take you to the spectacular Ennedi Massif; a remote, breath-taking, and other-worldly landscape. The Ennedi is a vast collection of sandstone mountains and rock formations sculpted by the wind and sand over millennia. Here we enter the land of the Tubu, one of Africa’s most traditional and least known people, and our excellent local connections ensure rare opportunities to meet these shy and secretive people.  We will see rock art dating back thousands of years, and walk into the Guelta d’Archei where the Tubu bring huge herds of camels to drink at the only waterhole for miles around, in the company of one of the last populations of Saharan crocodiles, which we hope to see.

Your accommodation will be at Derde Camp, is a unique semi-permanent, comfortable and pleasant camp established and nestled within the vast Ennedi. There are bathroom facilities, and the camp is fully catered, and eco-friendly. Dine alfresco in the communal tent, underneath the magnificence of the African night sky. You will best be able to explore the awe-inspiring and truly fascinating Ennedi.

Trip Grade:
II Active:  Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long car rides in hot, dusty environment in Chad, with pit stops in the wilderness.

LODGING Level:
**Simple: Basic camping (individual tents with shared shower-tent and toilet-tent),
***Superior: Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service and comfort level acceptable to western standards. (3 or 4 stars)

Special Trip Remarks:
Chad is our most pioneering destination and travelers must understand that infrastructure is very underdeveloped. Tourist facilities are extremely limited in the remote regions and small villages you will be visiting. However, we will do our best to ensure your comfort. Tents are equipped with beds and pillows and covers; and a separate seated tent-toilet.

Participants should understand that this trip involves long drives in hot weather and along dusty roads. The physical shape you are in will be an important factor in your enjoyment of the trip. There are dangers inherent in any expedition traveling to remote regions such as sickness and lack of modern medical facilities. If you have any chronic health problems (cardiac, bad back, diabetes, etc.,) we recommend considering a different trip. It is highly advisable to purchase travel protection insurance.

Knowing the nature of such “off-the-beaten track” adventure, all travelers on this tour will require a high level of flexibility, tolerance, and willingness to go with the flow if things change. You are acknowledging a full understanding and acceptance of all terms and conditions and are admitting that you are in good physical and mental health and are equipped with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a tolerant and patient spirit to cope up with the tour. We have the full right to make any necessary changes to the itinerary, to the sequence of visits, to the choices of hotels, and sites or activities previously described in the itinerary without notice. The stunning scenery will captivate your heart as long as you have the right spirit and will go with the flow.